Track-straddling Platform Patents (Class 254/90)
  • Patent number: 11684948
    Abstract: A spray coating machine and process accommodates coating pans of various sizes and simplifies cleaning after particulate material in the pan is coated. A selected pan is supported on a trolley carried by a wheeled cart. After the cart is positioned adjacent the coating machine, the trolley and pan are extended into the machine, and then the pan lifted for support by a rotatable drive shaft and castors. The trolley is then removed from the machine, and the door is closed so that the coating process can commence. When coating is complete, the door is opened, and the trolley extended into the machine under the pan and raised for removal of the castors. Then, the trolley and pan are withdrawn from the machine. The trolley does not need cleaning after spraying, since the trolley is outside the machine during spraying of the coating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Freund-Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas Decker
  • Patent number: 11634308
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting platform, in particular moveable lifting platform, for lifting vehicles with two base assembly halves (14), which are respectively firmly arranged to one another with a middle part (15) via a connecting point (45, 46), wherein the middle part (15), with a connecting section (48), is detachably fastened to a lateral surface (49) of a housing (21) of the base assembly half (14) to form the connecting points (45, 46) with, respectively, a lifting device (24) arranged on the base assembly half (14), which device is transferable from a starting position arranged on the base into a working position (32), and which respectively comprises a carrier (31) on an end region of the lifting device (24), and each carrier (31) receives at least one support arm (34), wherein the middle part (15) is connected with the respective housing (21) of the base assembly half (14) with one another and are aligned with respect to each other through a form-fit plug connection (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventor: Gerhard Finkbeiner
  • Patent number: 11498818
    Abstract: A vehicle support assembly mountable to a runway vehicle lift having a frame with a plurality of vertically oriented spaced apart support, a rack having a plurality of portions, wherein each portion is movably coupled to a different vertically oriented support, a runway vehicle support supported on the rack, a lift actuator coupled to the rack to move the rack and the runway vehicle support up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventors: Steven M. Koehler, Stanley M. Koehler
  • Patent number: 11224893
    Abstract: A spray coating machine and process accommodates coating pans of various sizes and simplifies cleaning after particulate material in the pan is coated. A selected pan is supported on a trolley carried by a wheeled cart. After the cart is positioned adjacent the coating machine, the trolley and pan are extended into the machine, and then the pan lifted for support by a rotatable drive shaft and castors. The trolley is then removed from the machine, and the door is closed so that the coating process can commence. When coating is complete, the door is opened, and the trolley extended into the machine under the pan and raised for removal of the castors. Then, the trolley and pan are withdrawn from the machine. The trolley does not need cleaning after spraying, since the trolley is outside the machine during spraying of the coating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Freund-Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas Decker
  • Patent number: 8695942
    Abstract: A vehicle lift comprises a pair of parallel ramps (2) each of which is pivoted to an upstanding support (1) at one end, wherein the two ramps (2) are connected by a cross-beam (6) located towards the ends distal from the pivots (3) and rigidly secured to the ramps (2), which cross-beam (6) includes a lifting box (7) engageable with a lifting jack (12) and located substantially midway between the two ramps (2) such that lifting forces are directed through the center line of the cross-beam (6). The cross-beam (6) bears against the ground when the ramps (2) are in a downwards position. The jack (12) can be replaced by axle stands (10) when the ramps (2) are elevated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Graham Dawes
  • Patent number: 8469651
    Abstract: A conveyance device suitable for an automobile final assembly facility has an elevating table for supporting an object to be conveyed in a conveyance carriage which travels along a conveyance path. The elevating table has a table bearing base removably mounted on a table main body for supporting a bottom portion of the object to be conveyed. The table main body has a top surface flush with a flat work floor on the conveyance carriage when the table main body is at a lowering limit position. On the conveyance carriage, a strut bearing base formed of a pair of left and right strut members located on left and right sides of the object to be conveyed, when viewed in plan, and a bearing portion, provided for the strut member, for supporting left and right edges of the object to be conveyed is mounted removably in a state in which the pair of left and right strut members are positioned at both left and right sides of the elevating table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeyoshi Nishihara
  • Patent number: 8313088
