US3244258A

US3244258A - Hoisting equipment

Info

Publication number: US3244258A
Application number: US308231A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles G Neidert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-09-11
Filing date: 1963-09-11
Publication date: 1966-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 1983-04-05

Description

April 5, 1966 c. s. NElDERT 3,244,253

HOISTING EQUIPMENT Filed Sept. 11, 1963 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. CHARLES G.NEIDERT ATTORNEY April 5, 1966 Filed Sept. 11. 1965 C. G. NEIDERT HOISTING EQUIPMENT as as 5 as 5 SheetsPSheei'. 2

42 s so FBG. 2 BY 32 INVENTQR. CHARLES s. NEIDERT fim ATTORNEY April 5, 1966 c. G. NEIDERT HOISTING EQUIPMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 11, 1963 u I I FIG. 5-

ATTORNEY C. G. NEiDERT HOISTENG EQUIPMENT A ril 5, 1966 s Sheets-Sheet '4 Filed Sept. 11. 1963 INVENTOR. CHARLES G. NEIDERT ATTORNEY April 5, 1966 c. a. NEEDERT HOISTING EQUIPMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 11, 1963 INVENTOR. CHARLES G. NEIDERT ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,244,258 HOISTING EQUIPMENT Charles G. Neidert, Topeka, Kans. (861 S. Pershing, Wichita, Kaus.) Filed Sept. 11, 1963, Ser. No. 308,231 13 Claims. (Cl. 18773) This invention relates to hoisting apparatus. More specifically, this invention relates to hoisting equipment particularly useful to aid in the construction of a building which equipment can be easily assembled, disassembled and ext-ended to meet the specific requirements of a particular construction job site. The invention relates to hoisting equipment that is simple in operation, sturdy and substantial, and safe to use. The invention also relates to a hoist that is designed so that it inherently cannot be overloaded by workmen or personnel using same. The invention in another aspect also relates to a hoist that can be provided with a safety means that arrests movement of the movable platform in the event of a platform suspension cable failure. Still another aspect of this invention relates to a safety means that arrests movement of the platform in the event of a power failure, conduit failure, or a drop in the pressure of the power source below nor mal operating pressure. Still more specifically, the invention relates to hoisting equipment having an upright column, platform means mounted for movement on the column, power means to move the platform relative to the column, suspension means for the platform including a cable, and safety means adapted to positively arrest movement of the platform relative to the column in the event of suspension failure and/ or power failure.

It is a common procedure to construct a temporary hoist or elevator adjacent to a building during its construction to deliver building materials, tools, equipment etc., to the desired construction area location in the building. In relatively tall buildings this procedure is generally regarded as a necessity. The alternative to this procedure is to hoist the 'material and equipment with a crane or the like which is ordinarily not feasible because of the inconvenience of handling the material, ineliiciency, the expense of the equipment involved, etc.

The erection of a temporary hoist apparatus is a tedious, expensive and somewhat dangerous operation. The framework ofa hoist, particularly of a relatively high hoist, must be accurately and substantially constructed. The hoist structure can be initially constructed to its full height and braced, or partially constructed and later extended as the building progresses. The frame, particularly if initially fully constructed, must be well braced and supported by guy wires or the like which are time consuming to rig and are often in the way during the construction of the building. Also in certain instances, particularly in large cities, there are not readily available locations to serve as anchors for the guy wires. If hoist equipment is quite high the anchors of necessity must be spaced at considerable distance from the hoist itself.

If the framework, often of wood or prefabricated units, is partially constructed and later extended the job is also time consuming and expensive. To extend an existing hoist frame or tower requires the workmen to work from the top of the tower, or the like, often handling relatively heavy structural units. The workmen must construct a suitable scaffold to complete the tower which is often quite dangerous. In either event the operation is difiicult and expensive. Thus, in the construction of a building the contractor is faced with the problem of constructing the elevator or hoist apparatus tower less than its full final height, which incomplete structure can be braced more easily and then extending the structure after the building has progressed to the initial height; or he can 3,244,258 Patented Apr. 5, 1966 initially construct a hoist apparatus tower to extend the full desired height. As is believed evident, either course of construction presents troublesome and expensive erection problems.

After the hoist known to the prior art is constructed there is always the danger that it will be overloaded either inadvertently or intentionally which could result in suspension failure, structural failure of the tower, etc. Such failure could result in great property damage, physical injury, death, and/or delay in the construction of the building.

Further, the workmen are not ordinarily permitted to ride the usual temporary hoist apparatus because the regulations and laws, either local or state, or insurance regulations etc., may require that the hoist apparatus meet certain safety requirements in regard to safety devices, etc. which safety devices are impossible or impractical to embody in the temporary hoist during the construction of the building. Further, the workmen in absence of such laws or regulations may refuse to ride the hoist to the floor or elevation that they desire to reach primarily because they are personally afraid or unsure of the safety of the elevator or hoist. Workmen, in order to get to the proper elevation or floor on the building under construction, must then climb ladders, existing stairs, etc., which requires a great deal of effort and time. On large buildings a special elevator is often constructed primarily for personnel which entails a great deal of extra expense.

The temporary or portable hoist apparatus known to the prior art for use during construction of buildings are in general not adapted to be easily assembled, disassembled and extended. Further, they are not sufiiciently substantial and safein operation to transport work personnel. Also, they do not have an automatic means which prevents overloading either inadvertently or otherwise.

I have invented a new hoist apparatus having an upright hollow column, a platform mounted for movement relative to the column, and a piston means slidably disposed within the hollow column. A source of energy is provided to activate the piston disposed within the column. Suspension means connecting the piston and the platform is also provided. My hoist apparatus is equipped with a first safety means adapted to restrict movement of the platform in the event of failure of the suspension means, and also a second safety means adapted to restrict movement of the platform in the event of failure of the source of energy.

Another preferred embodiment of my invention is a hoist apparatus having an upright hollow column, a platform means mounted for movement relative to the column, and a piston means slidably disposed within the hollow column. A connection means is operably associated with the piston and the platform for the application of motivating force therebetween. The connection means is desirably a cable attach-ed at one end to the piston and at the other end to the platform and in engagement with a pulley mounted on the top of the column.

Yet another preferred embodiment of my invention is a combination of a hoist apparatus having an upright column, platform means mounted for movement relative to the column, and power means to move the platform means. The combination includes a safety means for restricting movement of the platform in the event of failure of the power means. The safety means has a brake means on the platform for selective engagement with the column, an activating means for urging the brake means into engagement, and a restraining means responsive to failure of the power means for restraining the activating means except upon such failure. Preferably, the brake means consists of a pivotally mounted bar having a portion adapted to frictionally engage the column.

The activating means is preferably a spring adapted to urge the bar into frictional engagement with the column, and the restraining means is a piston and cylinder assembly operably connected to the power means of the hoist which in use is responsive to the lack of pressure.

The hoisting apparatus of my invention solves the aforementioned problems relating to hoist equipment known to the prior art. The hoist of my invention is sturdy and substantial, and yet portable. The hoist is easily assembled, disassembled, and extended. The support for my hoist consists of a single column which can be made in sections, which sections can be assembled to form a column or tower of any convenient height. The hoist of my invention can be easily extended, which simplifies problems relating to anchoring it. Since the column is made up of sections, the sections can be added at will to increase the working height of the hoisting apparatus. The elevator platform serves as a convenient working platform to extend the column. This makes the job of extending the hoist relatively simple and safe. Since the column can be so easily extended, it need not be initially assembled to its full ultimate height, which initial column can be simply and easily anchored to the building as the building is constructed.

