WO1997046420A1

WO1997046420A1 - Roll bar and crane device

Info

Publication number: WO1997046420A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/009735
Authority: WO
Inventors: Malcolm Duncan
Original assignee: Swift Lift Incorporated
Priority date: 1996-06-06
Filing date: 1997-06-05
Publication date: 1997-12-11
Also published as: GB2333073B; CA2257426C; AU712345B2; GB2333073A; AU3377597A; WO1997046419A1; GB9900038D0; AU3477597A; CA2257496A1; AU712316B2; CA2257426A1

Abstract

This invention relates to a roll bar and crane device (10) comprising a first leg member (12) and a second leg member (14) both of which are attachable to a vehicle. A brace means (22) is provided for use in bracing at least one of the leg members in an upright configuration, the brace means (22) being at least partly releasably attached to the at least one leg member. The device also includes an elongate lifting member (76) defining a first and a second end region (102 and 100), the first end region (102) being releasably attached to the first leg member (12), the second end region (100) being attached to the second leg member (14) to allow the lifting member (76) to selectively pivot about both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, thereby allowing the device (10) to operate as a crane when the first end region (102) is released from the first leg member (12) and allowing the device (10) to operate as a roll bar when the first end region (102) is attached to the first leg member (12).

Description

ROLL BAR AND CRANE DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The device of the present invention generally relates to roll bars which are

primarily used on vehicles such as pickup trucks. More particularly, the

device of the present invention relates to a new and improved roll bar for

vehicles such as pickup trucks which also functions as a crane.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Roll bars are very commonly used in conjunction with various vehicles and

especially trucks such as pickup trucks. The roll bars are mounted on the

truck bed close to the passenger cab and function to help prevent the

crushing of the cab in the event the truck is accidentally overturned or rolled

over.

More recently, roll bars have been constructed in a manner whereby they

also function as a crane for selectively lifting and moving objects on and off

the truck bed. In one such prior roll bar and crane device, the upper

horizontal member of the roll bar is, at one end, pivotally connected so as

to turn about a vertical axis and, at its other end, is selectively detachable

from the roll bar lower portion. A hydraulic cylinder is also provided and

is pivotally connected to the horizontal member near the pivotable connection for selectively raising and lowering the horizontal member.

Thus, the roll bar upper horizontal member is selectively pivotable about a

vertical axis and is also selectively pivotable and movable vertically in a

manner whereby various objects can be selectively attached at the other end

of the horizontal member and selectively lifted and moved on and off the

truck bed.

The roll bar and crane devices of the past however have shortcomings and

drawbacks. These roll bar and crane devices are not aesthetically pleasing

and, therefore, are undesirable by many typical consumers. They are also

very large and bulky and are very difficult to be packed and transported to

the consumer for attachment to a vehicle or truck. Prior roll bar and crane

devices are also structurally inferior and are not readily, easily or safely

usable as a crane.

Accordingly, a need exists for a roll bar crane device which is aesthetically

pleasing, easily packable and transportable and which can be easily, readily

and safely used as both a roll bar and a crane.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to overcome or reduce at least some of the above-discussed disadvantages associated with the prior roll bar and

crane devices.

One such object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved

bar and crane device which is selectively dismantable so that it may be easily

packaged and transported and selectively re-assembled on a vehicle such as

a truck.

A further such object of the present invention is to provide a new and

improved roll bar and crane device which is aesthetically pleasing and

desirable.

A yet further such object of the present invention is to provide a new and

improved roll bar and crane device which is structurally reliable and which

is easily, readily and safely usable.

According to the present invention there is provided a roll bar and crane

device comprising a first leg member and a second leg member both of which

are attachable to a vehicle; brace means for in use bracing at least one of the

leg members in an upright configuration, the brace means being at least

partly releasably attached to the at least one leg member; an elongate lifting

member defining a first and a second end region; the first end region being releasably attached to the first leg member; the second end region being

attached to the second leg member to allow the lifting member to selectively

pivot about both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, thereby allowing the

device to operate as a crane when the first end region is released from the

first leg member and allowing the device to operate as a roll bar when the

first end region is attached to the first leg member.

Preferably the brace means in use braces each of the leg members in an

upright configuration. The brace means may form pan of each leg member,

each leg member defining a vertical leg; and a bracing leg operatively

extending downwardly at an angle from the vertical leg onto a support

surface; and the bracing leg being releasably attachable to the vertical leg to

form the brace means.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the brace means comprises a

connecting member for releasably connecting the first and second leg

members to each other.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a

roll bar and crane device comprising a first leg member and a second leg

member both of which are attachable to a vehicle; a connecting member for

releasably connecting the first and second leg members to each other; an elongate lifting member defining a first and a second end region; the first end

region being releasably attached to the first leg member; the second end

region being pivotally attached to the second leg member to allow the lifting

member to selectively pivot about both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis,

thereby allowing the device to operate as a crane when the first end region

is released from the first leg member and allowing the device to operate as

a roll bar when the first end region is attached to the first leg member.