    Abstract: A portable, user configurable service stand for a variety of riding lawnmowers and other motorized implements. The stand comprises a rigid frame with an elongated, longitudinal section spanning between twin, spaced apart vertical frame sections that support the load. Each vertical frame section secures generally planar, horizontal wheel supports. A pair of parallel, removable spans is coupled between front and rear wheel supports to temporarily provide a travel pathway over the stand. Removable, drive-on ramps are pivotally connected to the frame. After a mower is parked on the stand, the spans may be slidably removed, exposing the sides and undercarriage of the mower for convenient access. Upon removal of the spans, a pair of gravity-operated safeties automatically deploys to block the mower front wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7736116
    Abstract: A vehicle display includes a base and a platform. A bearing between the base and the platform mounts the platform on the base for rotation about an upright axis. A rotator drive is provided for rotating the platform on the base. The apparatus also includes a base mounting column mounting the base on the ground. The column includes a lifting device for varying the height of the column between a lowered position with the platform substantially at ground level and a raised position with the platform positioned above ground level. With the column lowered, a vehicle may be driven onto the platform, tied down as necessary, lifted to the raised position and rotated for display purposes. This provides a simple drive on-drive off display that is visually very effective, easy to use and unobtrusive when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Kozak
  • Publication number: 20090020736
    Abstract: Parallelogram lift for motor vehicles, comprising a pair of base longitudinal members (2), a pair of runways (12) and at least two pairs of arms (14, 14?) hinged to said longitudinal members (2) and to said runways (12) and associated with members (30) for varying the inclination of said arms (14, 14?) to said longitudinal members (2) and to said runways (12), wherein each longitudinal member (2) comprises a fixed base (4, 6) anchored to the floor, and a counter-base (8) slidable axially relative to said fixed base and carrying said arms (14, 14?) hinged thereto, and also comprises for each longitudinal member (2) an auxiliary arm (22) hinged at its lower end to a support (26) fixed to the floor in alignment with said longitudinal member and pivoted at its upper end to the central point (20) of the adjacent main arm (14), the length of said auxiliary arm (22) between its pivotal axes (24, 20) being equal to one half the length of said main arms (14, 14?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Eride Rossato, Alberto Comand
  • Patent number: 7264434
    Abstract: A vehicle display lift and rotator includes a base and a platform. A bearing between the base and the platform mounts the platform on the base for rotation about an upright axis. A rotator drive is provided for rotating the platform on the base. The apparatus also includes a base mounting column mounting the base on the ground. The column includes a lifting device for varying the height of the column between a lowered position with the platform substantially at ground level and a raised position with the platform positioned above ground level. With the column lowered, a vehicle may be driven onto the platform, tied down as necessary, lifted to the raised position and rotated for display purposes. This provides a simple drive on-drive off display that is visually very effective, easy to use and unobtrusive when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Kozak
  • Patent number: 6918576
    Abstract: A lifting device for vehicles, machines, erecting units or the like has at least one lifting element, which has at least one first mounting point and opposite this at least one second mounting point which is arranged on a load receiving section. The lifting unit and the at least one load receiving section form a first modular unit. The first modular unit has, at least one end of the load receiving section, a connecting section for receiving at least one further modular unit with at least one connecting section arranged thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Gerhard Finkbeiner
  • Patent number: 6918575
    Abstract: A vehicle tilting system for tilting a vehicle to expose the vehicle's undercarriage is disclosed. More specifically, the present system includes a vehicle support frame pivotally connected to a supporting surface. The vehicle support frame supports a vehicle and pivots between a collapsed position and an inclined position upon inflation of an inflatable air bag system that is connected to and placed between the supporting surface and the vehicle support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Tony P. Cadrain, Donald Sands
  • Patent number: 6814342
    Abstract: A pad adapter for vehicle lifts includes a pad releasably attachable to the pivoting arms of a pivoting arm lift to enable the pivoting arm lift to be used as a frame engaging pad lift. The pad adapter includes a platform for engaging the frame of the vehicle and may include pockets for receiving the pivoting arms of the lift, pins for releasebly engaging the pivoting arms, and ramps to facilitate driving a vehicle over the pad adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mohawk Resources Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven G. Perlstein, Ronald W. Veresko, Rickey D. Wells
  • Publication number: 20040211946