The hoist of my invention is designed so that it inherently can not be overloaded either inadvertently or intentionally. If the hoist is overloaded, the platform will not rise.

Hoist structures when provided with my novel safety devices are adapted to transport both personnel and material in complete safety. The utilization of a single elevator to transport personnel and material eliminates tiring and time consuming climbs and descents of workmen on ladders, stairs, etc. It also eliminates the need for a separate elevator for personnel in the larger buildings. This results in large financial savings, and also helps speed construction of the building. The safety devices provide for a complete and positive arrest of the elevator platform, wherever and at whatever height it may be, in the event of a platform suspension failure, and also in the event of a power failure of any type. Power failure is meant to include rupturing of conduits, leakage, reduced activating pressure, etc. The presence of the safety devices on an elevator inspires worker confidence which contributes to the well-being, convenience, and safety of the workman using same. The portability of the hoist apparatus enables it to be used again and again on different job sites adapting it to the particular requirements of same. The overload feature of my invention is an important safety measure which could prevent dire consequences in the event of a breakdown due to overloading of the elevator.

An object of this invention is to provide new hoisting equipment.

Another object of this invention is to provide hoist apparatus with new safety means.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a hoist apparatus which, in operation, cannot be overloaded.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a safety means for an elevator or hoist apparatus that will arrest movement of the platform of the elevator in the event of suspension failure.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a safety means for arresting movement of the platform of the elevator or hoist in the event of a power means failure.

Another object of this invention is to provide a portable hoist apparatus that can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a portable hoisting apparatus made up of elements of a size that can be conveniently handled by the workman.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hoist apparatus which can be extended in height.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a hoist apparatus which is adapted to utilize the platform of same as a work platform when extending the height of same.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a portable hoist apparatus having a convenient anchoring means for anchoring same to a building or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hoist apparatus wherein the power means for operating the hoist is a weighted piston disposed within a hollow supporting column.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hoist apparatus having a safety means for arresting movement of the platform in the event of failure of the power means, which safety means consists of a brake means on the platform for selective engagement with the column, activating means for urging the brake means into engagement, and a restraining means responsive to failure of the power means for restraining the activating means except upon such failure.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a hoist apparatus having an upright column, a platform means mounted for movement on the column, a means to move the platform relative to the column, and a safety means to arrest movement of said platform means in the event of a power or platform suspension failure.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure set forth herein.

Drawings of preferred specific embodiments of the invention accompany and are a part hereof, and such are to be understood to not unduly limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings FIG. 1 is a front View of the hoist means of my invention illustrating the various features thereof.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view partially in cross section of the hoist means of my invention illustrating its relation to a building under construction.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing the pulley block mounted on the top of the column.

FIG. 4 is a cross section view taken on line 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a view partially in cross section taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a top broken view showing the construction of the movable platform of my hoist apparatus of my invention.

FIG. 8 is a detail view showing the construction of the safety means which halts or anrests movement in the platform in the event of cable suspension failure,

and its relation to the platform.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing the detail structure of the safety means shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the safety means for halting movement of the platform of the hoist apparatus in the event of power means failure.

Following is a discussion and description of the new hoist apparatus, combination hoist apparatus and first safety means for halting movement in the event of suspension failure, and the combination hoist apparatus and safety means for halting movement to the platform in the event of power means failure of my invention, made with reference to the drawings wherein the same reference numerals ars used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. The discussion and description are of preferred specific embodiments of the invention and it is understood that such are not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 10, hoist apparatus 12 for transporting material and personnel is a preferred specific embodiment of the structure of my invention and is shown most clearly in its entirety in FIGS. 1 and 2. Hoist 12 has an upright sectioned hollow column 14 compossed of joined sections 16. Each section 16 has a longitudinally extending cylinder portion 18 with a circular cross section, as shown more clearly in FIG. 4. Section 16 has transverse flanges 20 on each end of the section which adapt adjacent sections to be secured in end to end relationship. Bolt means 22 are provided for securing the end flanges 20 of adjacent sections in rigid end to end aligned relationship. Four longitudinally extending metal reinforcing channel elements 24, more commonly known as angle irons, are welded to the cylindrical portion 18 of each section to thereby form an exterior shape having a square transverse cross section. This structure is most clearly shown in FIG. 4. Guide means 26 are provided for column 14. The guide means 26 consist of two longitudinally extending planks secured in opposed relation to cylinder portions and channel irons 24 to thereby present parallel side 28 and edge 30 surface-s. Each section 16 is provided with guide means 26 of the same length of the section. The planks of guide means 26 are cut out to accommodate the end flanges 20 on each section 16. 'In the assembled column 14 the guide means 26 of each section abut the guide means in the adjoining section to present aligned

surfaces

28 and 30. If desired, other suitable forms of guide means 26 can be substituted for the planks shown. The column 14 is mounted on a block 32 and is aflixed thereto with bolts 34 which extend upwardly to engage the flange 20.

A platform 36, having an open side relative to column 14, is mounted for vertical reciprocal movement on the column. This relationship with column 14 positioned centrally of platform 36 is best shown in FIG. 7. As is evident one side of the platform 36 is open. Platform 36 has a flat horizontal carrying surface 38, a frame 40 for the horizontal surface 38, vertically extending upright members 42 in close proximity to column 14 and extending below Work surface 38. The relative positions of vertical upright members 42 is most clearly shown in FIG. 1. A plurality of diagonal braces 44 connecting the lower ends of upright members 42 and the peripheral portions of the horizontal support 40 are provided. The diagonal braces 44 effectively support the peripheral portions of the platform and lend rigidity to the entire platform 36. Suitable guard rails 46 can be provided on the platform 36 to prevent material and workmen from falling off same in use. The platform 36 is adapted to handle building materials, personnel, etc. If desired a container shown in dotted lines can be mounted on the platform for conveying concrete, etc. A hopper can be constructed at the desired level to receive material from the container.

The platform 36 is also provided with spaced upper and lower roller mounting means 48 and 50 respectively. The upper roller mounting means 48 are positioned generally in the plane of the carrying surface 38. The lower roller mounting means 50 as indicated in FIG. 2 are positioned adjacent the lower ends of upright members 42 of the frame platform 36. A first set of roller means 54 are mounted on the upper roller mounting means 48 and a second set of roller means 56 are mounted on the lower roller mounting means 50. Each of the sets of roller means 54 and 56 have four rollers that engage the front and rear edges 30 of planks 26 and four rollers that engage the exposed side surfaces 28 of planks 26 adjacent the edges thereof. The position of the roller means 54 relative to the guide means 26 is clearly illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawing.

A power means is provided to move platform 36 relative to column 15. The means consists of a weighted piston 60 having a circular cross section slidably disposed within the cylinder portions 18 of hollow column 14.