The connecting member may comprise an elongate beam defining a first end

and a second end, the first end being releasably attachable to the first leg

member and the second end being releasably attachable to the second leg

member. The first end may be receivable in a socket formation provided on

the first leg member and the second end may be receivable in a socket

formation provided on the second leg member.

The device may also include securing means for releasably securing the

elongated connecting beam to the first and second leg members. In one

embodiment of the invention the securing means may comprise a number of

nut and bolt combinations; and holes provided in the socket formations and

the first and second ends, which holes are in use aligned to receive the bolts

therethrough to secure said socket formations to said ends. Alternatively or additionally the securing means may comprise beam

attachment plates at either end of the elongate connecting beam; leg

attachment plates on the first and second leg members; and locking members

in use provided through aligned holes in the beam attachment plates and the

leg attachment plates of the first and second leg members to lock the beam

attachment plates to the leg attachment plates. At least some of the plates

may comprise brace members, and preferably the beam attachment plates

comprise brace members. The locking members may comprise nut and bolt

combinations.

Each leg member may comprise a vertical leg and preferably it also includes

a bracing leg operatively extending downwardly at an angle from the upright

leg. The bracing leg is preferably releasably attachable to the veπical leg and

preferably a spigot and socket attachment is provided for releasably attaching

the bracing leg to the veπical leg. The bracing leg may also include a pad

and preferably the pad is releasably attachable to the bracing leg. A spigot

and socket formation may be provided for releasably attaching the pad to the

bracing leg. The upright leg may also include a pad.

The elongate lifting member may comprise a central region and first and

second end regions extending generally transversely from the central region

to provide the lifting member with a generally U-shaped configuration. The second end region of the elongate lifting member may also be releasably

attached to the second leg member. This feature in use enhances packaging

and packing of the device which in turn enhances transpoπing thereof.

The device may also include a pivot member attached to the second leg

member to pivot about a veπical axis of rotation; and the pivot member also

being pivotally attached to the second end region of the lifting member

allowing the lifting member to pivot about a horizontal axis.

The pivot member may include an elongate section longitudinally and

rotatably received in an elongate hollow veπical leg defined by the second

leg member. The pivot member may fuπher include a cap secured thereto

to extend over a rim defined by the veπical leg at the operatively upper end

thereof.

The pivot member may include a bracket for pivotally attaching the second

end region of the lifting member to the pivot member allowing the lifting

member to pivot about a horizontal axis. The bracket may be attached to

the cap.

The device may also include lever means for pivoting the lifting member

about the veπical axis of rotation. The lever means may comprise a lever releasably attachable to the device to pivot the lifting member about the

veπical axis of rotation.

The device may also include controlling means for controlling pivoting of

the lifting member about a veπical axis. The controlling means may

comprise locking mechanism for locking the lifting member in ceπain

positions as it pivots about the veπical axis.

The device may also comprise controlling means for controlling pivoting of

the lifting member about a horizontal axis. The controlling means may

comprise telescopic members which telescope into and out of each other as

the lifting member pivots about the horizontal axis. The controlling means

may include locking means for locking the lifting member in ceπain

positions as it pivots about the horizontal axis. In one preferred

embodiment of the invention the controlling means comprises means for

lifting the lifting member to pivot about the horizontal axis and preferably

the lifting means comprises a jack and preferably it comprises a hydraulic

jack.

The lifting member is shaped and sized so as to preferably not exceed or

extend beyond the overall shape of the vehicle cab as viewed from the

vehicle front or back. Additionally, cover members may be provided at each end region of the

lifting member to effectively hide or disguise from plain view the jack and

other components for operating the device as a crane. The cover members

may be made of materials such as wood, polyurethane or plastic and may be

attached to the lifting member at each end region thereof at least on one side

of the lifting member and preferably, facing the back of the vehicle to which

the device is in use mounted and placing the lifting member between the

cover members and the vehicle cab. In another preferred embodiment, at

least two cover members are provided at each end region of the lifting

member in a manner whereby the end regions are sandwiched therebetween.

