ADJUSTABLE LIFT TABLE

Abstract

A table lift having a base and a lift attached to the base for movement between a lowered position to a raised position for installation of articles. A platform pivotally attaches to the lift for movement of the platform between a generally horizontal position and an inclined position. The platform is sized and shaped to receive at least one article.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/582,687 filed Jan. 3, 2012, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lift tables are presently used for transporting and lifting articles and materials. In particular, lift tables are typically used to transport and lift large panels, such as paneling or drywall by tradesperson such as masons, carpenters, painters, carpet layers, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, utility workers, and the like.

However, existing lift tables have substantial shortcomings and drawbacks. For example, many large panels are too wide to pass through standard doorways and passageways while resting horizontally on lift tables. As a result, large panels must be manually carried to the location of installation before the lift table can be used. This exposes tradesperson to unnecessary safety risks and injury.

Accordingly, a need exists for a lift table that can position a large panel between a generally horizontal lift position to an inclined position for passage through doorways, hallways, and other smaller openings and passageways.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an adjustable lift table in accordance with and embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the adjustable lift table with a platform in a lowered position position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an adjustable lift table with the platform in an elevated position; and

FIG. 4 is an end view of the adjustable lift table with the platform in an inclined position.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as an adjustable lift table 10, includes a base 12 with legs 14 extending upwardly to support a scissor lift 16. A platform 18 pivotally mounts to the scissor lift 16 so that the platform 18 pivots between a generally horizontal position (FIGS. 1-3) and an inclined position (FIG. 4) for transit. The scissor lift 16 moves the platform 18 between a lowered position (FIGS. 1-2) and a raised position (FIG. 3) for positioning of articles for installation, such as drywall panels.

The base 12 is a generally rectangular plate having four rollers 20 mounted generally at each respective corner of a bottom surface 22. Four legs 14 extend upwardly from the upper surface 24 of the base 12 and attach to the scissor lift 16 at respective corners. Braces 26 attach between the legs 14 and the base 12 to provide additional support to the legs 14. The base 12 includes an extended portion 28 that extends a predetermined distance beyond the footprint of the legs 14 and scissor lift 16, such as about 25% of the width of the base 12. The extended portion 28 acts as a stop for the movement of the platform 18 to the inclined position and provides support to the platform 18 when at the inclined transit position (FIG. 4). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the base can comprise any size or shape capable of supporting the scissor lift 16 and platform 18.

The scissor lift 16 includes a lower frame 30 attached to the legs 14 and an upper frame 32 pivotally attached to the platform 18. A pair of first arms 34 and a pair of second arms 36 are moveably connected between the lower frame 30 and the upper frame 32 to move between the lowered position (FIG. 1) and the raised position (FIG. 3). Each first arm 34 pivotally attaches at one end to the lower frame 30 and at the opposite end moveably engages the upper frame 32, such as with a roller 38. In effect mirroring the first arms 34, each second arm 36 pivotally attaches at one end to the upper frame 32 and at the opposite end moveably engages the lower frame 30, such as with a roller 38. Each first arm 34 pivotally attaches to a corresponding second arm 36 at about the mid-point (M) of each arm. A crossbar 40 extends between the lower ends of the first arms 34. A lifting mechanism, such as a hydraulic cylinder 42, mounts to the lower frame 30 and pivotally connects to between the lower frame 30 and the crossbar 40 (FIG. 3). A lever 44 operatively connects and extends outwardly from the hydraulic cylinder 42 for engagement by a user to raise and lower the scissor lift 16. As the cylinder 42 extends, the scissor lift 16 raises. As the cylinder retracts, the scissor lift 16 lowers. In alternate embodiments, any type of lift can be used in place of the scissor lift 16 that can move the platform 18 from a lowered position to a raised position. For example, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, electric, or diesel type lifts can be used.