    Abstract: A padded end cap made of resilient material for cushioning the end of lifting hoist arms of automotive lifts. One embodiment of this solid body cushioning apparatus (10) contains a plurality of vertical and horizontal attachment surfaces to affix the apparatus to the substantially square or rectangular end of a vehicle lifting arm. Another solid body embodiment provides at least one concave attachment surface to affix the cushioning apparatus to the substantially cylindrical, circular or semi-circular end of a vehicle lifting arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Rafken, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Farrara, Kenneth E. Jones
  • Patent number: 6772997
    Abstract: A system for servicing a racing car or other car at a track, other race course, or similar destination employs an open platform for supporting the car by its tires in a horizontal position. The platform supports the car, and is itself supported by a crawler, in a carrier vehicle, for example a truck or trailer, when the carrier vehicle is transporting the car. The crawler and platform are also used to unload and load the car from and into the carrier vehicle. To unload the car at the destination, the crawler, with the platform and car on it, is driven out of the carrier vehicle and onto the ground. Next, the platform is elevated by extending its legs so that it rises off, is spaced from, and straddles the crawler. Then the crawler is driven out from under the platform. Then the platform is lowered to the ground., where it is used as a lift to elevate the car so that its undercarriage may be accessed. The platform may also be used to tune the chassis of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: James E. Keaton, James L. Kunka, Donald R. Haulsee
  • Publication number: 20040061100
    Abstract: A system for servicing a racing car or other car at a track, other race course, or similar destination employs an open platform for supporting the car by its tires in a horizontal position. The platform supports the car, and is itself supported by a crawler, in a carrier vehicle, for example a truck or trailer, when the carrier vehicle is transporting the car. The crawler and platform are also used to unload and load the car from and into the carrier vehicle. To unload the car at the destination, the crawler, with the platform and car on it, is driven out of the carrier vehicle and onto the ground. Next, the platform is elevated by extending its legs so that it rises off, is spaced from, and straddles the crawler. Then the crawler is driven out from under the platform. Then the platform is lowered to the ground., where it is used as a lift to elevate the car so that its undercarriage may be accessed. The platform may also be used to tune the chassis of the car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: James E. Keaton, James L. Kunka, Donald R. Haulsee
  • Publication number: 20030178610
    Abstract: A lifting device for vehicles, machines, erecting units or the like has at least one lifting element, which has at least one first mounting point and opposite this at least one second mounting point which is arranged on a load receiving section. The lifting unit and the at least one load receiving section form a first modular unit. The first modular unit has, at at least one end of the load receiving section, a connecting section for receiving at least one further modular unit with at least one connecting section arranged thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gerbard Finkbeiner
  • Patent number: 6443429
    Abstract: A surface supported vehicle lift includes at least one independent elevating runway member which accepts loads of varying weights. The runway member accepts uniform or non-uniform loads imposed from a first end to a second end. The runway member includes at least two lift leg assemblies. The lift leg assemblies include hydraulic cylinders and a pump having an electric motor to drive the hydraulic cylinders. Each lift leg assembly also includes pulsed or proportional solenoid valves and position sensors affixed thereto. Synchronizer pumps are provided to equalize flow to and from each lift leg assembly for the runway member, and each lift leg assembly includes pulsed or proportional flow divider bias thereby maintaining lateral and longitudinal synchronization between each lift leg assembly. The surface mounted vehicle lift need not be fixedly attached to a supporting surface, and in addition, may be in moveable contact with the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: Marion N. Hawk, Frederick G. Heath
  • Patent number: 6422536
    Abstract: A pair of horizontally spaced and horizontally extending part support rails or elongated platens are each guided and supported for vertical movement by a pair of guide and support members having linear bearing blocks mounted on vertical guide rails attached to corresponding vertical housings. A bell crank is pivotally supported adjacent each housing and is pivotally connected to the corresponding bearing block by a first link member. Second and third link members pivotally connect each pair of bell cranks for each platen to each other and to a crank arm mounted on a horizontal crankshaft extending laterally below the platens. A combined electric motor and gear reducer have an output shaft coupled to one end portion of the crankshaft, and an electric brake unit is connected to the motor shaft. An overtravel arm is also secured to the output shaft of the gear reducer and actuates an overtravel switch connected to control the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Force Control Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald D. Kelley, Michael J. Sharratt, Kenneth A. Baker