A manually or electrically operable winch may be provided with the roll bar

and crane device and it may be attachable preferably either to the lifting

member or the connecting member connecting the leg members to each

other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Without thereby limiting the scope of the invention and by means of

example only embodiments thereof will now be fuπher described with

reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a rear view of a roll bar and crane device according to the

present invention and shown as would typically be seen from a

rear of a vehicle upon which the device is adapted to be

mounted;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the roll bar and crane device

of Figure 1 but including a winch and showing the device as

would be dismantled;

Figure 3 is a side view of the roll bar and crane device of Figure 1 but

with a modified leg structure and without any cover members

thereon;

Figure 4 is an enlarged rear view of pan of the roll bar and crane device

of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a paπial cross-sectional view of the roll bar and crane device

of Figure 1 taken along line 5-5;

Figure 6 is a paπial cross-sectional view of the roll bar and crane device

of Figure 4 taken along line 6-6; Figure 7 is a top plan view of the pivot member of Figure 6 without the

lifting member;

Figure 8a is a paπial side view of the roll bar and crane device of Figure 4

and depicting the pivot member and cap along with the locking

mechanism for selectively locking and preventing movement of

the lifting member about the veπical axis;

Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view of the poπion of the device of Figure 8a

taken along line 8b-8b;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the roll bar and crane device of Figure 3

showing possible motion of the lifting member about the veπical

axis in single dash lines and a vehicle upon which the device may

be mounted in double-single dash lines;

Figure 10 is a rear view of the device of Figure 9 showing the lifting

member movable in various different positions in dash lines and

a vehicle upon which the device may be mounted in double-

single dash lines;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the roll bar and crane device shown in Figure 3 mounted on a vehicle and wherein a winch is provided

on the connecting beam and shown being used for moving a log;

Figure 12 is a perspective view similar to Figure 11 but wherein the lifting

member has been released from the first leg member and the

winch rope operating via the lifting member;

Figure 13 is a rear view of a roll bar and crane device similar to that of

Figure 1 but incorporating different cover members sandwiching

the first and second end regions of the lifting member;

Figure 14 is a side view of the roll bar and crane device of Figure 13 and

showing the front and rear cover members sandwiching and

covering an end region of the lifting member;

Figure 15 ^• is a top plan view of the roll bar and crane device of Figures 13

and 14; and

Figure 16 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a roll bar and crane

device constructed in accordance with the principles of the

present invention. Corresponding reference numerals one used to denote corresponding pans.

The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the

invention in one form thereof and such exemplifications are not to be

construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or the scope of the

invention in any manner.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to Figure 1, a roll bar and crane device is generally

designated by the numeral 10 and is illustrated and shown fully assembled

and in the roll bar position. The device 10 includes a first leg member 12

and a second leg member 14 connected to each other by means of a

connecting member 16 extending therebetween to brace them in an upright

configuration. Each of the first and second leg members 12 and 14 includes

a veπical leg 18 with a pad 20 at the lower end thereof. Each of the first and

second leg members 12 and 14 also includes a bracing leg 22 which extends

downwardly at an angle from the upright leg 18 to suppoπ it in an upright

configuration. The bracing legs 22 are at their upper ends, affixed to the

upper ends of veπical legs 18 and at their lower ends include a pad 24.

Both veπical legs 18 and bracing legs 22 are made of steel tubular sections which are cut to length and bent as may be needed. The bracing legs 22 may

be affixed to the legs 18 by welding [Figure 3] or may be releasably attached

to the veπical legs 18 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Pads 20 and 24 are

preferably cut from plate steel material and are welded or otherwise affixed

by suitable means to the respective lower ends of veπical legs 18 and bracing

legs 24. Pads 20 and 24 are provided with holes (not shown) or other means

by which they may be ridgedly affixed to a vehicle bed 26 and/or a vehicle

wheel well 28 as, for example, shown in Figure 3. It is noted that in Figure

3 a typical vehicle such as a pickup truck is shown in double-single dash lines

including a cab 30, wheels 32, pickup bed walls 34 along with the pickup bed

26 and wheel wells 28.

As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, first and second leg members 12 and 14 are

each fuπher provided with cylindrical socket formations 36. The cylindrical

socket formations 36 are also made of steel tube material and are affixed as

shown generally to the upper poπion of each of the veπical legs 18 in a

position which is generally perpendicular to or 90° from the bracing legs 22.

Below socket formations 36, each of the first and second leg members 12 and

14 are provided with leg attachment plates 38 preferably made of plate steel.

At each of the first and second legs 12 and 14, the leg attachment plates 38

are affixed by welding or other suitable means to the cylindrical socket

formation 36. The cylindrical socket formations 36 and leg attachment plates 38 are also affixed to the veπical legs 22 by welding or other suitable means.

It is noted that, as best seen in Figure 5, the leg attachment plates 38 are

located slightly to the left or right of a plane extending centrally through

both the cylindrical socket formation 36 and veπical legs 18. Holes 40 are

provided and extend through cylindrical socket formations 36 and holes 42

are provided and extend through the leg attachment plates 38.

The connecting member 16 is an elongate beam made of steel tube material

having a sufficient diameter and thickness and being cut to the proper length.

