WO2023026174A1 - Lifting device for manhole cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A lifting device (1) for lifting and moving a manhole cover (8; 8') comprises a lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302), a handle (3) connected to the lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302) and bearing at one end a grip (4) through which to operate the lifting device (1), a support (6; 206) configured to support at least one tool (7) through which to hook the manhole cover (8; 8') to be lifted, wherein the support (6; 206) is slidingly connected to the lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302), connecting members (19; 119; 219) configured to mutually connect the support (6; 206) to the lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302) and to selectively adjust the positioning of the support (6; 206) along a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302) along a first direction (10; 110; 210; 310) and/or along a second direction (16), wherein the first direction (10; 110; 210; 310) and the second direction (16) are orthogonal to each other.

Description

LIFTING DEVICE FOR MANHOLE COVER

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The present invention relates to a lifting device for lifting and moving manhole covers or similar closing elements.

The use of manhole covers or similar closing elements is known in order to occlude an access opening to an underlying duct or to a well, wherein this opening is placed along a road surface or a walkable surface, positioned flush or substantially at thread of the same.

The manhole covers can have different shapes and sizes, for example square, rectangular, circular, depending on the opening to be occluded, and are united by a high weight that makes it difficult to lift and move them to free the opening occluded by them.

Lifting devices are known for lifting and moving manhole covers configured as a lever element comprising a lifting portion to which a tool is operatively connected through which to hook a manhole cover and a handle through which a user can operate the lifting device to apply the force for lifting the manhole cover, the driving force.

These lifting devices have a fulcrum interposed between the lifting portion and the handle, around which the lifting device can be operated in rotation to determine the lifting of the manhole cover.

As is known, the physical principle of the lever allows to multiply the force exerted by a user at the gripping portion (driving force) to allow the manhole cover to be raised, thus overcoming its resisting force.

The hooking tool can be of the mechanical type, for example a hook or similar or of the magnetic type if the manhole cover is made of ferromagnetic material.

Unlike a mechanical type tool, a magnetic type gripping tool ensures an effective grip of a manhole cover in the absence of any engagement seat.

As mentioned, manhole covers can differ from each other due to their size and overall weight. To allow the use of the same lifting device with manhole covers of different sizes, it is known to provide a system for adjusting the position of the tool along the lifting portion.

Document KR100965938B1 describes a lifting device for lifting and handling manhole covers which has a lifting portion comprising a telescopic support at one free end of which there is a hook to be used for gripping and lifting a manhole cover. By varying the length of the telescopic support, it is possible to change the gripping point at which to attach the manhole cover.

A drawback affecting this lifting device concerns the use of a screw clamping device that mutually constrains the movable telescopic portion with respect to the fixed portion, which must be unscrewed from time to time to allow the extension of the telescopic arm to be adjusted and of the tool connected to it and, therefore, screwed back to fix the telescopic arm in position.

If the clamping device is not properly tightened it could cause an accident when lifting the manhole cover.

Documents JPS-6176844U and US 7503743B1 disclose further embodiments of a manhole lifting device comprising a hooking tool whose position can be adjusted, albeit in a limited way.

In the sector there is a need to have a lifting device for lifting a manhole cover which is not affected by the drawbacks of the traditional solutions described above.

The purpose of the present invention is to allow in a simple, efficient and practical way the hooking and lifting of manhole covers, even of different sizes, by means of a lifting device.

Another object of the present invention is to adjust the position of a tool for hooking a lifting device as a function of the size and/or weight of a manhole cover to be lifted by means of this lifting device.

A further object of the present invention is to ensure a high flexibility of use of a lifting device for manhole covers.

Yet another object of the invention is to ensure easy use of the lifting device and to ensure the maintenance of a safety distance for a user with respect to an opening released following the lifting and removal of a manhole cover.

A further object of the present invention is to allow a practical adjustment of the position of a hooking tool along a lifting portion of a lifting device, being able to proceed with bare hands without requiring the use of any tool or tool to disassemble and reposition components of the lifting device through which to connect the hooking tool to the lifting device itself.