The piston 60 is free to slide the entire length of column 14 consisting of aligned sections 16. The Weight of the piston 60 is such that it is greater than the total combined Weight of the platform, and the weight of any load on the platform which in use is to be transported. The conduit means 62 is provided to convey fluid under pressure to the 6 interior lower portion of column 16. Conduit 62 includes a valve means 64 adapted to control the admission of pressurized fluid to the lower portions of column 14. In order to lessen the shock of the piston dropping to bottom of column 14, there is provided a coil spring 66 disposed in the bottom of column 14. On the top of column 14 is mounted a pulley block 68 having three vertically positioned rotatable pulleys 70 mounted radially thereon. Three

cables

72, 73, and 74 are shown passing over the pulleys 70, each having a first end secured to piston 60 and a second opposite end operatively secured to platform 36.

In operation, fluid is admitted through conduit 62 to the bottom of column 14 Where it exerts a pressure against the bottom of piston 60 raising the piston within the column. As the piston is raised in the column the cables '72, 73, and 74 passing over pulleys 70 lowers the platform 36. In order to raise the platform 36, fluid under pressure within the column 14 is released thereby allowing the piston 60 to be lowered. As the piston 60 is lowered in the column,

cables

72, 73, and 74 attached to platform 36 raise it relative to the column. If desired, a control means for controlling the admission of pressure through line conduit 62 can be mounted on the platform 36 thereby allowing the operator to ride up and down on the platform. An important feature of this hoist apparatus is the fact that it cannot be overloaded. In the event that more weight is placed on the platform than the hoist is designed to carry, assuming that the lift is at ground level, the platform will not rise when pressurized fluid is released through conduit 62 in an effort to lower piston 60 in the column 14. The lifting capacity of the hoist apparatus can be accurately calculated and governed by adding or controlling the weight of the piston 60 disposed in the column. If the lifting capacity of the hoist apparatus is desired to be increased the weight of piston 60 is increased, but should not be increased to such an extent that the cable supporting the platform and the piston will be overtaxed.

My hoist apparatus 12 is provided with a means to conveniently anchor the column 14 to a convenient upright support. This anchor means consist of a longitudinally extending U-shaped channel 76 secured to column 14 in a position facing the open side of platform 36. This relationship is clearly shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. The U-shaped channel 76 has provided a plurality of aligned longitudinally spaced apertures 78 therein. Braces 80 each having an aperture at one end thereof adapted to be selectively coupled to the U-shaped channel means with a bolt 82, and a means at the opposite end enabling it to be secured to a convenient upright support 84 are provided. The support 84in practice is usually the framework of a building under construction. In use, the hoist apparatus can be extended as the height of the building is increased thereby eliminating the need for an elaborate set of guide Wires for bracing the column as is conventional in the hoisting apparatus known to the prior art, which are normally initially constructed to the full height of the proposed building under construction.

When it is desired that the hoist apparatus 12 be extended, the column 14 can be easily and simply extended using the platform 36 as a work surface to both lift the added section of column and to also place it in position. In practice, an additional section 16 can be placed on platform 36 which can 'be provided with a hoist structure of some sort, the platform raised to the top of the column, and secured. The channel 76 can serve as a convenient anchor for this purpose. After the platform 36 is secured in position at the top of the column, the pulley head 68 can be removed and one or more additional sections 16 added to the top of column 14. After the sections have been placed in position, the pulley block 68 can again be replaced and assembled and the hoist is ready to operate. As can be appreciated, the platform surface 38 serves as a very convenient and relatively safe working area for addin-g section 16 to column 14.

The hoist apparatus 12 of my invention can be provided with a first safety means to arrest movement of platform 36 in the event of cable failure. The first safety means of m'yinvention consists of a series of protruding spaced lugs 90 secured to column 14 between the planks of guide means 26 and protruding beyond the adjacent edge surfaces 30 of the planks. A first U-shaped bar 92 is pivotly mounted above the carrying surface 38 of the platform 36. U-shaped bar 92 is pivotly mounted on the ends of the leg portions 104 and partially encompasses column 14. This relationship is shown very clearly in FIG. 8. of the drawing. A brake shoe 94 having a rectangular cross section is mounted on the center portion of U-shaped bar 92 and adapted to engage the adjacent edge surfaces 30 of guide means as and also spaced lugs 90 when the bar is pivoted substantially away from the horizontal. The brake shoe 94 mounted on bar 92 is adapted to clear both the edge surfaces 30 and lugs 90 when it is positioned in a horizontal or slightly inclined position. An upright coil spring 96 having a lower end abutting the carrying surface 38 of platform 36 and an upper end abutting the brake shoe 94 is adapted to pivot bar 92 in a position so that the brake shoe 94 will frictionally engage surfaces 311 and lugs 90. As shown in FIG. 9, coil spring 96 is mounted on an alignment tube 98 which extends through an aperture in brake shoe 94. A pulley 102 is mounted on the upright members 42 of platform 36 below the work surface 38. The end portion of cable '73 is arranged to pass downwardly through aperture 100 in platform 36 around pulley 102 and then upwardly through tube 98 and secured to brake shoe 94. In normal operation, the force exerted by cable 73 and on bar 92 caused by the weight of platform 36 is sufficient to compress spring 96 to thereby pivot the brake shoe toward the horizontal and away and out of frictional contact with surfaces 34) and also the lugs 90. This allows normal operation of the hoist apparatus. However, if cable 73 should part, the force will no longer be applied downwardly on bar 92 all-owing spring 96 to urge the brake shoe 94 into frictional contact with surfaces -30 and abutment lugs 91 The strength of coil spring 96 is sufficient to urge the brake shoe 94 into frictional engagement to thereby slow down or stop the platform 36. The abutment lugs 90 which protrude beyond the surfaces 30 afford a positive means of stopping the platform 36. The ends of

cables

72 and 74 can be rigidly secured to platform 36 as shown in FIG. 8. It is understood that any suitable number of supporting cables can be used to operably connect piston 60 to platform 36. Bar 92 can be pivotly mounted on the platform 36 at any convenient location. In the prefer-red specific embodiment of my invention, bar 92 is shown mounted on short upright members 104. The end of cable 73 is provided with a nut and threaded portion to conveniently adjust its position relative to the other cables.

The hoist apparatus of my invention can be provided with a second safety means adapted to arrest or restrict movement of the platform 36 in the event of the failure of the power means. Failure of the power means is meant to include failure of the pressurized fluid supply, the conduits supplying the pressurized fluid, or any malfunction that may cause the operating pressure within the cylinder 18 of column 14 to become lowered below the normal operating range. The second safety means consists of a set of two vertically spaced, generally horizonally positioned

