Wheel Supported Patents (Class 187/243)
  • Patent number: 11064804
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image sound device having a display portion that can appear/disappear, the device comprising: a housing, the upper end of which is open, and which has a space provided therein; a display portion installed inside the housing to be able to output images; an elevating unit installed inside the housing and below the display portion such that the display portion can be made to protrude through the upper end of the housing; and a motor control portion for controlling the elevating unit such that the display portion can be positioned at two or more heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun-yong Choi, Ha-Na Kim, Jee-hoon Park, You-na Choo, Soo-hyun Whang
  • Patent number: 11045365
    Abstract: A lift apparatus includes an anchor assembly fixable to a vehicle; a platform to support a wheelchair; a support assembly; and two arms, each connected to the support assembly to support the platform. The arms are rotatably connected to the anchor assembly. The platform includes two parts. Each part has a support surface for a wheelchair, a back, and a lateral edge along which the parts are hinged to rotate between a close configuration, in which the backs are facing, and an open configuration, in which the support surfaces are coplanar. An actuator rotates the parts from the close configuration to the open configuration. For each arm, a connecting element, is pivoted to the arm; a first connecting rod is pivoted to the connecting element and to a first of the parts, and a second connecting rod is pivoted to the connecting element and to the second of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Olmedo Special Vehicles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Daniele Molinaro, Emanuele Mengoni
  • Patent number: 10676007
    Abstract: A portable lift device that includes a portable lift column assembly having a lift column including a first end, a second end, and a length there between. The second end of the lift column has at least one column attachment system. The lift column assembly further includes a riser assembly coupled to the lift column and movable with respect to the lift column. The riser assembly includes a riser attachment device. The portable lift device also includes a platform assembly movable with the riser assembly and having a platform structure coupled to at least one platform attachment system. The at least one platform attachment-system selectively engages the riser attachment device to detachably couple the platform assembly with the riser assembly and wherein the platform structure maintains structural integrity under a predetermined load capacity. The platform assembly is movable with the riser assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: CHURCH STEWARDSHIP INC.
    Inventor: Gideon M. Clement
  • Patent number: 10667966
    Abstract: A floor lift system includes a stationary floor assembly and a translational floor assembly. The stationary floor assembly includes a base, a plurality of motors, and a rail system. The base is secured to a floor of the vehicle. The translational floor assembly includes a tray assembly and a floor lift assembly. A first of the plurality of motors moves the translational floor assembly horizontally from a stowed position out of a door of the vehicle to an extended position. A second of the plurality of motors moves the floor lift assembly horizontally out of the tray assembly. A third of the plurality of motors lowers the floor lift assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Wade W. Bryant
  • Patent number: 10568786
    Abstract: A pivotal handle assembly is attached to a folding ramp to move the ramp from a raised transport position inside a vehicle to a lower, use position extending between the vehicle and the ground. The handle assembly extends upwardly in both the transport and the use positions, and allows an operator to fold and unfold the ramp assembly without bending down so as to minimize back strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Creative Carriage Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Nunn, Karanvir Singh Rana
  • Patent number: 10550961
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of extracting buried lead water supply pipe with minimal excavation and which allows removal and containment of the lead pipe. The extraction apparatus includes a frame having an upwardly extending mast, a guide pulley mounted on the frame, and a pulling apparatus mounted on the mast. A take-up spool is mounted on the mast between the guide pulley and pulling apparatus and positioned to force a pipe pulling cable into a non-linear path between the guide pulley and the pulling apparatus. Extracted pipe is pulled into the non-linear path until the pipe is fully extracted from the ground. Multiple spiral loops around the take-up spool by the pulling cable may be necessary to fully contain the extracted pipe. Following extraction, the pipe may be unspooled from the take-up spool, the pulling cable removed for re-use, and the pipe may then be sent for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph Timothy Nippes
  • Patent number: 10426673
    Abstract: A lift platform assembly coupled to a floor and capable of transitioning a lift platform between a stow position and a ground level position. The lift platform assembly has one or more arms coupling the lift platform to the floor, a gate mount coupled to the lift platform at an outboard end, a retention gate coupled to the gate mount at a first terminus, and a mount pivot axis defined through the gate mount and parallel to a lift platform plane. The retention gate pivots about the mount pivot axis as the lift platform assembly transitions from the ground level position to the stow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Lewis Budd, II, Robert Earl Bettcher, III
  • Patent number: 10240717
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a projector lift is provided to raise and lower a projector from the ceiling. The projector lift includes a ceiling mount normally coupled to the ceiling, a projector mount supporting the projector, a lift assembly configured to raise and lower the second mount and projector, and a stabilizer extending between the ceiling and projector mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Draper, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Enochs
  • Patent number: 10173875
    Abstract: A truck and method for installing catenary wire are disclosed in which the truck may have a platform with a greater capacity than conventional systems. The truck may further comprise a set of guard rails that can be moved from a stowed position to an extended position and locked into the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Mass Electric Construction Co.