The specific object of the invention is a lifting device for lifting and moving a manhole cover, wherein the lifting device comprises a lifting portion, a handle connected to the lifting portion and having at one end a handle through which to operate the lifting device, a support configured to support at least one tool through which to hook the manhole cover to be lifted, wherein the support is slidingly connected to the lifting portion, connecting members configured to mutually connect the support to the lifting portion and to selectively adjust positioning the support along a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the lifting portion along a first direction and/or along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connecting members can comprise a connecting pin which passes through the support to the lifting portion, the support being housed inside a gap delimited in the lifting portion, the connecting pin being movable selectively along a third direction between a locking position, wherein it constrains the support in position to the lifting portion along the first direction and the second direction, and a displacement position wherein it allows the movement of the support relative to the lifting portion along the first direction and/or along the second direction.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the connecting pin can engage through first delimited slots passing through opposite side walls of the lifting portion, wherein the first slots extend along the first direction and wherein the connecting pin engages through at least one second delimited slot passing through the support, wherein the at least one second slot extends along the support along the second direction.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the first slots can be toothed and delimit a plurality of first linear sections alternating with first through openings, the first through openings defining a plurality of predetermined positions wherein to position and hold the connecting pin and the support along the first direction, wherein the at least one second slot is notched-shaped and defines a plurality of second linear sections alternating with second through openings, wherein the second through openings selectively face respective of the first through openings and define a plurality of predetermined positions wherein to selectively position and hold the support along the second direction.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connecting pin can extend along the third direction and has enlarged sections which extend spaced apart along the third direction, an intermediate section interposed between the enlarged sections and an external end section which extends outward from the lifting portion, wherein the enlarged sections are positioned along the connecting pin so that when the connecting pin is in the locked position, each of the enlarged sections engages respective between the first through openings and the second through openings, wherein the first through openings and the second through openings engaged by the connecting pin are mutually aligned along the third direction. According to a further aspect of the invention, the intermediate section and the outer end section can each have a cross section of a smaller area with respect to an amplitude of the first linear sections of the first slots and of the second linear sections of the at least one second slot in a manner such that when the connecting pin is placed in the displacement position, the intermediate portion and the outer end portion engage the first slots and the at least one second slot, allowing a selective sliding of the connecting pin and of the support along the first direction and of the support along the second direction.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the enlarged sections can be connected to the intermediate section and to the external end section by means of bevels, wherein the bevels promote a movement of the connecting pin through the first through openings and the second through openings along the third direction.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connecting members can comprise at least one elastic element fitted along the connecting pin and operatively connected to one of the support portion and the support in such a way as to keep the connecting pin in the locked position.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one elastic element is positioned externally to the lifting portion and wherein the at least one elastic element is held between a side of the lifting portion and a retaining ring connected to the connecting pin in correspondence of an opposite end of the connecting pin to which the knob is connected or wherein the at least one elastic element is held between the knob and a side of the lifting portion along which the knob faces or wherein the at least one element elastic is housed inside the support, wherein the support is configured as a hollow tubular element, and the connecting members comprise a retaining ring held in position along an annular seat formed along the connecting pin so that the ring holding device is retained housed inside the support.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the lifting portion can comprise two arm elements mutually connected in a spaced apart position, wherein the arm elements delimit a gap along which the support is selectively movable.

According to another aspect of the invention, the lifting device can comprise a further tool, removably connectable to the lifting portion and configured to exert a further gripping action of the manhole cover when the manhole cover is hooked to the lifting portion, wherein the further tool comprises a body connectable to the lifting portion and a support element hinged to one end of the body. According to a further aspect of the invention, the body can comprise a central wall at the ends of which side walls protrude, the central wall delimits through seats each configured to house a respective one of the bottom portions of the lifting portion and wherein each of the side walls has at least one protrusion that extends from a bottom end of each of the side walls and is configured to abut and grab against a top surface of a manhole cover when the manhole cover is hooked to the lifting device and positioned in a raised position, perpendicular to a road surface.

The advantages offered by a lifting device for lifting and handling manhole covers according to the invention are evident.

The lifting device according to the invention comprises a lifting portion in turn comprising a mobile support to which a hooking tool is connected, through which a manhole cover to be lifted can be hooked.

In particular, the position of the support along the lifting portion is adjustable along at least two directions, perpendicular to each other.

Varying the positioning of a coupling tool along the lifting portion of a lifting device allows you to adjust the coupling point of a manhole cover according to the size and weight of the manhole cover itself, allowing to optimize the driving force to be applied to the manhole lifting device.

Furthermore, the lifting device according to the invention allows the position of a hooking tool to be extremely easily adjusted without requiring the use of any tool or tool or the need to disassemble and reassemble any component of the lifting device to operate this adjustment.

The present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the Figures of the attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lifting device for manhole covers according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a detailed perspective view of some components of the lifting device according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of a detail of some components of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a side schematic view of a possible movement of a component of the lifting device according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic side perspective view of some components of the lifting device according to the invention in two limit positions that can be reached along the lifting device;

Figures 6 show a detailed top view of some components of the lifting device, in particular these components are shown in a locked position (Figure 6A) and in a displacement position (Figure 6B);

Figures 7 show a detailed top view of a further embodiment of some components of the lifting device, in particular these components are shown in a locked position (Figure 7A) and in a displacement position (Figure 7B);

Figure 8 shows a top view of a further embodiment of some components of the lifting device, in a locked position;

Figure 9 shows a detailed perspective view of a further embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a component that can be connected to a lifting device for manhole covers according to the invention;

Figure 11 shows the component in Figure 10 connected to a lifting device for manhole covers according to the invention;

Figure 12 shows a side view of a manhole cover raised by the lifting device according to the invention to which the component of Figure 10 is connected.

With reference to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of a lifting device for lifting and handling manhole covers according to the invention 1 can be observed, hereinafter referred to as lifting device 1 for the sake of brevity.

The lifting device 1 comprises a lifting portion 2 to which a tool can be connected for hooking and holding a manhole cover to be lifted and a handle 3 bearing at one end a grip 4 through which to operate the lifting device 1.

The lifting portion 2 and the handle 3 are hinged directly to each other, to adjust the inclination of the handle 3 with respect to the lifting portion 2 between a plurality of predetermined positions.

The lifting device 1 is configured as a first degree lever and has a fulcrum interposed between the lifting portion 2 and the handle 3.

The lifting device 1 is configured in such a way that the lifting portion 2 is the minor arm of the lever while the handle 3 is the major arm. The lifting device 1 comprises locking members 5 configured to selectively adjust and lock the position of the handle 3 with respect to the lifting portion 2 between a plurality of predetermined positions.

The locking members 5 are not illustrated in detail in the attached Figures since they do not form a specific object of the invention.