U-shaped bars

110 and 112 pivotedly mounted on the platform below the carrying surface and partially encompassing column 16. The detailed structure of the safety means is shown in FIG. 10. Bars 111i and 112 are conveniently pivotly mounted on a block 114 which is affixed to the upright members 42 of platform 36. Brake shoes 116 and 118 are mounted on the intermediate portion of

bars

110 and 112 respectively, and are adapted to engage edge surfaces 3%) of guide means 26 and also protruding lugs 90 when the bars are pivoted away from the horizontal. The bars 116 and 112 are generally similar in construction to bar 92 associated with aforedescribed firstsafety means. If desired, the

bars

92, 110, and 112 can be mounted on the platform so as not to encompass the column but in a position to selectively frictionally engage the surface of the column. A central abutment block 121} mounted on the upright members 42 of the frame of the platform 36 positioned between brake shoes 116 and 118 is provided. First and second coil springs 122 and 124, positioned between the upper brake shoe 116 and the abutment block 122, and the abutment block 121) and the lower brake shoe 118 respectively, act to urge brake shoes 116 and 118 into frictional contact with the column 16 and abutment lugs 99. Upper and lower opposed piston and

cylinder assemblies

126 and 128 are mounted on the upright members 42 of the frame of the platform and positioned above upper brake shoe 116 and below lower brake shoe 118, respectively. Each of the piston and cylinder assemblies is composed of a piston 130 mounted in a cylinder 132 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 10, The piston 132 has a protruding portion 133 which is in abutting engagement with the associated brake shoe. Conduit 134 communicates with the cylinder 130 in piston and cylinder assembly 128 and the cylinder 130 in piston and cylinder assembly 126. A flexible conduit 136 is connected to conduit 134 and communicates with the interior of cylinder 18 near the bottom thereof as shown in FIG. 2. The second safety means is adapted to allow complete full movement of platform as when fluid under normal operating pressure is transmitted to the piston and

cylinder assemblies

126 and 128, but arrest movement of the platform when insufficient operating pressure is transmitted by allowing

springs

122 and 124 to overcome the forces normally applied to the brake shoes 116 and 118 by the pressurized piston and cylinder assemblies and thereby force them against the edge surface portions 36 of guide means 26 and protruding lugs 90.

In the operation of my hoist apparatus 12 there is a pressure applied within the column 13. This pressure is transmitted to the piston and

cylinder assemblies

126 and 128 which force the bars and 1112 together so that they assume a substantially horizontal position, which position is such that the brake shoes 116 and 118 are out of contact of the column and the lugs 96. If for example, conduit 136 should break, the pressure in the cylinder 18 would drop. However, the loss of pressure is transmitted to the piston and

cylinder assemblies

126 and 128 of the safety means allowing the pistons to retract in the cylinders 132, whereup springs 122 and 124 urge the

bars

110 and 112 into a position substantially removed from the horizontal, in which position the brake shoes 116 and 118 come into frictional contact with the column, and also into abutting relationship with lugs 911 to positively lock the platform in position. The platform locked in position would allow workmen on same to be removed and also permit repair of any damage or leakage in the power means.

While I have described and illustrated preferred embodiments of my invention, it is understood that the hoist means and the elements of same as disclosed can be made in other forms and used in various combinations of same than herein described or suggested without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A hoist apparatus for material and personnel comprising, an upright sectioned hollow column, said column comprised of joined sections, each section having a longitudinally extending cylinder portion with a circular cross section, transverse flanges on each end of said sections adapting adjacent sections to be secured in end to end relationship, bolt means for securing the end flanges of adjacent sections in rigid end to end relationship, four longitudinally extending metal reinforcing channel elements welded to said cylinder portion of each section to thereby form an exterior shape having a square transverse cross section, guide means on each section comprised of two longitudinally extending planks secured in opposed relation to each of said cylinder portion and presenting parallel side and edge surfaces, a platform having an open side relative to said column mounted for vertical reciprocal movement on said column substantially encompassing same with said column being generally centrally located, said platform having a flat horizontal top carrying surface, a frame having a horizontal support for said carrying surface, vertically extending upright members in close proximity to said column and extending below said work surface, and a plurality of diagonal braces connecting the lower ends of said uprights and the peripheral portions of said horizontal supports for said carrying surface, spaced upper and lower roller mounting means, said upper roller mounting means positioned in the plane of said carrying surface, and said lower roller mounting means positioned adjacent the lower ends of said upright members of said frame, a first set of roller means mounted on said upper roller mounting means and a second set of roller means mounted in said lower roller mounting means, each of said sets of roller means having four rollers that engage the front and rear edges of said planks and four rollers that engage the exposed sides of said planks adjacent the edges thereof, a means to move said platform relative to said column comprising, a weighted piston having a circular cross section disposed within cylinder portions of said hollow column, the weight of said piston being greater than the total combined weight of the platform and the weight of any load on said platform which in use is to be transported, a conduit means to convey fluid under pressure to the interior lower portion of the coulmn, a valve means to control said fluid, a pulley block mounted on the top of said column having three vertically positioned rotatable pulleys mounted radially thereon, three cables, each passing over a pulley and having a first end secured to said piston, and a second opposite end secured to said platform, a first safety means to arrest movement of the platform in the event of cable failure comprising,

'a series of protruding spaced lugs secured to said column between said planks and protruding beyond the adjacent end abutting said brake shoe on said first U-shaped bar pivotally mounted above said carrying surface of said platform on ends of the leg portions thereof and partially encompassing said column, a brake shoe having a recform below said work surface, the secured end portion of said first U-shaped bar adapted to engage the adjacent edge surfaces of said planks and said spaced lugs when the bar is pivoted substantially away from the horizontal, but clear same when in a horizontal or slightly inclined position, an upright coil spring having a lower end abutting said carrying surface of the platform and the upper end abutting said brake shoe on said first U-shaped bar, a pulley mounted on the upright members of said platform below said work surface, the secured end portion of one of said cables being arranged with a portion of same passing downwardly through said Work surface and around and under said last-mentioned pulley, upwardly through said work surface and through said coil spring and adjustably secured at its extreme end to said center portion of said U-shaped bar, said first safety means operating to arrest movement of said platform upon failure of said cable when said coil spring as a result of parting of the cable pivots said U-shaped bar upwardly thereby forcing said brake shoe against the edges of said planks to brake the platform and to positively halt same upon contacting one of same protruding lugs on said column, a second safety means to arrest movement of said platform in the event of failure of the power means, pressurized fluid supply or supply conduits conveying same comprising, a set of two vertically spaced, generally horizontally positioned U-shaped bars pivotally mounted on the upright members of the frame of said platform below said carrying surface and partially encompassing said column, brake shoes mounted on the intermediate portions of said set of U-shaped bars adapted to engage the adjacent edges of said planks and said protruding lugs when the said bars are pivoted substantially away from the horizontal, a central abutment block mounted on the upright members of the frame of said platform positioned between said brake shoes of said set of U-shaped bars, first and second coil springs positioned between the upper brake shoe and abutment block, and the abutment block and lower brake shoe respectively, upper and lower opposed piston and cylinder assemblies mounted on the upright members of the frame of said platform and positioned above said upper brake shoe and below said lower brake shoe respectively, a flexible conduit operatively connected to said piston and cylinder assemblies and the interior of the lower end of said upright column, said upright column, said second safety means adapted to allow movement of said platform when fluid pressure is transmitted to said piston and cylinder assemblies, but ar rests movement of said platform when insufiicient operating pressure is transmitted by allowing said springs to overcome the forces normally applied to the brake shoes by the pressurized piston and cylinder assemblies and thereby force same against the edge portions of said planks and protruding lugs, a means to anchor said colurnn in use to a convenient upright support comprising a longitudinally extending U-shaped channel secured to said column opposite said protruding lugs and facing said open side of said platform said U-shaped channel having a plurality of aligned longitudinally spaced apertures therein, a brace having an aperature at one end thereof adapted to be selectively coupled to U-shaped channel, means on the opposite end enabling same when in use to be secured to a convenient upright support when so positioned to clear the platform, said hoist apparatus adapted to efficiently and safely transport personnel and material, and insure against the overloading of same.