  • Patent number: 6199825
    Abstract: A portiable vehicle lifting method comprising a pair of ramps, with each ramp pivotly connected to a base unit and having a lifting bar pivotly connected between each ramp. Once a vehicle is loaded onto the ramps, they ramps are raised by way of the lifting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Kwiklift, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny L. Johnson, Dave Lewis
  • Patent number: 6173941
    Abstract: A mobile vehicle service trailer provides a portable maintenance facility for motor vehicles (passenger cars, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, etc.) without need to transport the vehicle to a maintenance facility at a fixed location. The present trailer has rearwardly disposed wheels and laterally extendible ramps, enabling the trailer to be positioned laterally at the front or rear of the vehicle needing service and the vehicle to be positioned laterally across the trailer. This configuration provides for ease of loading and unloading the vehicle to and from the trailer in cramped parking situations, such as parking lots and garages, etc. The rear wheels of the trailer are pivotally mounted, allowing the trailer body to be lowered to the underlying surface for placement of a vehicle thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Johnston
  • Patent number: 6164414
    Abstract: An automotive lift apparatus includes a first beam support assembly and a pair of beams supported at first beam ends by the first beam support assembly, wherein each of the beams includes an outward facing beam guide portion and an inward facing guide portion. A pair of ramp/second beam support assemblies are connected to second beam ends of the beams, and each of the ramp/second beam support assemblies includes a second base. A liftable ramp is hingedly connected to the second base, and a ramp lift assembly is connected between the ramp and the second base. The first beam support assembly includes a beam support base and a beam support riser pivotally connected to the beam support base. Each of the ramp lift assemblies includes a ramp-lift hydraulic cylinder connected between the second base and the ramp. Each of the ramp/second beam support assemblies includes a riser link hingedly connected between each of the ramps and the second beam ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Billy G. Duty
  • Patent number: 6102370
    Abstract: A trailer with expandable sides and retractable wheels used for performing on site vehicle maintenance and repair services. The trailer has a rectangular frame mounted on wheels with a conventional trailer coupler for attachment to a towing vehicle. The wheels are pivotally mounted to the frame, the wheels being locked in a ground engaging position for towing the trailer, and being unlocked so that the frame may be lowered into a ground engaging position by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for the servicing of vehicles. The frame includes a plurality of crossbeams. A pair of side extenders telescope into the front, rear and center crossbeams so that the width of the trailer may be extended by hydraulic cylinders with the frame in a ground engaging position. The trailer includes a two-post hydraulic vehicle lift for raising the vehicle to be serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Paul Johnston
  • Patent number: 6059263
    Abstract: A parallelogram lift in which the deck rails are raised by lifting legs affixed to sliding members that slide within channels in the deck rails. Link arms pivotally connect to the deck rail to each leg, so that the deck rail lifts vertically. A single hydraulic actuator is used to actuate the legs supporting each deck rail, which ensures that the deck rail remains level during the lifting and lowering processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Martin Otema
    Inventors: Martin Otema, Ray A. Walters, Jeffrey A. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5947448
    Abstract: A portable vehicle lifting apparatus and method comprising a pair of ramps, with each ramp pivotly connected to a base unit and having a lifting bar pivotly connected between each ramp. Once a vehicle is loaded onto the ramps, the ramps are raised by way of the lifting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kwiklift, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Lewis, Danny L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5904339
    Abstract: A mobile automotive servicing apparatus is provided with wheel-carrying axle supporting a frame. A pair of ramps are pivotally mounted over the axle, each ramp having a slidably movable ramp extension associated therewith in telescoping relationship. An air compressor is provided on the frame for moving the ramps between horizontal and tilted positions. The frame also supports a compartment for storing tools, supplies and equipment for servicing a vehicle driven onto the ramps when they are tilted and then moved into serving position when the ramps are disposed horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Mary C. Flinn
    Inventor: Henry I. Flinn
  • Patent number: 5340082