The lifting device 1 comprises a support 6 configured to support at least one tool 7 through which to hook a manhole cover 8 to be lifted.

The support 6 is movably connected to the lifting portion 2, so as to be selectively movable along two directions perpendicular to each other.

The methods of connecting the at least one tool 7 to the support 6 are within the reach of the person skilled in the art and do not form a specific object of the invention.

The movement of the support 6 relative to the lifting portion 2 allows you to adjust the position of the tool 7 relative to the lifting portion 2, to position the tool 7 in an ideal position with respect to the coupling point of a manhole cover 8.

The attached Figure 1 illustrates, by way of example but not of limitation, a tool 7 configured as a magnetic gripping head which can be used to hook and hold a ferromagnetic manhole cover.

A similar tool 7 allows you to hook a manhole cover 8 without requiring a seat wherein to engage the tool 7 itself. Obviously, a magnetic gripping head can be used with ferromagnetic manhole covers.

It is understood that further configurations of the tool 7 are possible, not illustrated in the attached Figures, configured for example as a hook that can be mechanically connected to the support 6, through which to hook a manhole cover 8.

The lifting portion 2 comprises two arm elements 9 which extend along a first direction 10 and laterally delimit the lifting portion 2, from opposite sides.

The two arm elements 9 are mutually connected in a spaced apart position, so as to delimit a gap wherein the support 6 can be slidably housed, as better described below.

Preferably, the two arm elements 9 are equal to each other, to the advantage of a containment of the production costs of the lifting portion 2.

According to a preferred embodiment, the two arm elements 9 are connected to each other in a removable way, for example by means of bolted connections, to allow their separation and facilitate their maintenance. By way of non-limiting example, the arm elements 9 are connected at opposite ends relative to the first direction 10 by means of bolted connections, with the interposition of a first spacer 11 and at least a second spacer 12, both configured to maintain the two arm elements 9 in position, mutually spaced (see Figure 2).

The connection methods between the arm elements 9 are considered within the reach of the person skilled in the art and will therefore not be described more in detail.

According to an alternative embodiment, the two arm elements 9 are permanently connected to each other, for example by welding.

The lifting portion 2 has two first slots 13 which pass through at opposite sides of the lifting portion 2.

In particular, the first slots 13 extend along the first direction 10, passing through each of the arm elements 9.

Therefore, the first slots 13 extend along opposite sides of the lifting portion 2 (see, for example, Figures 1 and 2).

The two first slots 13 are equal to each other and mutually aligned so as to face each other.

Each of the first slots 13 has an indentation which defines predetermined positions wherein the support 6 can be positioned along the first direction 10 (see the diagram of Figure 5).

More in detail, the term "indentation" is intended to indicate the conformation of each of the first slots 13 which delimits a plurality of first linear sections alternating with a plurality of first through openings 14, wherein the first through openings 14 have a size or larger section than that of the linear sections (see Figure 4).

More in detail, each of the first through openings 14 has a larger section than the width of each of the first linear sections of the first slots 13, where by amplitude we mean a size of the first linear sections along a direction perpendicular to the first direction 10.

In the attached Figures, the first through openings 14 are configured as circular or substantially circular openings although it is intended that they can have any alternative shape, for example polygonal, square, hexagonal, etc., while falling within the same concept of the invention.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures 1-8, the two arm elements 9 are configured as plate elements, although it is understood that they can be made in a different way but in any case, each one presenting a section which develops along a direction parallel to the first direction 10.

According to an alternative embodiment of the lifting device 1 illustrated in the attached Figure 9, the lifting portion 302 comprises two arm elements 309 each configured as a tubular or box-like element, solid or hollow, through which the first slots are made passing through 313 which develop along the first direction 310, according to the same methods described in relation to the previous embodiment to which reference is made.

With reference to the support 6, it should be noted that it preferably has a square or rectangular plan area, although it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible wherein the support 6 has a different plan area, for example elliptical or hexagonal.

By way of non-limiting example, the support 6 is made as a hollow tubular element, although it is understood that it could be made starting from a solid bar, without any limitation.

The support 6 is housed movable inside the interspace delimited laterally between the arm elements 9 and connected to them through a mechanical connection, as better described below.

The support 6 has at least a second slot 15 which extends along a second direction 16 perpendicular to the first direction 10. In particular, the second direction 16 and the first direction 10 identify a plane along which both lie, that is to say a parallel plane to both the first direction 10 and the second direction 16.

The at least one second slot 15 is made passing through the support 6 itself.

If the support 6 is made as a hollow tubular element with a square or substantially square section (with reference to the embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures), the support 6 comprises two second slots 15, each of which extends through a respective section opposite walls 17 of the support 6 which face a respective internal surface of the lifting portion 2 (see Figure 3).

The at least one second slot 15 is configured similarly to what is described in relation to the first slots 13, that is to say that it has an indented configuration, comprising second linear sections alternating with second through openings 18.

The second through openings 18 selectively face respective of the first through openings 14, as a function of the position of the support 6 relative to the lifting portion 2, and define a plurality of predetermined positions wherein to selectively position and hold the support 6 along the second direction 16. The second through openings 18 have a larger diameter than the width of the second linear sections of the at least one second slot 15, similarly to what is described in relation to the first slots 13.

The lifting device 1 comprises connecting members 19 which mutually connect the support 6 to the lifting portion 2.