The beam 16 defines first and second ends defining, reduced diameter

poπions 44 having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter

of cylindrical socket formations 36 and, fuπher, having a longitudinal length

which is adapted to be substantially totally received within the cylindrical

socket formations 36. Holes 46 are also provided on the reduced diameter

poπions 44 and are fully received within the cylindrical socket formations,

36, holes 44 and holes 40 become aligned with respect one another.

At each end of beam 16, there are also provided beam attachment plates in

the form of brace members 48 which are made of plate steel material and

which are generally triangularly shaped. Each brace members 48 is affixed

to the central beam 16 along a poπion of one leg of the triangularly shape

thereof as shown by welding or other suitable means. Along the other leg of the brace member 48 triangularly shape, a plurality of holes 50 are

provided and are located such that when the reduced diameter poπions 44

are fully received within the cylindrical socket formations 36, the respective

brace members 48 are located adjacent the leg attachment plates 38 as shown

in Figure 5 and, fuπher, the holes 50 of brace members 48 are aligned with

the holes 42 of leg attachment plates 38.

As can now be appreciated, the beam 16 is selectively releasably attachable

to the first and second leg members 12 and 14. Fuπhermore, for attachment

of the beam 16 to the respective first and second leg members 12 and 14, the

respective ends of the beam 16 are joined with the respective first and second

leg members 12 and 14 by placing the reduced diameter poπions 44 within

the cylindrical socket formations 36 and the brace members 48 adjacent the

leg attachment plates 38. In this position, the leg members 12 and 14 are

secured to the beam 16 with locking members in the form of bolt and nut

combinations 52 received through aligned holes 42 and 50 and locking

members in the form of nut bolt combinations 54 received through aligned

holes 40 and 46. As shown in Figure 5 and similar to leg attachment plates

38, the brace members 48 are located slightly to the left or right of a plane

extending centrally along both the cylindrical socket formations 36 and

veπical legs 18. The bracing legs 22 may be welded to the veπical legs 18 as shown in Figure

3. In a preferred embodiment of the invention (as shown especially in Figure

2) the bracing legs 22 are selectively releasably attachable to the veπical legs

18. This enhances packing, packaging and transpoπ of the device 10 and also

allows different size and shape bracing legs 22 to be used for adapting the

device 10 to be used with various different vehicles and truck beds. The

interconnection between bracing legs 22 and vcπical legs 18 can be similar

to the interconnection between the beam 16 and veπical legs 18.

In a preferred embodiment as best shown in Figure 2 each bracing leg 22 is

releasably attachable to the vcπical leg 18 by means of a spigot and socket

attachment. As shown in Figure 2 a spigot formation 22.1 with a reduced

diameter poπion 22.3 is provided on each veπical leg 18 and a socket

formation 22.4 is provided in the bracing leg 22 for receiving the poπion

22.3 therein.

Each pad 24 is also releasably attachable to the bracing leg 22 by means of

a spigot and socket attachment 22.5 to 22.7 similar to the spigot and socket

attachment 22.1 to 22.4. This feature also allows the pad 24 to be rotated

prior to securing it, in order that it extends generally horizontally [as shown

in the drawings! or generally vcπically if it is so required [not shown]. The

pad 24 can thus be secured to a generally horizonal surface or a generally vertical surface.

Referring now more paπicularly to Figure 2, 4 and 6-8b, the roll bar and

crane device 10 includes a pivot member 56 attached or attachable to the

second leg member 14. Pivot member 56 includes inner tube section 58 also

made of steel tubular material and cut to length. At its upper end, inner

tube section 58 is closed with a disk portion 60. As best seen in Figures 6

and 8b, inner tube member 58 has an outer diameter which is slightly smaller

than the inner diameter of a venical leg 18 of the second leg member 14.

Accordingly, inner tube member 58 is freely roiatably about a vcπical axis

62 within the vertical leg 18. At the upper end of pivot member 56 there is

also provided a cap 64 including a cylindrical portion 66. Cap 64 is provided

with a hole 68 through which the inner tube section 58 extends. Cap 64 is

also made of steel and inner tube member 58 and cap 64 arc welded together

as best seen in Figures 6 and 8b thereby forming a cylindrical channel 70

therebetween. The inner diameter of cylindrical poπion 66 is slightly larger

than the outer diameter of vcπical leg 18 and the upper poπion of vcπical

leg 18 is received within the channel 70. The upper annular surface or rim

72 abuts and slides on the annular surface 74 located on the cap 64 and

between the inner tube section 58 and the cylindrical poπion 66. As can be

appreciated, annular surfaces 72 and 74 arc vcπically bearing so as to transfer

vertical forces downwardly from the cap 64 to ihc vertical leg 18. Grease and/or other lubricating oil can be placed within and between channel 70 for

decreasing the friction between the components as the cap 64 and inner tube

section 58 are rotated about the vertical axis 62 and over the vertical leg 18.