    Abstract: A portable surface lift for a vehicle and a pair of manually retractable wheels respectively attached to a mid-portion of opposite sides of the lift for rolling the lift over a garage floor surface when the vehicle is not lifted on the lift. The lift has fixed pads for contact with the undercarriage of the vehicle, and a hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the vehicle on the lift. Arms are pivotally attached to opposite sides of the lift with a wheel at the end thereof for manual movement between a wheel-retracted position and a wheel-extended position. The wheels remain in the extended position by an over-center pivoting design. Two towing mechanisms are provided for moving the lift: a towing bar that can be attached to a towing bracket on an end of the lift, or a wheeled towing dolly having a clevis and securing pin for attachment to the towing bracket. The lift has a safety locking mechanism for securing the lift in various raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Holloway
  • Patent number: 5199686
    Abstract: An automotive lift system includes a longitudinal series of transverse pairs of left and right rigid lifting legs, neither any legs of said pairs of legs nor any longitudinally successive legs having any on-ground connection therebetween, each of the legs having a top and a bottom, each bottom of each leg having, pivotally secured to it, a planer base which is anchored upon an on-ground floor. The system also includes left and right longitudinal vehicle wheel support platforms, the platforms having a pivotal connection relative to the respective tops of each of the respective pairs of left and right rigid legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Advantage Lift Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5174414
    Abstract: A service lift stand apparatus includes a support frame assembly, a lift platform assembly, and a drive arrangement. The support frame assembly is composed of a horizontal lower base and a vertical mast mounted in an upstanding orientation on the base. The lift platform assembly is mounted to the upright mast for reciprocal movement vertically therealong. The drive arrangement is supported on the support frame assembly and is operable to movably drive the lift platform assembly in upward and downward directions along the upright mast away from and toward the base of the support frame assembly. The drive arrangement includes a vertical drive screw shaft rotatably mounted to the mast and coupled to the lift platform assembly for driving the lift platform assembly vertically along the mast, and a drive motor mounted on the base and having an output drive shaft intercoupled to the screw shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Richard H. Burns
  • Patent number: 5174711
    Abstract: A tilting and lifting apparatus for vehicle bodies for the ergonomically favorable preparation of batches of bodies in the series assembly of vehicles comprises a separate tilting device and a lifting device operable independently of the tilting device. The tilting device includes a swivelling frame which on the tilting side is swivellably guided on a pair of horizontally extending guide paths and on the lifting side on two vertically extending lifting pillars. The vehicle body is fastened rigidly on, and at a distance from, this swivelling frame, which is made as flat as possible. For the purpose of lifting this tilting device, two scissors-type lifting apparatus are disposed beneath the tilting device. The entire arrangement for the independent raising and lowering and the tilting of the body is mounted on a flat, rectangular platform on which it is possible to walk and which, in plan view, projects beyond the vehicle body to the extent of a gangway width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignees: Mercedes-Benz AG, Aumund Fodererbau GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Binder, Fritz Kubler, Dieter Herrigel, Fritz Mechthold
  • Patent number: 5131500
    Abstract: In a multi-purpose vehicle hoist including a wheel lift and a chassis lift, the elevational movement of the wheel lift may be used to generate a force to raise the chassis lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Jack F. Hernick
  • Patent number: 5096159
    Abstract: An automotive lift system includes a number of longitudinal transverse pairs of left and right legs each of which legs, include a top and a bottom. Each bottom is pivotally stationed to a base which in turn is positioned upon a floor. The lift system eliminates the need for torsion bars and provides ease of front-to-back and left-to-right access beneath an automotive vehicle that has been elevated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Advantage Lift Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5050844
    Abstract: A lift assembly adapted for large vehicles includes first and second lift platforms selectively raised and lowered relative to a base member. Fluid actuated support arms are interposed between the lift platforms and the base member to define a generally trapezoidal arrangement. Segmented bearings are interposed between opposite ends of the support arms and the lift platforms and base member to accommodate tolerance stackup. The lift assembly also includes a sensing assembly that determines if a height differential exists between the lift platforms. If a height differential is sensed, movement of one of the lift platforms is altered to correct the situation. If too great a differential is sensed, further movement of the platforms is terminated. A locking arrangement maintains the lift platforms elevated relative to the base member. A sensing arrangement determines whether the locking arrangement is properly oriented and whether the load is applied from the lift platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: VBM Corporation