In particular, it should be noted that the connecting members 19 are configured to selectively lock or release the support 6 with respect to the lifting portion 2, so as to be able to selectively adjust its position along the first direction 10 and/or along the second direction 16.

The connecting members 19 comprise a connecting pin 20 which passes through the support 6 to the lifting portion 2, wherein the connecting pin 20 simultaneously engages the first slots 13, delimited along the lifting portion 2, and the at least a second slot 15, delimited along the support 6.

The connecting members 19 are configured to selectively move the connecting pin 20 along a third direction 21 between a locking position, wherein it constrains the support 6 relative to the lifting portion 2 (see for example Figure 6A), and a position wherein the connecting pin 20 can be moved along the first direction 10, thus allowing the support 6 to be moved relative to the lifting portion 2 along the first direction 10, and wherein it allows the support 6 to be moved along the second direction 16 (see Figure 6B).

The third direction 21 is perpendicular to the first direction 10 and the second direction 16.

The connecting pin 20 extends along the third direction 21 with a length such as to extend outside the lifting portion 2, from opposite sides thereof, for the purposes that will be described below.

Each of the ends of the connecting pin 20 engages through a respective one of the arm elements 9 of the lifting portion 2, so that the connecting pin 20 is connected to and supported by the lifting portion 2.

Furthermore, the connecting members 19 comprise at least one elastic element 22 operatively connected to the connecting pin 20 and to one between the support portion 2 and the support 6 in such a way as to keep the connecting pin 20 in the locked position, preventing thus an accidental movement of the support 6 relative to the lifting portion 2 along the first direction 10 and/or the second direction 16. The connecting members 19 comprise a knob 23, operatively connected to a first end of the connecting pin 20, through which to control the movement of the connecting pin 20 itself from the locking position to the displacement position (see for example Figures 6A and 6B).

A user, to position the connecting pin 20 in the displacement position, acts on the knob 23 by applying a force in contrast to the elastic force exerted by the at least one elastic element 22.

Preferably, the at least one elastic element 22 is configured as a spring while it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible wherein the at least one elastic element 22 is an elastomer capable of deforming when subjected to a compressive or extension stress, to return then in an elastic way to an initial configuration not deformed when it is no longer subject to this stress.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures 6A and 6B, the connecting members 19 are configured in such a way that to operate the connecting pin 20 in the displacement position it is necessary to exert a force on the knob 23, i.e. a force to move the knob 23 away from the lifting portion 2 along the third direction 21.

According to this embodiment, the connecting members 19 comprise at least one elastic element 22 operatively connected to a second end of the connecting pin 20, externally to the lifting portion 2, on the side opposite to that to which the knob 23 is connected.

In particular, the connecting members 19 comprise at least one elastic element 22 fitted along the connecting pin 20, at the second end, and held there in position by a retaining ring 24.

It should be noted that the retaining ring 24, synergistically with the knob 23, holds the connecting pin 20 bound to the lifting portion 2, preventing it from being accidentally removed from it during use.

The retaining ring 24 is connected to the connecting pin 20 and is removably engaged in an annular seat 25 delimited along the connecting pin 20.

By way of non-limiting example, the retaining ring 24 is configured as a so-called type E ring (E-ring) or a Seiger or star ring or, in general, a ring configured to define a selectively removable type connection.

The annular seat 25 is made at the second end of the connecting pin 20.

In practice, the at least one elastic element 22 is held interposed, outside the lifting portion 2, between a side of the lifting portion 2 itself and the retaining ring 24. The at least one elastic element 22 is configured for keep the connecting pin 20 in the locking position or automatically return it to the locking position when this traction force is not further exerted.

Optionally, the connecting members 19 comprise a washer 26 interposed between the at least one elastic element 22 and the lifting portion 2, more precisely in correspondence with the external surface of the lifting portion 2 onto which the at least one elastic element 22 faces.

The washer 26 acts as an abutment for one end of the at least one elastic element 22, more precisely for the end opposite to that in abutment against the retaining ring 24, preventing the at least one elastic element 22 from accidentally wedging along a section of one of the first slots 13, ensuring correct movement of the connecting pin 20 not only along the third direction 21 but also, and above all, along the first direction 10.

The connecting pin 20 has a variable section along the third direction 21 to selectively engage along the first through openings 14 of the first slots 13 and the second through openings 18 of the at least one second slot 15, depending on the position wherein the connecting pin 20 along the third direction 21 relative to the lifting portion 2.

In particular, the connecting pin 20 has enlarged sections 27 which extend spaced apart along the third direction 21.

The enlarged sections 27 are positioned along the connecting pin 20 so that when the connecting pin 20 is in the locked position, each of the enlarged sections 27 engages respective between the first through openings 14 and the second through openings 18 aligned along the third direction 21, constraining the connecting pin 20 and the support 6 along the first direction 10 and the support 6, moreover, along the second direction 16.

The enlarged sections 27 have a lower cross section than that of the first through openings 14 and of the second through openings 18 and greater than the height of the linear sections of the first slots 13 and of the linear sections of at least a second slot 15.

In practice, the enlarged sections 27 when they are positioned along the third direction 21 so as to face the linear portions of the first slots 13 and the linear portions of the at least one second slot 15 (see Figure 7) interfere with them and prevent the relative sliding of the connecting pin 20 and of the support 6 constrained thereto along the first direction 10 as well as the sliding of the support 6 along the second direction 16.

