US3695667A

US3695667A - Lifting devices

Info

Publication number: US3695667A
Application number: US68159A
Authority: US
Inventors: Gordon Dempsey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-06-16
Filing date: 1970-08-31
Publication date: 1972-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 1989-10-03
Also published as: GB1314606A

Abstract

A jig for combination with a lifting means, the jig comprising a frame, a plurality of assemblies mounted on the frame at spaced positions, first shafts journalled in pairs of the assemblies, second shafts journalled in such pairs of assemblies, a third shaft geared to the second shafts, lift arms mounted on the first shafts and adapted for connection to a lifting means, control and controlled members mounted on the second shafts for operative engagement with the respective lift arms and actuating levers pivoted to the particular lift arms for operating the control members, the construction and arrangement being such that on the lift arms being connected to a lift means and a lifting force exerted by such means, the levers actuate the control members to hold the lift arms at an article lifting position or when the lifting force is released, the lift arms are allowed to move to an article release position.

Description

United States Patent 15 3,695,667 Dempsey 51 Oct. 3, 1972 [54] LIFTING DEVICES 3,273,931 9/1966 Caldwell et al ..294/81 [72] Inventor: Gordon Dempsey, Auckland, New

Zealand Primary Examiner-Even C. Blunk i As I [731 Assignees: Frederick George Ullrich; Zeola 8mm" Examiner Johnny!) Cherry [22] Flled: 1970 A jig for combination with a lifting means, the jig [21] Appl. No.: 68,159 comprising a frame, a plurality of assemblies mounted on the frame at spaced positions, first shafts journalled 30 F I in pairs of the assemblies, second shafts journalled in 1 Apphcauon Priority Data such pairs of assemblies, a third shaft geared to the June 16, 1970 New Zealand 160,505 second shafts, lift arms mounted on the first shafts and adapted for connection to a lifting means, control and 294/67 9 SF controlled members mounted on the second shafts for [5 CL"; ..B66c operative engagement the respective arms and [58] F'eld Search 67 67 DA, actuating levers pivoted to the particular lift arms for 294/86, 101, 106, 108, 109, 112, 113, 11 perating the control members, the construction and 117 arrangement being such that on the lift arms being connected to a lift means and a lifting force exerted by [5 6] References cued such means, the levers actuate the control members to NI STATES PATENTS hold the lift arms at an article lifting position or when the lifting force is released, the lift arms are allowed to 2,618,502 Ill 1952 Breslav ..294/67 DA move to-an article release position. 1,764,623 6/1930 Grondahl ..294/106 2,198,652 4/1940 Cullen et a1. ..294/67 BC 7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures L i i 45 f "'i 4 46 124 48 :45 al --41 1.1\ m4! 27 (q; a 40 I I I 0 o 29 32 a 33 12 14 12 as 34 30 29 30 31 31 Edna Ullrich, Christchusch, New Zealand Attorney-Young & Thompson ABSTRACT LIFTING DEVICES This invention relates to devices designed for use in the lifting of various articles.

A conventional lifting device is in the nature of a grab essentially comprising two jaws pivotally connected together and means such as a hydraulic ram, combined with the jaws for their operation. The efficiency of this grab device is of course determined by the effective width or throw to which the jaws can open relatively to another. A disadvantage is that with an article of some length and width the grab becomes ineffective. Y

The present invention is concerned with a novel form of device that by reason of its construction may be employed with conventional shackles to lift an article not normally otherwise capable of lift unless two grabs or devices are employed.

Broadly the invention consists of a jig for combination with lifting means comprising a frame, a plurality of assemblies mounted on the frame at spaced positions, first shafts journalled in pairs of the assemblies, second shafts journalled in such pairs of assemblies, a third shaft geared to the second shafts, lift arm mounted on the first shafts and adapted for connection to a lifting means, control and controlled members mounted on the second shafts for operative engagement with the respective lift arms, and actuatinglevers pivoted to the particular lift arms for operating the control members, the construction and arrangement being such that on the lift arms being connected to a lift means and a lifting force exerted by such means, the levers actuate the control members to hold the lift arms at an article lifting position or when the lifting force is released, the lift arms are allowed to move to an article release position.

In further describing the construction and function of the invention, reference will be made hereinafter to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view,

FIG. 2 is a top plan view,

FIG. 3 is an end view,

FIG. 4 is a side view of a typical assembly for operating one of the lift arms, and

FIG. 5 is a side view of one of the pawl and ratchet operating means for an associated lift arm.