2. A hoist apparatus for material and personnel comprising an upright sectioned hollow column, said column comprised of joined sections, each section having a longitudinally extending cylinder portion, transverse flanges on each end of said sections adapting adjacent sections to be secured in end to end relationship, means for securing the flanges of adjacent sections in rigid end to end relationship, guide means on each section comprised of two longitudinally extending flat members secured in opposed relation to each of said cylinder portions and presenting parallel side and edge surfaces, a platform having an open side relative to said column mounted for vertical reciprocal movement on said column substantially encompassing same with said column being generally centrally located thereto, said platform having a flat horizontal top carrying surface, a frame having a horizontal support for said carrying surface, vertically extending upright members in close proximity to said column, and spaced upper and lower roller mounting means, said upper roller mounting means position in the plane of said carrying surface, and said lower roller mounting means position adjacent the lower ends of said upright members of said frame, a first set of rollers mounted on said upper roller mounting means and a second set of roller means mounted on said lower roller mounting means, a means to move said platform relative to said column comprising, a weighted piston slidably disposed within the cylinder portions of said hollow column, the weight of said piston being greater than the total combined weight of the platform and the weight of any load on the platform which in use is to be transported, a pulley block mounted on the top of said column having vertically positioned pulleys mounted radially thereon, suspension cables, each cable passing over a pulley and having a first end secured to said piston and a second opposite end secured to said platform, a first safety means to arrest movement of the platform in the event of cable failure comprising, a series of longitudinally spaced lugs secured to said column, a first U-shaped bar pivotally mounted on said platform on ill the ends of the leg portions thereof and partially encompassing said column, a brake shoe mounted on the center portion of said U-shaped bar adapted to frictionally engage said column and engage said spaced lugs when the bar is pivoted substantially away from the horizontal but clear when in a horizontal or slightly inclined position, a spring means engaging the intermediate portion of said U-shaped bar and urging same to be pivoted in a direction substantially away from the horizontal, a pulley mounted on said platform below said U-shaped bar, the secured second end portion of one of said cables being arranged with a portion of same mounted on said last mentioned pulley and extending upwardly and secured to said U- shaped bar, said first safety means operating to arrest movement of said platform upon failure of said cable when said spring as a result of the parting of the cable pivots the U-shaped bar into frictional engagement with said column and said protruding lugs to brake the platform and positively halt same, a second safety means to arrest movement of said platform in the event of failure of the power means comprising, a set of two vertically spaced U-shaped bars pivotally mounted on said platform and partially encompassing said column, brake shoes mounted on the intermediate portions of said U-shaped bars adapted to engage said column and said protruding lugs mounted thereon, a central abutment block mounted on said platform positioned between said brake shoes of said set of U-shaped bars, first and second springs positioned between the upper brake shoe and the abutment block and the lower brake shoe respectively, upper and lower opposed piston and cylinder assemblies positioned above the upper brake shoe and below the lower brake shoe respectively, a flexible conduit operatively connected to said piston and cylinder assemblies and the interior of said upright column, said second safety means adapted to allow movement of said platform when fluid pressure is transmitted to said piston and cylinder assemblies, but arrest movement when insufficient operating pressure is transmitted by allowing said springs to overcome the forces normally applied to the brake shoes by the pressurized piston and cylinder assemblies and thereby forcing said brake shoes against the upright column and protruding lugs, a means to anchor said column in use to a convenient upright support, said hoist apparatus adapted to efficiently and safely transport personnel and material to insure against overloading of same.

3. A hoist apparatus comprising, an upright sectioned hollow column, said column comprised of joined sections, each section having a longitudinally extending cylinder portion, flanges on each end of each said portions adapting sections to be secured in end to end relationship, guide means comprised of longitudinally extending elements secured in opposed relation to said cylinder portions and presenting parallel side and edge surfaces, a platform mounted for vertical reciprocal movement on said coiumn, spaced upper and lower roller mounting means, first roller means mounted in said upper roller mounted means and second roller means mounted in said lower roller mounting means, said first and second roller means adapted to engage the sides and edge surfaces of said guide means elements thereof, a means to move said platform relative to said column comprising, a weighted piston disposed within the cylinder portion of said hollow column, the weight of said piston being greater than the total combined weight of the platform and the weight of any load on said platform which in use is to be transported, a pulley block mounted on the top of said column, cable means operably connected to said piston and said platform, a safety means for restricting movement of said platform in the event of cable means failure comprising, a bar element pivotally mounted on said platform having a portion that frictionally engages said column when said bar pivots in a first direction, a spring means adapted to urge said bar in said first direction, said cable means secured to said bar and arranged to pivot same in a second opposite direction, said safety means acting to arrest movement of said platform when said spring means urges said bar in said first direction into frictional engagement with said column upon failure of said cable, a second safety means to arrest movement of said platform in the event of failure of the power means comprising, vertically spaced bar elements pivotedly mounted on said platform having portions adapted to :frictionally engage said column when said bars are pivoted, spring means mounted on said platform arranged to pivot said bar elements, a piston and cylinder assembly associated with each bar mounted on said platform adapted to restrain pivoting of each respective bar, and conduit means connecting said piston and cylinder assemblies to the source of pressurized fluid for said power means, said hoist apparatus adapted to efiiciently and safely transport personnel and material and insure against over-loading same.

4. A hoist apparatus for material and personnel comprising, an upright sectioned hollow column, said column comprised of joined sections, each section having a longitudinally extending cylinder portion with a circular cross section, transverse flanges on each end of each of said sections adapting adjacent sections to be secured in end to end relationship, means to secure the end flanges of adjacent sections in rigid end to end relationship, guide means on each section comprised of two longitudinally extending planks secured in opposed relation to each of said cylinder portions and presenting parallel side and edge surfaces, a platform having an open side relative to said column mounted for vertical reciprocal movement on said column substantially encompassing same with said column being generally centrally located, said platform having a flat horizontal top carrying surface, a frame having a horizontal support for said carrying surface, vertically extending upright members in close proximity to said column and extending below said work surface, a plurality of diagonal braces connecting the lower ends of said uprights and the peripheral portions of said horizontal support for said carrying surface, spaced upper and lower roller mounting means on said platform, a first set of roller means mounted in said upper roller mounting means, and a second set of roller means mounted in said lower roller mounting means, each of said sets of roller means having rollers that engage the front and rear edges and the exposed sides of said planks adjacent the edges thereof, a means to move said platform relative to said column comprising, a weighted piston having a circular cross section slidably disposed within aligned cylinder portions of said hollow column, the weight of said piston being greater than the total combined weight of the platform and the weight of any load on said platform which in use is to be transported, a conduit means to convey fluid under pressure to the interior lower portion of said column, a pulley block mounted on the top of said column having vertically positioned rotatable pulleys mounted radially thereon, cable means for said hoist means, each cable of said cable means passing over a pulley and having a first end secured to said piston and a second opposite end operatively secured to said platform, a means to anchor said column in use to a convenient upright support comprising, longitudinally extending U- shaped channel secured to said column, said U-shaped channel having longitudinally spaced aligned apertures in the leg portions thereof, a plurality of brace means each having an aperture in one end thereof adapted to be selectively coupled to apertures in said U-shaped channel, means on the opposite end of said brace enabling same when in use to be secured to a convenient upright support, said brace when so positioned adapted to clear the platform, said hoist apparatus adapted to safely transport personnel and material and insure against overloading of same.