The connecting pin 20 has an intermediate section 28, interposed between the two enlarged sections 27 and an external end section 29 which extends outside the lifting portion 2, on the opposite side to that to which the knob 23 is connected The intermediate section 28 and the external end section 29 each have a smaller cross section than the width of the first linear sections of the first slots 13 and of the second linear sections of at least one second slot 15.

Therefore, when the connecting pin 20 is arranged in the displacement position, the intermediate portion 28 and the outer end portion 29 engage the first slots 13 and the at least one second slot 15, i.e. they face through the first slots 13 and the at least one second slot 15, along the first linear sections and along the second linear sections, allowing the sliding of the connecting pin 20 and of the support 6 along the first direction 10 as well as the movement of the support 6 along the second direction 16.

The enlarged sections 27 are connected to the intermediate section 28 and to the external end section 29 by means of bevels 30.

The bevels 30 promote the movement of the connecting pin 20 along the third direction 21, guiding the enlarged sections 27 through the first through openings 15 and the second through openings 19, thus preventing any jamming of the connecting pin 20 relative to the first slots 13 and at least one second slots 15.

The connecting members 19 have an overall simple structure and are easy to operate to facilitate the adjustment of the position of the support 6, and therefore of the tool 7 connected or connectable thereto, along the lifting portion 2 and, more precisely, along the first direction 10 and/or second direction 16.

In particular, to adjust the position of the support 6 it is sufficient to act on the knob 23, without having to disassemble or disconnect any component of the lifting device 1, since the support 6 is always connected to the lifting portion 2.

Adjusting the position of the support 6 to which to connect the tool 7 requires the execution of simple and practical maneuvers, allowing to considerably reduce the time required and the effort to perform this operation.

Furthermore, by not having to remove any component of the lifting device 1, the accidental loss of parts of the lifting device 1 itself which for example could fall to the ground, is avoided.

The support 6, and therefore the tool 7 which can be connected to it, can be adjusted in the suitable position with respect to the lifting portion 2 according to the actual dimensions of a manhole cover 8 to be lifted or the position of any attachment points present along the manhole cover 8 itself at which a hooking tool 7 is engaged, so as to ensure optimal operation of the lifting device 1.

Below a brief description of the adjustment of the position of the support 6 included in the lifting device 1 according to the invention, to which a magnetic tool 7 is operationally connected, is provided meaning that similar considerations apply in relation to the use of a tool configured to mechanically attach a manhole cover 8.

The lifting device 1 is positioned at a manhole cover 8 to be lifted.

The connecting members 19 are operated to adjust the position of the support 6 and, therefore, of the tool 7 connected to it, along a first direction 10 and/or a second direction 16 to position the tool 7 in an optimal position relative to the manhole cover 8.

In particular, one acts on the knob 23 along the third direction 21 by applying a force in contrast to the force exerted by the at least one elastic element 22, so as to move the connecting pin 20 along the third direction 21, between the locking position towards the moving position.

With the connecting pin 20 in the displacement position (see Figure 6B), the enlarged sections 27 are extracted from the first through openings 15 and from the second through openings 18, freeing them, allowing the relative movement of the connecting pin 20 and of the support 6 connected thereto along the first direction 10 and/or of the support 6 along the second direction 16.

Then, by keeping the connecting pin 20 in the displacement position, the position of the support 6 is adjusted along the first direction 10 and/or the second direction 16 until it is positioned in a suitable way with respect to the manhole cover 8 to be lifted.

Once the position of the support 6 has been adjusted, the knob 23 is released. The at least one elastic element 22 acts on the connecting pin 20 by recalling it to the locking position (see Figure 6A).

From the foregoing it is evident that the lifting device 1 according to the invention is able to achieve the intended purposes.

The lifting device 1, in fact, comprises a lifting portion 2 to which a support 6 is selectively connected along a first direction 10 and a second direction 16 orthogonal to each other.

The support 6 acts as an element for connecting a tool 7 for hooking a manhole cover 8 and, therefore, it is possible to adjust the position of a tool 7 when this is connected to the support 6 relative to the lifting portion 2 of the lifting device 1. Furthermore, the connecting pin 20 is connected to the lifting portion 2 by means of a hinge connection which allows the rotation of the support 6 around the third direction 21 (see the schematic representation shown in Figure 4), giving a high flexibility of use to the lifting device 1.

The attached Figures 7A and 7B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the connecting members 119.

In the following description, the same reference numbers increased by one hundred units will be used to indicate the same components described in relation to the previous embodiment.

The connecting members 119 have the same operating principle as the connecting members 19 from which they differ in relation to the positioning of the at least one elastic element 122 and the retaining ring 124.

The connecting members 119 are therefore configured to selectively move the connecting pin 120 along a third direction 121 between a locking position and a displacement position for the same purposes described in relation to the previous embodiment to which reference is made.

In particular, the connecting members 119 comprise at least one elastic element 122 in an interposed position between the knob 123 and a side of the lifting portion 102 along which the knob 123 faces.

The at least one elastic element 122 is preferably configured as a spring or, alternatively, as an elastomer.

The connecting members 119 comprise a retaining ring 124 operatively connected to the connecting pin 120 at the free end of the connecting pin 120 which protrudes from the lifting portion 102, on the opposite side to that of the knob 123.

The retaining ring 124 can be connected in the removable way to the connecting pin 120, to allow the extraction of the connecting pin 120 with respect to the lifting portion 102 if it needs to be replaced or maintained.