    Inventor: James Claypool
  • Patent number: 9937933
    Abstract: A trapdoor assembly for use on railcars is provided. The trapdoor assembly is pivotable between an up position and a down position. In the up position, the trapdoor assembly provides access to stairs on the railcar so that passengers can egress between the railcar and a ground level platform at a rail station. In the down position, the trapdoor assembly covers the stairs and provides a platform so that passengers can egress between the railcar and an elevated platform at a rail station. The trapdoor assembly also includes an extendible platform for bridging the gap between the railcar and the elevated station when the trapdoor is in the down position and the railcar is stopped at the elevated station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
    Inventors: Basily B. Basily, Thomas O. Boucher
  • Patent number: 9670039
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a projector lift is provided to raise and lower a projector from the ceiling. The projector lift includes a ceiling mount normally coupled to the ceiling, a projector mount supporting the projector, a lift assembly configured to raise and lower the second mount and projector, and a stabilizer extending between the ceiling and projector mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Draper, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Enochs
  • Patent number: 9045282
    Abstract: A vertically movable work platform is suspended and supported by a plurality of suspension wires fed out from one or more of winding rotating bodies which is rotated such that the vertically movable work platform is vertically moved by the rotation of the one or more of winding rotating bodies. A support for receiving and supporting the lowering vertically movable work platform at a work height, and a stopper for preventing the rotation of the winding rotating body in a direction which tends to lower the vertically movable work platform when the vertically movable work platform reaches the work height are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20140261101
    Abstract: A portable and foldable lift can be attached to a surface such as a tailgate of a truck. The lift can be slid off the gate and used to lift heavy objects from the ground to the bed of the truck. The portable and foldable lift is returned in a folded position to the tailgate for easy storage. The portable and foldable lift can also be attached to a work bench, either on top or underneath, and can be folded up and stored out of the way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Brent Hurd
  • Patent number: 8739935
    Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow passages. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: AGM Container Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Zuercher, James T. Coble
  • Patent number: 8316994
    Abstract: The invention is a battery powered vertical lift assembly adapted for vertically raising and lowering a load along a substantially vertical structure. The vertical lift assembly comprises a vertical guide, which is secured to the substantially vertical structure by any suitable connecting means. A carriage is movably attached to the vertical guide, and a platform, which supports the load, is attached to the carriage. The carriage is raised and lowered along the vertical guide by a suitable drive mechanism, whereby the load, supported on the platform, is raised and lowered along the vertical guide. Preferably, the drive mechanism for raising and lowering the carriage comprises a DC motor, powering a gear unit that is operatively connected to a sprocket, with the whole drive mechanism attached to the carriage. A sprocket engaging chain is attached to a surface of the vertical guide, with the chain extending the length of the vertical guide. A battery on the platform powers the DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Elevated Technologies LLC
    Inventors: William J. Rands, Michael S. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8302738
    Abstract: A power train handler having a first inverted T-shaped stand and a second inverted T-shaped stand the height of each of which is preferably independently adjustable. A T-shaped support is slidably attached to the upper end of each inverted T-shaped stand. Either an inverted U-shaped tip plate is rotationally balanced on a T-shaped support or a slotted bar having rotationally mounted arms is attached to the T-shaped support. Preferably, wheels are attached to the bottom of the inverted T-shaped stands; and, preferably, the inverted T-shaped stands are releasably, slidably, and lockably connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Chris Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8078368
    Abstract: A method of operating a lift truck, the method including the steps of actuating an override to move the lift truck from a safety configuration into a working configuration, positioning a load onto a front end assembly movably attached to the lift truck, disengaging the override, whereby the lift truck may move into the safety configuration once the load is removed from the front end assembly. The lift truck includes a motorized mover, a front end assembly movably coupled to the motorized mover, and a load sensor coupled to the front end assembly. The front end assembly is positionable between a safety configuration and a working configuration. The load sensor detects the presence of the load on the front end assembly. The front end assembly is moved into the safety configuration when the load sensor does not sense the load on the front end assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Walter D. Hall