The platform 18 is a generally rectangular plate with a stop 46 extending perpendicularly upward from the plate from the end corresponding to the extended portion 28 of the base 12 (FIG. 2). The platform 18 is sized and shaped to receive and support large panels, such as paneling, drywall, and the like. The platform 18 is pivotally attached to the upper frame 32 with a hinge 48 or other suitable device that allows the platform 18 to move between a generally horizontal position with the platform 18 seated on the upper frame 32 and an inclined position with the stop 46 seated on the extended portion 28 of the base 12 (FIG. 4). Preferably, the hinge 48 should attach to the platform 18 at about the point of center of gravity (G). This allows the user to move the platform 18 between the horizontal and inclined positions with decreased force because the weight of the platform 18 is transferred downward through the hinge 48, the scissor lift 16, the legs 14, and the base 12. If needed, a locking mechanism can be attached to lock the platform 18 in either of the positions.

In operation, the user places a panel on the platform 18 while in the inclined position (FIG. 4). Preferably, the panel should be placed on the platform 18 with the longest edge abutting the stop 46. The user moves the adjustable lift table 10 to the desired location. The inclined position of the platform 18 reduces the width of the adjustable lift table 10, which allows it to pass through smaller size doorways and passages. Once at the desired location, the user pivots the platform 18 to the generally horizontal position (FIGS. 1-2). The user engages the lever 44 to activate the hydraulic cylinder 42 and raise the scissor lift 16. The hydraulic cylinder 42 presses the crossbar 40 upwardly, which pivots the first arms 34 upward. In turn, the second arms 36 pivots upwardly, thereby raising the upper frame 32 and platform 30 to the raised position (FIG. 3). When desired, the user again engages the lever 44 to lower the platform to the lowered position (FIGS. 1-2). The adjustable lift table 10 can accommodate a single panel or multiple panels at a time.

Changes can be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A table lift, comprising:

a base;

a lift attached to the base for movement between a lowered position to a raised position for installation of articles;

a platform pivotally attached to the lift for movement of the platform between a generally horizontal position and an inclined position, the platform being sized and shaped to receive at least one article.

2. The table lift of claim 1, the base comprising an extended portion configured for contact with the platform in the inclined position.

3. The table lift of claim 1, wherein the table lift has a reduced width when in the inclined position.

4. The table lift of claim 1, the lift comprising a scissor lift.

5. The table lift of claim 1, wherein the platform pivotally attaches to the lift at about the point of center of gravity of the platform.

6. The table lift of claim 1, the lift comprising a lower frame attached to the base and an upper frame pivotally attached to the platform, a pair of first arms and a pair of second arms moveably connected between the lower frame and the upper frame.

7. The table lift of claim 6, wherein each first arm pivotally attaches at one end to the lower frame and at the opposite end moveably engages the upper frame;

each second arm pivotally attaches at one end to the upper frame and at the opposite end moveably engages the lower frame; and

each first arm pivotally attaches to a corresponding second arm at about a mid-point of each arm.

8. A system for installation of a panel, comprising:

a base;

a lift attached to the base and having a means for movement between a lowered position to a raised position for installation of panel;

a platform pivotally attached to the lift for movement of the platform between a generally horizontal position and an inclined position, the platform being sized and shaped to receive at least one panel.

9. The system of claim 8, the base comprising an extended portion configured for contact with the platform in the inclined position.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the system has a reduced width when in the inclined position.

11. The system of claim 8, the means for movement of the platform comprising a scissor lift.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the platform pivotally attaches to the lift at about the point of center of gravity of the platform.

13. The system of claim 8, the lift comprising a lower frame attached to the base and an upper frame pivotally attached to the platform, a pair of first arms and a pair of second arms moveably connected between the lower frame and the upper frame.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein each first arm pivotally attaches at one end to the lower frame and at the opposite end moveably engages the upper frame;

each second arm pivotally attaches at one end to the upper frame and at the opposite end moveably engages the lower frame; and

each first arm pivotally attaches to a corresponding second arm at about a mid-point of each arm.

15. A method of installing panels, comprising:

providing a base;

providing a lift attached to the base for movement between a lowered position to a raised position for installation of articles;

providing a platform pivotally attached to the lift for movement of the platform between a generally horizontal position and an inclined position, the platform being sized and shaped to receive at least one panel;

moving the lift to the lowered position;

moving the platform to the inclined position;

loading a panel onto the platform;

transporting the panel to the location of installation;

moving the platform to the horizontal position;

moving the lift to the raised position; and

installing the panel.