According to an alternative embodiment, the retaining ring 124 is permanently connected to the connecting pin 120, while the knob 123 is removably connected to the connecting pin 120, for example by means of a bolted connection, in a manner within the reach of the person skilled in the field, which will therefore not be described in detail. In practice, the connecting members 119 are configured in such a way that to move the connecting pin 120 from the locking position to the displacement position it is necessary to act on the knob 123 by pushing it along the third direction 121, approaching the lifting portion 102.

The connecting members 119, similarly as described in relation to the previous embodiment, optionally comprise a washer 126 interposed between the at least one elastic element 122 and the lifting portion 102, more precisely at the external surface of the lifting portion 102 which the at least one elastic element 122 faces.

The washer 126 fulfills the same purposes described in relation to the washer 26, as well as the connecting pin 120 and the lifting portion 102 have the same configuration described in relation to the connecting pin 20 and the lifting portion 102 to which, for the sake of brevity, full reference is made.

The attached Figure 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the connecting members indicated as a whole with 219.

In describing the connecting members 219, the same reference numbers used to indicate the same components will be used, increasing them by two hundred units with respect to the connecting members 19 and, therefore, by one hundred units with respect to the previous embodiment of the connecting members 119.

The connecting members 219 differ from the previous embodiments exclusively for the positioning of the at least one elastic element 222 with respect to the connecting portion 202 and the connecting pin 220.

The connecting members 219 are in fact configured to allow the connecting pin 220 to be moved from a locking position to a displacement position, for the same purposes described in relation to the previous embodiments.

The connecting members 219 comprise at least one elastic element 222 operatively connected to the connecting pin 220, to keep it in the locked position.

More in detail, the at least one elastic element 222 is housed inside the support 206, which in this embodiment is a hollow tubular element and is operationally connected to the connecting pin 220 along the third direction 221.

In particular, the connecting members 219 comprise a retaining ring 224 held in position along the connecting pin 220 inside a radial seat 225.

The retaining ring 224 is also housed inside the support 206. The at least one elastic element 222 is preferably a spring while meaning that it could be configured as an elastomer element. The spring or the elastomer element both have an opening or internal opening engaged by the connecting pin 220 and of such dimensions as not to interfere with the shaped profile of the connecting pin 220.

The retaining ring 224, similarly to what has been described in relation to the previous embodiments, is connected in a removable way with respect to the annular seat 225 to allow, if required, to release the connecting pin 220 with respect to the support 206 and therefore allow its extraction and removal from the lifting portion 202.

The at least one elastic element 222 is connected to the connecting pin 220 in such a way as to keep the connecting pin 220 itself in the locked position. To move the connecting pin 220 into the displacement position it is necessary to act on the knob 223, pulling it along the third direction 221, that is, moving it away from the lifting portion 202.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the connecting members 119, 219 are able to pursue the same purposes as the connecting members 19, allowing the connecting pin 120, 220 to be kept in a locked position to prevent movement of the connecting pin 120, 220 itself and of the support 106, 206 connected to it relative to the lifting portion 102, 202.

By acting on the knob 123, 223 it is possible to move the connecting pin 120, 220 to allow the sliding movement of the connecting pin 120, 220 along the first direction 110, 210 (and therefore of the support 106, 206 connected to it) and/or of the support 106, 206 along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction 110, 210.

The lifting portion 2 has a bottom portion 31 configured to act as a stop for a manhole cover 8 when the latter is hooked and raised by the lifting device 1.

The bottom portion 31 acts as a stop point, on which a manhole cover 8 can lean after being hooked and lifted by means of the lifting device 1, thus avoiding any oscillations of the manhole cover 8 itself.

In the attached Figures 1, 2, 10 and 11, the bottom portion 31 is shown connected to the lifting portion 2 by means of a curved surface, although it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible wherein the bottom portion 31 is orthogonal to the lifting portion 2, see for example Figure 10, or connected to it by at least one polygonal section, without any limitation.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the lifting device 1 comprises a further tool 32 which can be removably connected to the lifting portion 2 to exert a further gripping action of a hinged manhole cover 8', that is to say a manhole cover 8' which has at least one section hinged to the road surface (see Figure 12).

The use of two main types of hinged manhole covers is known in the sector, that is to say a first type wherein the hinged manhole cover 8' has no locking when it is placed in the open position, i.e. in a perpendicular position with respect to the road surface. In general, such a lock is a bayonet lock. According to this typology, a hinged manhole cover 8', after being raised and rotated until it reaches the raised opening position, can be closed without the need to slightly raise the hinged manhole cover 8' itself when it is in a perpendicular or slightly position, inclined with respect to the road surface.

In practice, this type of hinged manhole cover 8' is simply hinged to a section of the road surface.

A second type of hinged manhole cover 8' comprises a bayonet lock, not illustrated in detail in the attached figures, wherein this bayonet lock acts as a safety device, of the bayonet type such as to prevent accidental closing of the hinged manhole cover 8' itself.

The configuration of a bayonet safety system for an 8' hinged manhole cover is considered within the reach of the person skilled in the field and will not be further described.

The further tool 32 is configured to lift the lifting device 1 with respect to the road surface and thus allow the lifting of the hinged manhole cover 8' connected to the lifting device 1 by means of a tool 7 connected to the support 6, 106, 206.