Grease nippels [not shown] may be provided for this purpose.

Alternatively and more preferably, the thrust or vertical downward forces

and pivotal motion about vertical axis 62 is more easily accomplished with

structure such as that shown at the bottom of vertical leg 18 in Figure 4.

Here, the inner tube section 58 is provided with a cap or an otherwise disc

surface 59 at its lower end thereof. Below cap 59 there is provided a thrust

bearing, washer or disc 61. Thrust bearing 61 can be made of Teflon or

other similar structurally ridged low friction materials. Thrust bearing 61,

in combination with the lower poπion of inner tube section 58, thus allows

the pivot member 56 to more easily and freely rotate about the veπical axis

62. Grease and/or other lubricating oil can be placed at this position.

Grease nippels may again be provided for this purpose.

As more fully described hereinbelow, an elongate lifting member 76 which

also functions as the upper pan of the roll bar is pivotally connected to the

pivot member 56 and with the pivot member it is rotatable about veπical

axis of rotation 62. In this regard, a controlling means in the form of a

locking mechanism generally designated by the numeral 78 is provided and functions to selectively lock the pivot member 56 and elongate lifting

member in a plurality of distinct positions as they pivot about veπical axis

62. Locking mechanism 78 includes a generally square channel 80 also made

of steel and affixed to the vcπical leg 18 by welding or other suitable means.

Square channel 80 is open at its upper end and is closed at its lower end.

Square channel 80 includes an elongate slot 82. A tongue member 84 is

slidingly received within the square channel 80 and a compression spring 86

is located within and at the lower end of square channel 80 for biassing or

pushing the tongue member 84 vertically upwardly. As best seen in Figure

8a, compression spring 86 pushes tongue member 84 vertically upwardly and

within one of a plurality of slots 87 located in the cylindrical portion 66 of

cap 64.

As can be appreciated, when tongue member 84 is in its upper position as

shown in Figures 8a and 8b and is received within a channel 87, rotation of

the pivot member 56 and lifting member 76 about vertical axis 62 is

effectively prevented. For allowing such pivotal motion, a threaded rod 88

is provided and is affixed to the tongue member 84 and extends out of the

square channel 80 through the elongate slot 82. A knob 90 having a

threaded bore is thrcadingly received on threaded rod 88 and is selectively

thrcadingly turned for frictionally engaging and sandwiching the outer wall

of square channel 80 between tongue member 84 and knob 90. As should now be evident, by first turning and loosening knob 90, the knob 90 and

tongue member 84 can be pushed and forced downwardly against the force

of compression spring 86 and out of the slots 87 of cylindrical portion 66.

By turning and tightening knob 90 while tongue 84 is in its lowermost

position, tongue 84 can be retained thereat and thereby allowing the pivot

member 56 and lifting member 76 to freely rotate about the vertical axis of

rotation 62. However, by turning and loosening knob 90 compression

spring 86 again forces tongue member 84 upwardly and into one of the

plurality of slots 87 thereby again stopping or limiting pivotal motion of the

pivot member 56 and lifting member 76 about the vertical axis of rotation

62.

As best seen in Figure 2, at the lower end of inner tube section 58, a

horizontal slot 92 is provided and is adapted to receive a bolt 94

therethrough after inner tube member 58 has been fully inserted within the

vertical leg 18. A threaded hole (not shown) is located through vertical leg

18 which is aligned with horizontal slot 92 when inner tube member 58 is

fully inserted into vertical leg 18. Bolt 94 is threadingly received through the

threaded hole of vertical leg 18 and extends through the horizontal slot 92

of inner tube section 58.

At the upper end of pivot member 56, a pair of gussets 96 forming a bracket are provided to extend generally over cap 64. Gussets 96 are preferably made

of plate steel material and arc affixed to cap 64 by welding or other suitable

means. For additional strength, gussets 96 arc also affixed to the upper end

of inner tube section 58 extending up and through the cap 64. In this regard,

a pair of spacers 98 are located between each of the gussets 96 and the upper

portion of inner tube member 58 and, preferably, gussets 96, spacers 98 and

the upper end of inner tube member 58 are affixed to one another by

welding or other suitable means. It is noted that spacers 98 are provided for

locating gussets 96 apart from one another at a desired distance and different

size spacers may be incorporated or the spacers themselves can be totally

eliminated if desired. As best shown in Figure 4, apertures 96.1 are

provided in each of the gussets 96 and in use a lever [not shown] can be

inserted in the apertures 96.1 to rotate the pivot member 56 and lifting

member 76 about the vertical axis 62. The apertures 96.1 and lever define

a lever means.