5. In combination with a hoist apparatus having an upright column, platform means mounted for movement on said column, and a power means to move said platform ,r a 13 means relative to said column, and suspension means for said platform including a cable secured at one end to said platform operatively associated with said power means, a safety means for arresting movement of said platform in the event of suspension means failure comprising 10ngitudinally spaced protruding lugs on said column, a U- shaped bar pivotly mounted on said platform at the ends of the leg portions thereof, and partially encompassing said column, a rectangular shaped brake shoe mounted on the center portion of said U-shaped bar adapted to engage said column and said spaced lugs when the bar is pivoted away from the horizontal but clear same when in horizontal or slightly inclined position, an upright coil spring having a lower end abutting said platform and the upper end abutting said brake shoe on said U-shaped bar, a pulley mounted on said platform below said coil spring, the end of said cable being secured to said platform arranged with a portion passing around and under said last mentioned pulley upwardly through said coil spring and secured at its extreme end to said center portion of said ,lJ-shaped bar, said safe y means operating to arrest ,movement of said platform upon failure of said cable .when saidvcoil, spring .as a result of the parting of said cableurges that U-shaped .bar upwardly thereby forcing said brake shoe against said column to brake the platform ;and-to 'positivelyhalt same upon contacting one of said protruding lugs on said column. 6. In combination with a hoist apparatus having an upright column, platform means mounted for movement on said column, a power means to move said platform .means relative to said column, suspension means for said platform operatively associated with said power means, said suspension means including at least one cable having an end'operatively secured to said platform, a safety means for arresting movement of. said platform in the event of ;suspension failure comprising, spaced lugs on said col- ;umn, aU-shapedbar pivotly mounted at the ends of its-leg portionsto said platform, a brake shoe mounted onthe center portionofsaid U-shaped bar adapted to selectively engage said column and spaced lugs on said column, said U-shaped bar adapted to vfrictionally eni gage said upright column and positively engage said spaced lugs when the bar is pivoted away from the horizontal but clear same when in a horizontal or slightly inclined .position, an upright spring means having a lower end ar- 5 ranged in fixed. relation to platform and an upper end associated with said brake shoe urging same upwardly, a pulley means mounted on said platform below said U- shaped bar, the end of said cable being arranged with a ;portionpassing around and under said last mentioned pulley and upwardly and secured at its end to said center portion of said U-shaped bar, said safety means operating to arrest the movement of said platform upon failure of said cable when saidspringas a result of parting of the cable urges saidU-shaped bar upwardly, thereby forcing ,said brake shoe against said column to brake the platform ;--and to positively halt same upon contacting one of said protruding lugs on said column.

7-. In combination with a hoist apparatus having an upright column, spaced lugs mounted on said column, platform means mounted for movement on said column, a power means to move said platform means relative to said column, suspension means for said platform operatively associated with said power means, said suspension means including a cable means having an end op- .eratively' secured to said platform, a safety means for ,arresting movement of said platform in the event of suspension failure comprising a bar element pivotly mounted on said platform constructed and adapted to have a portion that frictionally engages said column when said bar is pivoted away from the horizontal but clears same when in a horizontal or slightly inclined position, a spring means mounted on said platform urging said bar in a direction away from the horizontal, a pulley means mounted on said platform below said pivoted bar, the

end of said operatively secured cable means arranged to pass around said pulley and secured at its end to said bar acting when under tension to pivot the said bar to the horizontal position, said safety means operating to arrest the movement of said platform upon failure of said suspension means when said spring means as a result of the parting of the cable urges said bar into frictional engagement with said column to brake the movement of said platform to thereby arrest movement of same.

8. In combination with a hoist apparatus having an upright column, spaced lugs on said column, platform means mounted for movement on said column, and a power means including supply conduits activated by a source of pressurized fluid to move said platform means relative to said column, a safety means for arresting movement of said platform in the event of failure of the power means, source of pressure fluid, or supply conduits comprising, a set of two vertically spaced generally horizontally positioned U-shaped bars pivotally mounted on the ends of the leg portions thereof on said platform and partially encompassing said column, brake shoes on the intermediate portions of said set of U-shaped bars adapted to frictionally engage said column and said protruding lugs on said column when said bars are pivoted substantially away from the horizontal, a central abutment block mounted on said platform positioned between said brake shoes of said set of U-shaped bars, first and second coil springs positioned between the upper brake shoe and abutment block, and the abutment block and the lower brake shoe respectively, upper and lower opposed piston and cylinder assemblies mounted on said platform and positioned above said upper brake shoe and below said lower brake shoe respectively, urging said U-shaped bars to generally horizontally extending positions, a flexible conduit operatively connected to said piston and cylinder assemblies and said power means to move said platform, said safety means adapted to allow movement of said platform when fluid pressure is transmitted to said piston and cylinder assemblies but arrest movement of said platform when insufiicient operating pressure is transmitted to same by allowing said springs to overcome the forces normally applied to the brake shoes by the normally pressurized piston and cylinder assemblies and thereby force same against said upright column and protruding lugs.

9. In combination with a hoist apparatus having an upright column,,spaced lugs on said column, platform means mounted for movement on said column, and power means activated by a source of pressurized fluid to move said platform relative to said column, a safety meansfor arresting movement of said platform means in the event of failure of the power means, source of pressurized fluid, or conduits supplying same comprising, vertically spaced generally horizontally positioned U-shaped bars pivotally mounted at the leg portions thereof on said platform, said U-shaped bars adapted to frictionally engage said column with the intermediate portion thereof when said bars are pivoted substantially away from the horizontal, a central abutment means on said platform positioned between said set of U-shaped bars, spring means positioned between the intermediate portion of said upper U-shaped bars and aubtment means, and the abutment means and the intermediate portion of said lower U-sh-aped bar respectively, upper and lower opposed piston and cylinder assemblies mounted on said platform positioned above the intermediate portion of said U-shaped bar and below the intermediate portion of said U-shaped bar respectively, and operatively engaging same, a conduit operatively connected to said piston and cylinder as- I semblies and said power means, said safety means adapted to allow movement of said platform when fluid pressure is transmitted to said piston and cylinder assemblies, but arrest movement of said platform when insufficient operating pressure exists by allowing said spring means to 1 5 overcome the forces normally applied to said U-shaped bars by the normally pressurized piston and cylinder assemblies to thereby force same against said upright column and protruding lugs to thereby brake and positively halt movement of said platform.