In giving effect to the invention the main frame 10 is in the nature of a rectangular four sided figure in plan and comprises two end U-frames 11 preferably formed from lengths of box-section steel. Each U-frame 11 has two longer arms 12 welded to the base of the U. These two U-frames 11 are arranged in opposition to one another and have provision whereby they are adjustably secured together lengthwise. Suitably this can be effected by securing into the outer end of the arms 12 of one U-frame 11 a metal insert 14 of a cross-sectional shape and size so as to be capable of sliding into the outer end of the arms of the opposed U-frame. The metal inserts 14 are secured by cross-pins externally welded to the arms 12 of the respective U-frame-l 1. To the inner side of these arms 12 is also welded a metal stud 15 having one end bent and the opposed arm of the other U-frame has a metal sleeve 16 welded to it. The other end of the stud 15 passes through this sleeve 16 and a nut is screwed onto the stud at each side of the sleeve. By such means the length of the main frame 10 may be varied.

Each end member 13 of this frame 10 has a vertical face plate 17 welded to it at each end for the plates to be in alignment. A guide 18 is bolted to each face plate 17 and can have its bottom edge turned outwards slightly, the bolts also securing a carrier unit or assembly 19. The assembly includes a main vertical mounting plate 20 having a first bearing 21, a side bracket 22, a second bearing 23 passing through the plates 20, a side bracket 23, an interposed sleeve 24 aligned with the axis of the second bearings for the axes of the

bearing

21 and 23 to be disposed in parallel. A further carrier unit or. assembly is formed similar to the first, but additionally the side bracket 22 carriers an extension 25 having a third bearing 26, the axis of which is disposed at right anglesto the axes of the other two bearings. There are provided two of the first carrier assembly, each opposite handed to one another and two of the second carrier assembly, each opposite handed to one another. The carrier assemblies 19 are mounted at one side of the main frame 10 (hereinafter termed the drive side) at opposite ends of such frame and the further. carrier assemblies are mounted at the other side of the main frame (hereinafter termed driven side). The various assemblies are positioned so that the first and

second bearings

21 and 23 of the assemblies at each end of the main frame respectively align, and the third bearing 26 of each assembly at the drive side of the main frame align.

Stub axles 27 are passed through the first bearings 21 of the respective assemblies 19 at each end of the main frame, which axles are inserted in the ends of a cross tube 28 and pinned thereto. Outer ends of these axles pass through holes in and are externally welded to the lift and hook arms 29. There are two pairs of the hook arms, each pair being opposite'handed. Each hook arm 29 has a depending part 30.ending in a hook 31 and a shoulder part 32 with the hole for its axle 27 being positioned in the upper portion of the junction of such parts. The shoulder part 32 includes an upwardly cranked end 33 which is adapted for connection to the conventional lift means, such as by a hole having a diameter to suit a lift shackle. Each hook arm 29 has a pin 34 positioned in the lower portion of its crank and extending from the inner side of the arm.

Other stub axles 35 are passed through the second bearing 23 of the assemblies 19 at each end of the main frame 10 which axles 35 are inserted in the ends of a second cross tube36 and pinned thereto. Outer ends of these axles '35 pass through holes in and are externally welded to the control and controlled members shortly referred to. At the drive side of the main frame 10 each of the axles 35 carries a bevel gear 37.

Further stub axles 38 are passed through the third bearing 26 of the assemblies at the drive side, which axles 38 are inserted in the ends of a third tube 39 and pinned thereto. Each axle 38 carries a bevel gear 40 that is arranged to be in mesh with the bevel gear 37 at that end of drive side of the device. Hand wheels 41 can be mounted near the ends of the tube 39 and welded thereto.

Each control and controlled member consists of a triangular-shaped block 42 positioned so that one of its sides or pointsmay engage and be supported by the upper edge of the shoulder part 32 of the particular hookarm 29, that is the edge extending between the first holes and the side pin 34 of such arm. Each drive projecting from the outer side of the particularassembly 19. This pin 47 is positioned between the first and

second bearings

21 and 23 of the assembly for the pawl 46 to be capable of engaging a tooth of the ratchet 44 of the particular drive side member or block 42.

As already explained the device is designed especially for use in the lifting of elongate structures. In this connection the jig is operatively combined with a means in the nature of an overhead crane, a fork hoist,

etc., pins of spring-cushioned cable-suspended assem- I blies 48 are passed through the holes in the ends 33 of the hook arms 29. The arrangement can thus be positioned and operated from a variety of points, to automatically pick up and release.