The elongate lifting member 76 comprises a central region 101, a first end

region 102, and a second end region 100, the end regions extending generally

transversely from the central region 101 to provide the lifting member 76

with a generally U-shaped configuration. Lifting member 76 is also made

of steel tubing material and is formed preferably by bending the steel tubing

for forming the second and first end regions 100 and 102. The end of second end region 100 is partially located between gussets 96 and includes a hole

which is aligned with holes at the upper end of gussets 96 and through which

a bolt 104 extends. Bolt 104 is secured and is retained in place by a nut 106.

As should now be evident, the lifting member 76 is pivotable about bolt 104

and about a horizontal axis of rotation 108a.

The device 10 also includes a controlling means for controlling pivoting of

the lifting member 76 about the horizontal axis of rotation 108a and the

controlling means comprises a hydraulic jack or cylinder 108 pivotally

connected between the upper portion of pivot member 56 and the lifting

member 76. Hydraulic jack 108 includes a fluid pumping mechanism 110

including a pump handle receiving cylinder 112, a pressure release valve

control port, and a cylinder 116 which is selectively tclcscopically extendable

and retractable. A pump handle (not shown) is received in a know and

customary manner within pump handle receiving cylinder 112 and is

selectively oscillated for pumping the hydraulic jack 108 and causing the

cylinder 116 to be extended. A valve control handle 118 is received in and

coupled with the valve control port 114 in a manner whereby the turning oi

handle 118 selectively releases the pressure within hydraulic jack 108 and

causes the cylinder 116 to be retracted.

The base 120 of hydraulic jack 108 is located between a portion of the gussets 96 and is provided with a hole which is aligned with holes in the

gussets 96 and which receive therethrough a nut and bolt combination 122.

Accordingly, hydraulic jack 108 may pivot about the nut and bolt

combination 122. At the other end of hydraulic jack 108, cylinder 116 is

pivotally connected to gussets 124 through the use of a nut and bolt

combination 126. Gussets 124 are generally triangularly shaped and

preferably made of plate steel and are affixed to the lifting member 76 by

welding or other suitable means. In this regard, the upper part of cylinder

116 is provided with a hole which is aligned with holes located on the

gussets 124 and the nut and bolt combination 126 is received therethrough

for securing and allowing pivotal motion between cylinder 116 and gussets

124.

In yet another alternative preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the

horizonal axis of rotation is located on the central region 101 of lifting

member 76. In this embodiment, the pivot member 56 is constructed with

the second end region 100 of the lifting member 76, directly affixed to the

gussets 96 thereby forming part of the pivot member 56. Second end region

100 is affixed to both gussets 96 and cap 64 by welding or other suitable

means. At its upper end the second end region 100 is cut away from the

central region 101 and pivot gussets 125 are provided on both sides of the

second end region 100 and central region 101. Pivot gussets 125 are affixed to the central region 101 by welding or other suitable means. Pivot gussets

125 are also pivotally connected to the hydraulic cylinder 116 via nut and

bolt combination 126 and are also pivotally connected to second end region

100 via a nut and bolt combination 123. As can be appreciated, in this

embodiment the pivot member 56 is effectively lengthened and the

horizontal axis of rotation of the lifting member 76 extends coaxially

through the nut and bolt combination 123. Thus, by selectively extending

or retracting the cylinder 116 of hydraulic jack 108, lifting member 76 is

selectively pivoted about nut and bolt combination 123.

The device of Figure 16 also includes a controlling mechanism in the form

of a locking mechanism 123 which is an alternative to the locking

mechanism 78. In this case a flange formation 123.1 with apertures 123.2

therein is provided on the vertical leg 18. A sleeve 123.4 with a pin 123.5 is

slidingly received through the sleeve 123.4 to engage and disengage the

apertures 123.2. The pin 123.5 includes a transverse arm 123.6 which in use

engages a hook formation 123.7 to retain the pin 123.5 in a upward position

wherein it is disengaged from the apertures 123.2 thereby allowing the lifting

member 76 to freely rotate about the vertical axis. To arrest rotation of the

lifting member 76 about the vertical axis the pin 123.5 is inserted into a

suitable aperture 123.2. Referring again to the device 10 of Figures 1 and 2 the first end region 102

of the lifting member 76 is provided with an eyelet 128 which is received

within the vertical leg 18 of the first leg member 12 whenever the lifting

member 76 is attached to the first leg member 12 as shown in Figure 1.

Alternatively [not shown] a hook formation may be provided in stead of the

eyelet 128. Additionally, the first end region 102 of the lifting member 76

is releasably secured to the vertical leg 18 of first leg member 12 by a latch

103.