10. A hoist apparatus, comprising, an upright hollow column having a longitudinally extending cylinder portion, guide means comprised of longitudinally extending elements secured in opposed relation to said cylinder portion, and presenting a plurality of surfaces, a platform mounted for vertical reciprocal movement on said column, spaced upper and lower roller means mounted and adapted to engage said surfaces of said guide means elements, a means to move said platform relative to said column comprising, a weighted piston disposed within the cylinder portion of said hollow column, the weight of said piston being greater than the total combined weight of the platform and the weight .of any load on said platform which in use is to be transported, pulley means mounted on the top of said column, cable means operably connected to said piston and said platform, a safety means for restricting movement of said platform in the event of cable means failure comprising, an arresting element movably mounted on said platform having a portion that frictionally engages said column when said arresting element moves in a first direction, resilient means constructed, mounted and adapted t Said arresting element in said first direction, said cable means secured to said arresting element and arranged to move same in a second opposite direction, said safety means acting to arrest movement of said platform when said resilient means urges said arrestingelement in said first direction into frictional engagement with said column upon failure of said cable, a second safety means to arrest movement of said platform, in the event of failure of the power means powering same comprising, another arresting element movably mounted on said platform and having a portion constructed and adapted to frictionally engage said column when said element is moved, resilient means mounted on said platform arranged to move' said last-named arresting element, piston and cylinder means associated ,with said lastnamed arresting element and mounted on said platform and operable therewith to restrain movement of said arresting element, and conduit means connecting said piston and cylinder means to the source of pressurized fluid for said power means, said hoista pparatus adapted to effi- ,ciently and safely transport personnel and material and insure against overloading same. i 4

11. A hoisting apparatus for material and personnel comprising, an upright hollow column having a longitudinally extending cylinder portion, guide means on said column comprised of longitudinally extending members secured in opposed relation to said cylinder portion and presenting a plurality of surfaces, a platform mounted for vertical reciprocal movement on said column, said platform having a frame having a horizontally disposed support for the carrying surface thereof and in close proximity to said column, spaced upper and lower roller means mounted on said platform, each of said roller means having rollers that engage said surfaces .of said longitudinally extending members secured to said cylinder portions, a means to :move said platform relative to said column comprising, a weighted piston slidably disposed within said hollow column, the weight of said piston being greater than the total combined weight of the platform and .the weight of any load on said platform which inuse is to :be transported, a conduit means to convey fluid under pressure to the interior lower portion of said column, pulley means mounted on the top portion of said column having a rotatable pulley mounted thereo cab e me ns f r sa d ho st means p ng over said pulley andhaving a first endlportion secured to said piston and a second end portion operatively secured to said platform, a means to anchor said column in use to a convenient upright support comprising, a braced support member secured to said column, said braced support member when so positioned adapted to clear the platform, said hoist apparatus adapted to efficicntly and safely transport personnel and material and insure against overloading of same.

12. In'combination with a hoist apparatus having an upright column, platform means mounted for movement on said column, a power means to move said platform means relative to said column, suspension means for said platform operatively associated with said power means, said suspension means including a cable means having an end portion operatively secured to said platform, a safety means for arresting movement of said platform in the event of suspension failure comprising, a braking element pivotally mounted on said platform haying a portion constructed and adapted in operation to frictionally engage said column when said braking element is pivoted away from the horizontal but clears same when ina horizontal or slightly inclined position, resilient means mounted on said platform urging said braking element in a direction away from the horizontal, cable receiving means mounted on said platform below said braking element, the end portion of said operatively secured cable means arranged? P353 around said cable receiving means and secured in its end portion to said bralging element acting when under tension to pivot said braking element to the horizontal position, said safetymeans operating to arrest the movement of said platform upon failure of said suspension rneans when said resilient means as a result of [the P in at th a l was a d b ak element frictional engagement with said column to brake the movement of said platform to thereby arrest same.

13. In combination a hoist apparatus having an u r t olumn Pl f m m ans were: m m n on. said column, and power means activated by a source of pressurized fiuid to move said platform relative to said column, a safety meansfor arresting movement of said P a means in the event of f ilur s? he Po me "source of pressurized fluid, a conduit supplying same comly horizontally positioned U-shaped bar pivotally mounted at the leg' portions thereof on said platform, said U-shaped bar adapted to frictionally engage said column when said bar is piyoted awayfrom the horizontal, an abutment means on said platform resilient means positioned between said bar and abutment means, a piston and cylinder assembly mounted on said platform positioned above said U-shaped bar and operatively engaging same, a conduit operatively connected to said piston and cylinder assembly and power means, said safety means adapted to allow movement of said platform when fluid pressure is transmitted to said piston and cylinder assembly, but arrest movement of said platform when insufficient operating pressure exists by allowing said resilient means to overcome the forces normally applied to said U-shaped bar by the normally pressurized piston and cylinder assembly to thereby force same against said up right column to thereby brake and positively halt movement of said platform.

Re e en es it by he Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 438,388 10/1890 Smith 91 45 610,934 9/1898 Webber 1s7 s1 722,894 3/1903 Potter 91-41 SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Primary Examiner. ANDRES H. N LS N, x miner,