With a hinged manhole cover 8' in the fully open position, in fact, it is necessary to slightly lift the manhole cover itself to unlock it and allow it to rotate in order to bring it back to the closed position.

In the lifting device 1 according to the invention, the lifting portion 2 can be positioned perpendicular to the handle 3 and, therefore, when the hinged manhole cover 8', hooked to the lifting portion 2, is positioned perpendicularto the road surface, it is retained firmly in the raised position by the lifting device 1 through the tool 7 and through the additional tool 32.

The further tool 32 has a body 33 connectable to the lifting portion 2 of the lifting device 1 and a support element 34 hinged to one end of the body 33 (see the detail view of Figure 10).

The body 33 is elongated and has a "U" or substantially "U" cross section, that is to say that it comprises a central wall 35, at the top, at the ends of which side walls 36 protrude, orthogonal to the central wall 35 and parallel to each other. Along the central wall 35, which delimits a top portion of the body 33, there are delimited through seats 37 each configured to house a respective one of the bottom portions 31 (see Figure 11).

After having inserted the bottom portions 31 inside the through seats 37, the connection between the further tool 32 and the lifting portion 2 can take place by means of a pin or a pin or a similar element, not shown in detail in the attached Figures, engageable in through holes made through each of the side walls 36 and of the bottom portions 31, wherein said through holes are aligned with each other (see Figures 10 and 11).

Each of the side walls 36 has at least one protrusion 38 which protrudes from a bottom end of each of the side walls 36, that is, in an opposite position with respect to the end connected to the central wall 35.

With reference to the embodiment of the further tool 32 illustrated in the attached Figures 10 and 11, the further tool 32 has two protrusions 38 that protrude from each of the side walls 36.

Each of the protrusions 38 is configured to abut against a portion of the top of a hinged manhole cover 8', engaging in delimited grooves at this portion of the top and thus clinging to the hinged manhole cover 8'.

Each of the protrusions 38, therefore, acts as an abutment element and a further coupling element capable of ensuring a stable gripping action of the hinged manhole cover 8' by the lifting device 2, in particular when the hinged manhole cover 8' is hooked to the lifting device 1 and placed in the raised position (see Figure 12).

The support element 34 has a cradle conformation and includes two elongated plates 39 mutually connected to a first end, in a spaced position, by means of a bar40 and at a second end they are hinged to the body 33.

The bar 40 defines a pedal through which to act on the further tool 32, to facilitate its control and movement.

In practice, when a hinged manhole cover 8' is hooked to the lifting device 1 and positioned open, i.e. perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the road surface, and it is desired to close it, returning it to the lowered position, it is possible to act on the bar 40, pressing it with a foot, thus causing the body 33 to be raised with respect to the road surface and, consequently, the protrusions 38 and the hinged manhole cover 8' to be raised, unlocking it and allowing it to be moved again. In this regard, it should be noted that the plates 39 have two inclined and joined sections which give the support element 34 the cradle shape.

The two plates 39 are connected centrally by means of a through pin 41 which extends to the opposite sides of the plates 39 and acts as a support for wheels 42 by which to facilitate the sliding of the further tool 32 along the road surface, near the manhole cover 8 to be lifted.

The cradle-like conformation of the two plates 39 allows to obtain the lifting movement of the body 33, described above, by acting on the bar 40.

In practice, acting on the bar 40 causes the rotation of the two plates 39 around the wheels 42, causing the lifting of the body 33 connected to the end of the two plates 39.

It is understood that the further tool 32 can be used independently of the other previously described features of the lifting device 1.

The additional tool 32 collaborates synergistically with the tool 7 to ensure a firm and secure grip of a hinged manhole cover 8'.

The conformation of the further tool 32 allows not only to be able to unlock in a simple and easy way a manhole cover 8' of the hinged type provided with a bayonet locking system but also to ensure a further coupling action of a manhole cover 8' as well as increasing the stability of the lifting device 1 when the manhole cover 8', connected to the lifting device 1, is placed in the open position, i.e. inclined perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the road surface (see Figure 12).

In practice, the further tool 32 acts as a safety element, keeping the manhole cover 8' in the raised position, stably attached to the lifting device 1 and preventing an accidental fall of the manhole cover 8' itself.

The possible presence of the further tool 32 as well as the possibility of adjusting the position of the support 6 to which the tool 7 is connected in the most suitable position, give a high level of safety in lifting a manhole cover 8, 8' by means of the lifting device 1.

As mentioned, being able to position the support 6 in the most suitable position, depending on the size and weight of the manhole cover 8, 8', the effort required of a user to lift this manhole 8, 8' is optimized, promoting an effective use of the lifting device 1 regardless of the characteristics of the manhole cover 8, 8' 'itself.

In the foregoing, the preferred embodiments have been described and variants of the present invention have been suggested, but it is to be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and changes without thereby departing from the relative scope of protection, as defined by the claims attached.

Claims

1. Lifting device (1) for lifting and handling a manhole cover (8; 8'), wherein the lifting device (1) comprises a lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302), a handle (3) connected to said lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302) and bearing at one end a grip (4) through which to operate said lifting device (1), a support (6; 206) configured to support at least one tool (7) through which to hook said manhole cover (8; 8') to be lifted, wherein said support (6; 206) is slidingly connected to said lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302), connecting members (19; 119; 219) configured to mutually connect said support (6; 206) to said lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302) and to selectively adjust the positioning of said support (6; 206) along a plurality of predetermined positions relative to said lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302) along a first direction (10 ; 110; 210; 310) and/or along a second direction (16), wherein said first direction (10, 110; 210; 310) and said second direction (16) are orthogonal to each other.