From the foregoing, it should now be evident that lifting member 76 can be

placed in a roll bar position by attaching the first end region 102 to the first

leg member 12 as shown in Figure 1. In the alternative, the first end region

102 can be released from the first leg member 12 allowing the lifting member

76 to be used for lifting objects as may be needed or desired. The lifting

member 76 can be placed in various different positions as may be needed and

the versatility and some of the various positions arc depicted and shown in

Figures 9 and 10 in dash lines.

Referring now to Figures 2, 11 and 12 a means such as a winch 30 for

winding up or paying out an elongate flexible member is provided and is

located and mounted cither on the lifting member 76 or the beam 16.

Winch 130 is preferably operated by an electric motor although is it also contemplated that hand operated winches can also be used. The winch 130

is affixed to the beam 16 or lifting member 76 by welding, bolts, and/or

with other suitable means. Winch 130 includes an elongate flexible member

such as rope or steel cable 132 which is extendable and selectively retractable

in a known and customary manner. As shown in Figure 11, the rope or

steel cable 132 can be extended and used while the roll bar and crane device

10 is operating as a roll bar. In the alternative, when the roll bar and crane

device 10 is used as a crane, the rope or steel cable 132 can be extended

through eyelet 128 for pulling and lifting objects such as a log 134.

So as to provide a more aesthetically pleasing roll bar and crane device and

provide for greater safety during operation of the device as a crane, as shown

in Figures 1 and 2, there arc provided first and second cover members 136

and 138. Cover members 136 and 138 arc shaped generally as mirror images

of one another and having curvilinear outer portion 140 having a shape quite

similar that of lifting member 76 near its respective end regions 100 and 102.

Cover members 136 and 138 also include an inner arm portion 142. An

opening 144 is provided and is located between the curvilinear outer portions

140 and the inner arm portion 142. The cover members 136 and 138 may

be made of wood, polyurcthanc, plastic or other suitable materials and arc

affixed to one side of the lifting member 76 as best shown in Figure 1. The

cover members 136 and 138 arc affixed by fasteners such as screws, adhesives and/or other suitable means. The inner arm portion 142 of cover member

138 functions to generally cover or disguise the hydraulic jack 108 from plain

view while the inner arm portion 142 of the cover member 136 functions

only for aesthetics with respect to the overall appearance of the roll bar and

crane device 10.

The inner arm portion 142 of the cover member 138 is also provided with

a slot 146 wherethrough the valve control handle 118 extends for

interconnection within the valve control port. It is noted that he pump

handle (not shown) is also inserted through the slot 146 when placing within

the pump handle receiving cylinder 112 of the hydraulic jack 108. The slot

146 is located and is sized so that the pump handle and the valve control

handle 118 extend through the slot 146 and move therein relative to the

motion of cover member 138 as the cylinder 116 is extended retracted. In

the alternative, hydraulic jack 108 can be provided with the fluid pumping

mechanism 110 and the pump handle receiving cylinder 112 on the opposite

side of the hydraulic jack 108 shown in Figure 2. In such an embodiment,

only the valve control handle 118 extends through the slot 146 and the

pump handle is inserted into the pump handle receiving cylinder 112 through

the cover opening 144. This embodiment is best seen in Figure 1 where the

pump handle receiving cylinder 112 is slightly visible through the cover

opening 144. An additional cover member 148, also made of the same materials as the

cover members 136 and 138, is also provided but is generally kidney shaped.

Cover member 148 is affixed to the upper poπion of pivot member 56,

namely to one of the gusset members 96 or cap 64 with fasteners such as

screws, adhesives and/or other suitable means. Thus, cover member 148

remains stationary while cover member 138 and lifting member 76 may be

pivoted.

In an alternative embodiment as shown in Figures 13, 14 and 15, a first

forward cover member 150 is provided on the other side of the lifting

member 76 and the first cover member 136. Similarly, a second forward

cover member 152 is provided on the other side of lifting member 76 and the

second cover member 138. First forward cover member 150 is essentially a

mirror image of first cover member 136 and second forward cover member

152 is essentially a mirror image of a second cover member 138. In this

embodiment, however, cover members 136, 138, 150 and 152 are most

preferably made of plastic by injection molding or vacuum forming and/or

forming a polyurcthane. When assembled to the lifting member 76, cover

members 136 and 150 sandwich and enclose at least a part of the first end

region 102, and cover members 138 and 152 sandwich and enclose at least a

portion of the second end region 100. Here, the covers are affixed to the

lifting member 76 and/or the opposing cover members with fasteners such as screws, adhesives and other suitable means.

Finally, it is noted that the overall shape of the lifting member 76 and the

cover members 136, 138, 150 and 152 arc shaped as generally shown, similar

to, and at least somewhat smaller than the vehicle cab adjacent thereto.