Claims

1. A HOIST APPARATUS FOR MATERIAL AND PERSONNEL COMPRISING, AN UPRIGHT SECTIONED HOLLOW COLUMN, SAID COLUMN COMPRISED OF JOINED SECTIONS, EACH HAVING A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING CYLINDER PORTION WITH A CIRCULAR ACROSS SECTION, TRANSVERSE FLANGES ON EACH OF SAID SECTIONS ADAPTING ADJACENT SECTIONS TO BE SECURED IN END TO END RELATIONSHIP, BOLT MEANS FOR SECURING THE END FLANGES OF ADJACENT SECTIONS IN RIGID END TO END RELATIONSHIP, FOUR LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING METAL REINFORCING CHANNEL ELEMENTS WELDED TO SAID CYLINDER PORTION OF EACH SECTION TO THEREBY FORM AN EXTERIOR SHAPE HAVING A SQUARE TRANSVERSE CROSS SECTION, GUIDE MEANS ON EACH SECTION COMPRISED OF TWO LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING PLANKS SECURED IN OPPOSED RELATION TO EACH OF SAID CYLINDER PORTION AND PRESENTING PARALLEL SIDE AND EDGE SURFACES, A PLATFORM HAVING AN OPEN SIDE RELATIVE TO SAID COLUMN MOUNTED FOR VERTICAL RECIPROCAL MOVEMENT ON SAID COLUMN SUBSTANTIALLY ENCOMPASSING SAME WITH SAID COLUMN BEING GENERALLY CENTRALLY LOCATED, SAID PLATFORM HAVING A FLAT HORIZONTAL TOP CARRYING SURFACE, A FRAME HAVING A HORIZONTAL SUPPORT FOR SAID CARRYING SURFACE, VERTICALLY EXTENDING UPRIGHT MEMBERS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO SAID COLUMN AND EXTENDING BELOW SAID WORK SURFACE, AND A PLURALITY OF DIAGONAL BRACES CONNECTING THE LOWER ENDS OF SAID UPRIGHTS AND THE PERIPHERAL PORTIONS OF SAID HORIZONTAL SUPPORTS FOR SAID CARRYING SURFACE, SPACED UPPER AND LOWER ROLLER MOUNTING MEANS, SAID UPPER ROLLER MOUNTING MEANS POSITIONED IN THE PLANE OF SAID CARRYING SURFACE, AND SAID LOWER ROLLER MOUNTING MEANS POSITIONED ADJACENT THE LOWER ENDS OF SAID UPRIGHT MEMBERS OF SAID FRAME, A FIRST SET OF ROLLER MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID UPPER ROLLER MOUNTING MEANS AND A SECOND SET OF ROLLER MEANS MOUNTED IN SAID LOWER ROLLER MOUNTING MEANS, EACH OF SAID SETS OF ROLLER MEANS HAVING FOUR ROLLERS THAT ENGAGE THE FRONT AND REAR EDGES OF SAID PLANKS AND FOUR ROLLERS THAT ENGAGE THE EXPOSED SIDES OF SAID PLANKS ADJACENT THE EDGES THEREOF, A MEANS TO MOVE SAID PLATFORM RELATIVE TO SAID COLUMN COMPRISING, A WEIGHTED PISTON HAVING A CIRCULAR CROSS SECTION DISPOSED WITHIN CYLINDER PORTIONS OF SAID HOLLOW COLUMN, THE WEIGHT OF SAID PISTON BEING GREATER THAN THE TOTAL COMBINED WEIGHT OF THE PLATFORM AND THE WEIGHT OF ANY LOAD ON SAID PLATFORM WHICH IN USE IS TO BE TRANSPORTED, A CONDUIT MEANS TO CONVEY FLUID UNDER PRESSURE TO THE INTERIOR LOWER PORTION OF THE COLUMN, A VALVE MEANS TO CONTROL SAID FLUID, A PULLEY BLOCK MOUNTED ON THE TOP OF SAID COLUMN HAVING THREE VERTICALLY POSITIONED ROTATABLE PULLEYS MOUNTED RADIALLY THEREON, THREE CABLES, EACH PASSING OVER A PULLEY AND HAVING A FIRST END SECURED TO SAID PISTON, AND A SECOND OPPOSITE END SECURED TO SAID PLATFORM, A FIRST SAFETY MEANS TO ARREST MOVEMENT OF THE PLATFORM IN THE EVENT OF CABLE FAILURE COMPRISING, A SERIES OF PROTRUDING SPACED LUGS SECURED TO SAID COLUMN BETWEEN SAID PLANKS AND PROTRUDING BEYOND THE ADJACENT END ABUTTING SAID BRAKE SHOE ON SAID FIRST U-SHAPED BAR PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ABOVE SAID CARRYING SURFACE OF SAID PLATFORM ON ENDS OF THE LEG PORTIONS THEREOF AND PARTIALLY ENCOMPASSING SAID COLUMN, A BRAKE SHOE HAVING A RECFORM BELOW SAID WORK SURFACE, THE SECURED END PORTION OF SAID FIRST U-SHAPED BAR ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE ADJACENT EDGE SURFACES OF SAID PLANKS AND SAID SPACED LUGS WHEN THE BAR IS PIVOTED SUBSTANTIALLY AWAY FROM THE HORIZONTAL, BUT CLEAR SAME WHEN IN A HORIZONTAL OR SLIGHTLY INCLINED POSITION, AN UPRIGHT COIL SPRING HAVING A LOWER END ABUTTING SAID CARRYING SURFACE OF THE PLATFORM AND THE UPPER END ABUTTING SAID BRAKE SHOE ON SAID FIRST U-SHAPED BAR, A PULLEY MOUNTED ON THE UPRIGHT MEMBERS OF SAID PLATFORM BELOW SAID WORK SURFACE, THE SECURED END PORTION OF ONE OF SAID CABLES BEING ARRANGED WITH A PORTION OF SAME PASSING DOWNWARDLY THROUGH SAID WORK SURFACE AND AROUND AND UNDER SAID LAST-MENTIONED PULLEY, UPWARDLY THROUGH SAID WORK SURFACE AND THROUGH SAID COIL SPRING AND ADJUSTABLY SECURED AT TS EXTREME END TO SAID CENTER PORTION OF SAID U-SHAPED BAR, SAID FIRST SAFETY MEANS OPERATING TO ARREST MOVEMENT OF SAID PLATFORM UPON FAILURE OF SAID CABLE WHEN SAID COIL SPRING AS A RESULT OF PARTING OF THE CABLE PIVOTS SAID U-SHAPED BAR UPWARDLY THEREBY FORCING SAID BRAKE SHOE AGAINST THE EDGES OF SAID PLANKS TO BRAKE THE PLATFORM AND TO POSITIVELY HALT SAME UPON CONTACTING ONE OF SAME PROTRUDING LUGS ON SAID COLUMN, A SECOND SAFETY MEANS TO ARREST MOVEMENT OF SAID PLATFORM IN THE EVENT OF FAILURE OF THE POWER MEANS, PRESSURIZED FLUID SUPPLY OR SUPPLY CONDUITS CONVEYING SAME COMPRISING, A SET OF TWO VERTICALLY SPACED, GENERALLY HORIZONTALLY POSITIONED U-SHAPED BARS PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON THE UPRIGHT MEMBERS OF THE FRAME OF SAID PLATFORM BELOW SAID CARRYING SURFACE AND PARTIALLY ENCOMPASSING SAID COLUMN, BRAKE SHOES MOUNTED ON THE INTERMEDIATE PORTIONS OF SAID SET OF U-SHAPED BARS ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE ADJACENT EDGES OF SAID PLANKS AND SAID PROTRUDING LUGS WHEN THE SAID BARS ARE PIVOTED SUBSTANTIALLY AWAY FROM THE HORIZONTAL, A CENTRAL ABUTMENT BLOCK MOUNTED ON THE UPRIGHT MEMBERS OF THE FRAME OF SAID PLATFORM POSITIONED BETWEEN SAID BRAKE SHOES OF SAID SET OF U-SHAPED BARS, FIRST AND SECOND COIL SPRINGS POSITIONED BETWEEN THE UPPER BRAKE SHOE AND ABUTMENT BLOCK, AND THE ABUTMENT BLOCK AND LOWER BRAKE SHOE RESPECTIVELY, UPPER AND LOWER OPPOSED PISTON AND CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MOUNTED ON THE UPRIGHT MEMBERS OF THE FRAME OF SAID PLATFORM AND POSITIONED ABOVE SAID UPPER BRAKE SHOE AND BELOW SAID LOWER BRAKE SHOE RESPECTIVELY, A FLEXIBLE CONDUIT OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID PISTON AND CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES AND THE INTERIOR OF THE LOWER END OF SAID UPRIGHT COLUMN, SAID UPRIGHT COLUMN, SAID SECOND SAFETY MEANS ADAPTED TO ALLOW MOVEMENT OF SAID PLATFORM WHEN FLUID PRESSURE IS TRANSMITTED TO SAID PISTON AND CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES, BUT ARRESTS MOVEMENT OF SAID PLATFORM WHEN INSUFFICIENT OPERATING PRESSURE IS TRANSMITTED BY ALLOWING SAID SPRINGS TO OVERCOME THE FORCES NORMALLY APPLIED TO THE BRAKE SHOES BY THE PRESSURIZED PISTON AND CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES AND THEREBY FORCE SAME AGAINST THE EDGE PORTIONS OF SAID PLANKS AND PROTRUDING LUGS, A MEANS TO ANCHOR SAID COLUMN IN USE TO A CONVENIENT UPRIGHT SUPPORT COMPRISING A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING U-SHAPED CHANNEL SECURED TO SAID COLUMN OPPOSITE SAID PROTRUDING LUGS AND FACING SAID OPEN SIDE OF SAID PLATFORM SAID U-SHAPED CHANNEL HAVING A PLURALITY OF ALIGNED LONGITUDINAL SPACED APERTURES THEREIN, A BRACE HAVING AN APERTURE AT ONE END THEREOF ADAPTED TO BE SELECTIVELY COUPLED TO U-SHAPED CHANNEL, MEANS ON THE OPPOSITE END ENABLING SAME WHEN IN USE TO BE SECURED TO A CONVENIENT UPRIGHT SUPPORT WHEN SO POSITIONED TO CLEAR THE PLATFORM, SAID HOIST APPARATUS ADAPTED TO EFFICIENTLY AND SAFETY TRANSPORT PERSONNEL AND MATERIAL, AND INSURE AGAINST THE OVERLOADING OF SAME.