    Inventor: Marion N. Hawk
  • Patent number: 4901980
    Abstract: Portable car hoist convertible to a trailer which has wheels for towing a vehicle. The hoist includes a trailer with a suspension, a wheel assembly, a base frame assembly, a liftable platform assembly, and a lift apparatus. A foldable ramp, a platform, and extension channels support a vehicle to be lifted, and a chock assembly retains the vehicle on the platform. A safety latch prevents accidental lowering of the platform assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Johnson Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: N. Larry Hansen
  • Patent number: 4848732
    Abstract: A pantograph lifting ramp for motor vehicles includes a pair of wheel guides supported by at least two pairs of columns, which are pivoted at their lower ends to two base frames. The columns of at least one pair have their lower ends connected through a torsion bar consisting of connectable sections. The lifting ramp includes a safety valve to prevent uncontrolled descent in case of failure of the hydraulic fluid system, and another safety device to arrest lowering of the lifting ramp if a worker's foot is accidentally placed between the base frame and a column or wheel guide during lowering of the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Eride Rossato
  • Patent number: 4828222
    Abstract: A motor vehicle lift comprising in combination:a pair of base longitudinal members (1) for its support on and/or securing to the floor,a pair of first uprights (2) hinged lowerly to said longitudinal members (1),a pair of second uprights (4) hinged lowerly to said longitudinal members (1) and upperly to said first uprights (2) at an intermediate point thereof,a pair of vehicle lifting runways (6) hinged to the upper end of said first uprights (2) and formed in several separate parts which are kept substantially aligned when the lift is lowered,a pair of actuators (17) acting so to vary the reciprocal contained angle of said pairs of first uprights (2) and second uprights (4), for raising the lift, anda pair of members (15,15') interposed between said first uprights (2) and the portion (8) of runways (6) hinged to said first uprights (2) to check their reciprocal contained angle during the raising of the lift,the hinging between a pair of said uprights (2,4) and said longitudinal members (1) being of such a ty
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Eride Rossato
  • Patent number: 4805875
    Abstract: The disclosed jack assembly has an elongated structural beam of sufficient length to extend between and beyond the two rails of a railroad track to be supported on top of the rails. A compact power lift cylinder, in the form of a multiple-sleeve power cylinder, is connected to the beam; and a car engaging plate is coupled to the power lift cylinder, to be moved in a direction transverse to the beam. The silhouette of the beam, power lift cylinder and plate is low, when the power lift cylinder is contracted, to allow them to be fitted with clearance to a lifting position, under a railroad car with the beam extended across the track rails and the car engaging plate vertically aligned under the railroad car frame. The power lift cylinder has a power stroke sufficient to lift the overlying railroad car enough above the rails to remove the railroad car completely from one wheeled truck assembly, for replacement or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Trailer Train Company
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Jackson, Jagdish Shah, Robert E. Graham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4447042
    Abstract: A vehicle lift having a platform mounted on a base for supporting a vehicle, and having a first link which moves the platform up and down. A table is mounted to the platform and supports the chassis of the vehicle by moving the table up and down by a second link. The table may be movably mounted to the platform and a safety device may be provided for preventing the platform from a sudden fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Yasui Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Saburo Masui
  • Patent number: 4445665
    Abstract: A portable vehicle servicing lift includes a trailerable frame which pivotally mounts a pair of transport wheels arranged to be moved between an extended transporting position and a retracted position in which the frame connected thereto is lowered to the ground or other support surface. The frame also mounts a pair of vehicle ramps adjacent one end by a fixed fulcrum associated with the frame, and at the opposite end by a hydraulic piston-cylinder pivotally interconnecting the ramps and the frame for movement of the ramps about the axis of the pivot fulcrum. The frame includes a pair of trolley rails mounted to the frame between the transport wheels, the trolley rails configured to guidingly support a chair assembly and other equipment associated with automotive repair for movement along the full length of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Inventor: Donald L. Cray
  • Patent number: 4084790
    Abstract: A two post vehicle hoist suitable for use in the servicing of a vehicle, having a pair of adjustable lift arms on each post for lifting the vehicle, the hoist being characterized by transversely extending guides positioned one fore and the other aft of the guide posts, and longitudinally extending tracks supported by the guides into which a vehicle can be driven before being lifted for servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Inventor: Frank Molnar