In use the hook arms 29 have two positions, load engaged and load disengaged. The hooks arms 29 are synchronized by the shafts 35 36 and the right-

angle gears

37 and 40. The hook arms 29 can be positioned to lock against-the article to be lifted, for instance wire mesh panel. On operation of the lifting means 48 to raise the panel, the application of load imposes an action causing the hook arms 29'at the drive side of the frame 10 to turn on the stub axles 27. This in turn causes actuating levers 44 to pull against the sixtoothed ratchets 43 turning the latter one-sixth partial rotation, the pawls 46 hold the ratchets 43 against any back movement. The drive movement is simultaneously transferred to the hook arms 29 and other parts at the driven side of the device through the

cross shafts

28 and 36, the drive side shaft 39 ensuring unison between the drive side mechanisms.

Upon loading a flat side of each of the four triangular blocks 42 engages the upper edge of the hook arms 29 ensuring locking of such arms against any movement during the lifting of the panel or panels.

After the panel or panels have been transferred to the required place and lowered to the floor, truck or stack, the load or lifting force ceases and then on disengagement the weight is off, gravity and some spring loading causes each ratchet 43 and its fixed triangular block 42 to move forward one-sixth of a rotation..This has the effect of allowing the associated hook arm 29 to move back outwards from the center of the main frame 10. The device can then be lifted away empty ready to lift another load and the lifting operation repeated. The handwheels 41 are provided on the shaft 39.

What is claimed is:

1. A jig for combination with a lifting means, the jig comprising aframe, a plurality of assemblies mounted on the frame at spaced positions, first shafts journalled in pairs of the assemblies, second shafis journalled in such pairs of assemblies, a third shaft geared to the second shafts, lift arms mounted on the first shafts and adaptedfor connection. to a lifting means, control and controlled members mounted on thesecond shafts for operative engagement with the respective lift arms, and ififilllli oi lli filflsl fi c ilill $23fiiii2 a triangular-shaped block-with a ratchet affixed to one side of the block, the block having a number of operative points equal to the number of teeth forming the ratchet and the actuating levers being pivoted to the lift arms with a hooked end of the levers engaging a tooth of the ratchet upon lifting action of the lift arm, and each controlled member comprising a similar triangulat-shaped block, whereby upon the lift arms being connectedto a lift means and a lifting force exerted by such means, the levers actuate the control members to hold the lift arms at an article-lifting position or when the lifting force is released, the lift arms move to an article-release position.

2. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame is rectangular-shaped in plan.

3 A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein the third shaft 5 is geared tothe second shafts through bevel gears mounted on the shafts.

4. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein each lift arm has a depending part ending in a lift hook, a shoulder part, the respective end of the first shaft attached to the arm at a position between its said parts, an upwardly cranked end of the shoulder part having a hole for mounting a pin of a shackle of the lifting means, and a side pin positioned at the crank of the said end.

5. A jig as claimed in claim 4 wherein the control and controlled members are mounted on the second shafts for the periphery of a particular member to be located above an upper edge of the shoulder part of the particular lift arm.

6. A jig as claimed in claim 1 and further including a pawl pivoted to the particular assembly and positioned so as to engage a tooth of the particular ratchet in a tooth movement of the ratchet to hold the latter against contramovement.

7. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein the operative points of each triangular-shaped block is comprised by its three sides and three comers, a side engaging the upper edge of the shoulder part of the lift arm is at its article engaging position, or a point engaging such edge when the arm is at its article release position.

Y a: a a a: g

Claims

1. A jig for combination with a lifting means, the jig comprising a frame, a plurality of assemblies mounted on the frame at spaced positions, first shafts journalled in pairs of the assemblies, second shafts journalled in such pairs of assemblies, a third shaft geared to the second shafts, lift arms mounted on the first shafts and adapted for connection to a lifting means, control and controlled members mounted on the second shafts for operative engagement with the respective lift arms, and actuating levers pivoted to the lift arms for operating the control members, each control member comprising a triangularshaped block with a ratchet affixed to one side of the block, the block having a number of operative points equal to the number of teeth forming the ratchet and the actuating levers being pivoted to the lift arms with a hooked end of the levers engaging a tooth of the ratchet upon lifting action of the lift arm, and each controlled member comprising a similar triangular-shaped block, whereby upon the lift arms being connected to a lift means and a lifting force exerted by such means, the levers actuate the control members to hold the lift arms at an article-lifting position or when the lifting force is released, the lift arms move to an article-release position.

2. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame is rectangular-shaped in plan.

3. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein the third shaft is geared to the second shafts through bevel gears mounted on the shafts.

7. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein the operative points of each triangular-shaped block is comprised by its three sides and three corners, a side engaging the upper edge of the shoulder part of the lift arm is at its article engaging position, or a point engaging such edge when the arm is at its article release position.