2. Lifting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said connecting members (19; 119; 219) comprise a connecting pin (20; 120; 220) which passes through said support (6; 206) to said lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302), said support (6; 206) being housed inside a gap delimited in said lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302), said connection pin (20 ; 120; 220) being selectively movable along a third direction (21; 121; 221) between a locking position, wherein it constrains said support (6; 206) in position to said lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302 ) along said first direction (10; 110; 210; 310) and said second direction (16), and a displacement position wherein it allows the movement of said support (6; 206) relative to said lifting portion (2; 102 ; 202; 302) along said first direction (10; 110; 210; 310) and/or along said second direction (16).

3. Lifting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) engages through first delimited slots (13; 313) passing through opposite side walls of said lifting portion (2; 102 ; 202; 302), wherein said first slots (13; 313) extend along said first direction (10; 110; 210; 310) and wherein said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) through engages at least a second delimited slot (15) passing through said support (6; 206), wherein said at least one second slot (15) extends along said support (6; 206) along said second direction (16).

4. Lifting device (1) according to claim 3, wherein said first slots (13; 313) are indented and delimit a plurality of first linear sections alternating with first through openings (14), said first through openings (14) defining a plurality of predetermined positions wherein to position and hold said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) and said support (6; 206) along said first direction (10;

22 110; 210; 310), wherein said at least a second slot (15) has a serrated shape and delimits a plurality of second linear sections alternating with second through openings (18), wherein said second through openings (18) selectively face respective of said first through openings (14) and define a plurality of predetermined positions wherein to selectively position and hold said support (6; 206) along said second direction (16).

5. Lifting device (1) according to claim 4, wherein said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) extends along said third direction (21; 121; 221) and has enlarged sections (27) which extend spaced apart between them along said third direction (21; 121; 221), an intermediate section (28) interposed between said enlarged sections (27) and an external end section (29) which extends outside said lifting portion (2 ; 102; 202; 302), wherein said enlarged sections (27) are positioned along said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) in such a way that when said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) is in the block, each of said enlarged sections (27) engages respective between said first through openings (14) and said second through openings (18), wherein said first through openings (14) and said second through openings (18) engageable by said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) are mutually aligned along said third direction (21; 121; 221).

6. Lifting device (1) according to claim 5, wherein said intermediate portion (28) and said outer end portion (29) each have a cross section of a smaller area than an amplitude of said first linear portions of said first slots (13) and of said second linear portions of said at least one second slot (15), so that when said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) is placed in a position of displacement said intermediate portion (28) and said outer end portion (29) engage said first slots (13) and said at least one second slot (15), allowing a selective sliding of said connecting pin (20, 120; 220) and of said support (6; 206) along said first direction (10; 110; 210; 310) and of said support (6; 206) along said second direction (16).

7. Lifting device (1) according to claim 6, wherein said enlarged sections (27) are connected to said intermediate section (28) and to said external end section (29) by means of bevels (30), wherein said bevels (30) promote movement of said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) through said first through openings (14) and said second through openings (18) along said third direction (21; 121; 221).

8. Lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting members (19; 119; 219) comprise a knob (23; 123) operatively connected to a first end of said connecting pin (20, 120; 220) and at least one elastic element (22; 122; 222) fitted along said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) and operatively connected to one of said support portion (2; 102; 202; 302) and said support (6; 206) in such a way as to keep said connecting pin (20; 120; 220) in said lock position.

9. Lifting device (1) according to claim 8, wherein said at least one elastic element (22; 122) is positioned externally to said lifting portion (2; 202) and wherein said at least one elastic element (22) is retained between a side of said lifting portion (2) and a retaining ring (24), wherein said retaining ring (24) is connected to said connecting pin (20) at an opposite end of said retaining connecting pin (20) to which said knob (23) is connected or wherein said at least one elastic element (122) is held between said knob (123) and a side of said lifting position (102) along which said knob faces (123) or wherein said at least one elastic element (222) is housed inside said support (206), wherein said support (206) is configured as a hollow tubular element and said connection members (219) comprise a retaining ring (224) held in the long position an annular seat (225) obtained along said connection pin (220) so that said retaining ring (224) is retained housed inside said support (206).

10. Lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lifting portion (2) comprises two arm elements (9; 309) mutually connected in a spaced apart position, wherein said arm elements (9; 309) delimit an interspace along which said support (6; 206) is selectively movable.

11. Lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a further tool (32), removably connectable to said lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302) and configured to exert a further gripping action of said manhole cover (8') when said manhole cover (8') is hooked to said lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302), wherein said further tool (32) comprises a body (33) connectable to said portion lifting element (2; 102; 202; 302) and a support element (34) hinged to one end of said body (33).

12. Lifting device (1) according to claim 11, wherein said body (33) comprises a central wall (35) at the ends of which side walls (36) protrude, said central wall (35) defines through seats (37) each configured to house a respective one of the bottom portions (31) of said lifting portion (2; 102; 202; 302) and wherein each of said side walls (36) has at least one protrusion (38) protruding from a bottom end of each of said side walls (36) and is configured to abut and hang against a top surface of a manhole cover (8') when said manhole cover (8') is hooked to said lifting device (1) and positioned in a raised position, perpendicular to a road surface.