  • Patent number: 7996992
    Abstract: A method for mounting one or more ropes on a rope pulley includes fitting a first end of the one or more ropes into one or more corresponding rope grooves of the rope pulley, attaching a rope holder to the rope pulley to press the first end of the one or more ropes into the one or more corresponding rope grooves of the rope pulley, and winding the one or more ropes at least partially around the rope pulley by rotating the rope pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventor: Osmo Björni
  • Patent number: 7926618
    Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. A scissors-like brace selectively locks the front door of the lift car to the support base when the lift car is elevated. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: AGM Container Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Zuercher, James T. (“Tim”) Coble
  • Publication number: 20100038181
    Abstract: A portable lift is provided, the lift having a base, a lift arm, an elevator movably connecting the lift arm to the lift, and detachable wheels attached to the base. A hydraulic pump is in communication with the elevator, and a power drive is used to power the hydraulic pump. The portable lift may be towed or pulled behind a support vehicle, such as a truck or van. A method of operating the portable lift includes positioning the lift on a surface, detaching the wheels to expose an entry side of the lift to a surface, extending a stabilizer to the surface, conveying a vehicle onto the lift through the side entry, engaging the vehicle with the lift arm, and moving the lift arm with the elevator from a resting position on the base to a service position to provide standing room for a service technician beneath the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Bradley Gene Jones
  • Publication number: 20090174176
    Abstract: The safety guard mechanism for a lifting device is a mechanism that can automatically deploy a safety guard pivotally mounted to the lower surface of the frame of a portable aerial lift device when the lift is raised. By lowering the guard member, the distance between the lower surface of the base and the ground is decreased. The helical screw-based mechanical device includes a mechanical translator coupled with a rotator, the entire assembly interconnecting the guard member and a scissors-type lift so that raising the lift drives the lowering of the guard member. In the lowered position, the guard prevents tipping of the lift should one or more wheels enter a pothole or other depression. A helical screw latch is included to provide a self-locking feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Kan Cui
  • Patent number: 7523587
    Abstract: A portable structure from which hunters and wildlife observers can command elevated views of wildlife habitat. Commonly called a blind, it may also be constructed as a permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a motorized vehicle. The blind offers powered erection, powered access to and from the observation position, and wheelchair accessibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Shamrock Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery D. Baird
  • Patent number: 7491026
    Abstract: A lift gate assembly including a pair of spaced-apart columns, a pair of support members telescopingly received within the pair of spaced apart columns, a platform having a first section operably coupled to the pair of support members and a second section operably coupled to the first section, and a support element having a first end operably coupled with one of the pair of support members, and a second end operably coupled with the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Hooker
  • Publication number: 20080196977
    Abstract: A collapsible access tower has a chassis 10 supporting a pair of road wheels 11 and outriggers 16,17 to impart stability when in use, and a pair of extensible multi-section columns 26,50 carrying a platform 35. A section 27 of one column 26 is rigidly connected to the chassis and another section 33 of that column to the platform 35. The other column is configured as an extendible ladder 50 one section 51 of which is hinged to the chassis 10 and another section 52 of which is hinged to the platform 35. When the platform is in its lowermost setting, the hinged connections of the two sections 51,52 of the ladder 50 are co-axial so that the ladder may be pivoted to a transit setting. A winch arrangement 39 is associated with column 26 to allow raising and lowering of the platform 35.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Watt
  • Patent number: 7395900
    Abstract: Systems and methods for lifting a wheelchair in non-residential indoor facilities. Guide rails extend from a wheeled-base and include a bearing and transmission system for raising and lowering a platform on which a wheelchair occupant travels. The bearing system is powered by a hydraulic cylinder with a cable or chain connected to the bearing system. The chain or cable traverses over idler pulleys at various positions about the guide rails and connects to the bearing system at one end and to one of the guide rails at another end. As the hydraulic cylinder is operated, the lifting cable translates the bearing system linearly through the guide rails, which in turn lifts the platform to a desired level. The platform may be adjusted to maintain a generally level orientation even as the guide rails are tilted to accommodate inclinations. Additional outriggers and/or supports may be provided to increase balance and stability of the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Murray, Yohann Littee