In Figure 9 there are depicted pads 20 at the lower end of vertical legs 18 of

a substantially larger size. These pads 20 provide a greater surface area and

distribute the forces of the roll bar and crane device 10 over a larger surface

area of the vehicle bed 26.

While the invention has been described as having specific embodiments, it

will be understood that it is capable of further modifications. This

application is therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptions

of the invention following the present disclosure as come within known or

customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains and fall within

the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS;

1. A roll bar and crane device comprising a first leg member and a

second leg member both of which are attachable to a vehicle;

brace means for in use bracing at least one of the leg members in

an upright configuration, the brace means being at least partly

releasably attached to the at least one leg member; an elongate

lifting member defining a first and a second end region; the first

end region being releasably attached to the first leg member; the

second end region being attached to the second leg member to

allow the lifting member to selectively pivot about both a

vertical axis and a horizontal axis, thereby allowing the device to

operate as a crane when the first end region is released from the

first leg member and allowing the device to operate as a roll bar

when the first end region is attached to the first leg member.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the brace means in use braces

each of the leg members in an upright configuration.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the brace means form part of each

leg member, each leg member defining a vertical leg; and a

bracing leg operatively extending downwardly at an angle from the vertical leg; and the bracing leg being releasably attachable to

the vertical leg to form the brace means.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the brace means comprises a

connecting member for releasably connecting the first and second

leg members to each other.

5. A roll bar and crane device comprising a first leg member and a

second leg member both of which arc attachable to a vehicle; a

connecting member for releasably connecting the first and second

leg members to each other; an elongate lifting member defining

a first and a second end region; the first end region being

releasably attached to the first leg member; the second end

region being pivotally attached to the second leg member to

allow the lifting member to selectively pivot about both a

vertical axis and a horizontal axis, thereby allowing the device to

operate as a crane when the first end region is released from the

first leg member and allowing the device to operate as a roll bar

when the first end region is attached to the first leg member.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the connecting member comprises

an elongate beam defining a first end and a second end, the first end being releasably attachable to the first leg member and the

second end being releasably attachable to the second leg member.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the first end of the elongate beam

is receivable in a socket formation provided on the first leg

member and the second end is receivable in a socket formation

provided on the second leg member.

8. The device of claim 7 which includes securing means for

releasably securing the elongate beam to the first and second leg

members.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the securing means comprises a

number of nut and bolt combinations; and holes provided in the

socket formations and the first and second ends, which holes in

the socket formations and first and second ends are in use

aligned to receive the bolts therethrough to secure said socket

formations to said ends.

10. The device of claim 8 wherein the securing means comprises

beam attachment plates at either end of the elongate beam; leg

attachment plates on the first and second leg members; and locking members in use provided through aligned holes in the

beam attachment plates and the leg attachment plates to lock the

beam attachment plates to the leg attachment plates.

11. The device of claim 5 wherein each leg member comprises a

vertical leg and a bracing leg operatively extending downwardly

at an angle from the upright leg.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the bracing leg is releasably

attachable to the vertical leg.

13. The deice of claim 12 wherein a spigot and socket attachment is

provided for releasably attaching the bracing leg to the vertical

leg.

14. The device of claim 11 wherein the bracing leg includes a pad

which is releasably attachable to the bracing leg.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein a spigot and socket formation is

provided for releasably attaching the pad to the bracing leg.

16. The device of claim 5 wherein the elongate lifting member comprises a central region and first and second end regions

extending generally transversely from the central region to

provide the lifting member with a generally U-shaped

configuration.

17. The device of claim 5 wherein the second end region of the

elongate lifting member is releasably attached to the second leg

member.

18. The device of claim 5 which includes a pivot member attached

to the second leg member to pivot about a veπical axis of

rotation; and the pivot member also being pivotally attached to

the second end region of the lifting member allowing the lifting

member to pivot about a horizontal axis.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein the pivot member includes an

elongate section longitudinally and rotatably received in an

elongate hollow vcπical leg defined by the second leg member

and the pivot member fuπhcr including a cap secured to the

elongate section to extend over a rim defined by the vcπical leg

at the operatively upper end thereof.

20. The device of claim 5 which includes controlling means for

controlling pivoting of the lifting member about a vertical axis.

21. The device of claim 20 wherein the controlling means comprises

a locking mechanism for locking the lifting member in ccπain

positions as it pivots about the vertical axis.

22. The device of any one of the preceding claims which includes

controlling means for controlling pivoting of the lifting member

about a horizontal axis.

23. The device of claim 22 wherein the controlling means comprises

a hydraulic jack for lifting the lifting member to pivot about the

horizontal axis.

24. The device of claim 23 which includes cover members at each

end region of the lifting member to hide the jack from plain

view.