  • Publication number: 20080128215
    Abstract: A lift apparatus generally comprising a base unit, wheels rotatably mounted to the base unit, a handle fastened to the base, a scissor lift mounted to the upwardly facing surface of the base unit, and a horizontally extending platform mounted to the upper ends of the lift. The platform is selectively movable along a vertical axis by actuation of the lift by the user. The platform may include extension platforms hingedly associated therewith in order to increase the effective surface area of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Gershon Nowitz
  • Patent number: 7281736
    Abstract: A pothole protection mechanism provides additional support for the vehicle in the event a wheel is driven into a hole while the platform is elevated. The mechanism includes an extendible and retractable pothole protection bar. A mechanism serves to actuate the pothole protection mechanism based on a position of the vehicle lifting section. The construction of the mechanism serves to prevent a crushing hazard while deploying the bar and tolerates fixed objects on the ground while raising the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Sannah, Joan LaSalle
  • Patent number: 7275908
    Abstract: A roller mechanism for transporting loads over a surface, the roller mechanism including a body, at least one roller assembly that permits the body to move in at least one translational direction, the roller assembly being rotatably connected to the body, and a lifting mechanism attached to the body such that the body is selectively rotatable relative to the lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism can be operated to lift the roller assemblies out of contact with the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hilman, Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Hill, Jeffrey A. Kinsberg
  • Patent number: 7194842
    Abstract: A portable structure from which hunters and wildlife observers can command elevated views of wildlife habitat. Commonly called a blind, it can be constructed as a stand-alone structure and transported intact to habitat sites on, for example a flat-bed truck. It can also be constructed as a trailer, or as a permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a motorized vehicle. The blind offers powered erection, powered access to and from the observation position, and wheelchair accessibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffery D. Baird
  • Patent number: 7090457
    Abstract: A portable lift (10) for installing and uninstalling computer-related equipment (12) into a storage cabinet (14) broadly comprises a frame (16) operable to be removably secured to the storage cabinet (14); a trolley (18) for supporting the computer-related equipment (12); and a winch assembly (20). The frame (16) is operable to fold into a plurality of portions (28,30,32) for easy storage within a carrying unit (22). The trolley (18) includes a tray (126) on which the computer-related equipment (12) may be placed. The winch assembly (20) includes a winch (166), a plurality of pulleys (168,170,172), and a plurality of cable portions (180,182,184) that in operation are operable to vertically move the tray (126) within the frame (16) for positioning of the equipment (12) in the storage cabinet (14). The portable lift (10) is lightweight, easy-to-use, and may be assembled and disassembled by one user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Celeritas Technologies
    Inventor: Tony Martin
  • Publication number: 20030221914
    Abstract: A portable lift system for transporting and installing electronic systems within a rack system having a lockable rolling support structure including an upright mast, a base and a telescoping support carriage or shelf. The base has first and second telescoping support members which are integrally formed with lockable wheel castors for multi-directional rolling contact with a variety of rolling contact surfaces. The telescopic support members are stabilized by an integrally attached coupler for enabling simultaneous rolling and telescopic motion of the base in a direction perpendicular with respect to a base portion of the mast. The base also includes a lifting assembly which has a carriage connector, at least one motor, a motor support member and a line dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Paul L. Smith, Michael P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6523647
    Abstract: An elevating platform assembly includes a generally vertical mast having a generally vertical rack mounted thereon. A first trolley is coupled to the mast and is moveable therealong. A drive mechanism is carried by the first trolley and includes at least one pinion in mating engagement with the rack. An elongated elevating platform extends from the mast and has a second trolley mounted adjacent one end thereof. The second trolley couples the elevating platform to the mast and is moveable along the mast. The first trolley is coupled to at least one of the second trolley and elevating platform in a manner to maintain alignment of the at least one pinion and rack when loads are placed on the elevating platform that create moments at the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Hydro Mobile Inc.
    Inventor: Benoit Duplessis
  • Patent number: 6431319
    Abstract: A height-adjustable cart is provided and includes an undercarriage having a wheeled frame, a double scissor-type lift mechanism and a support frame which is height-adjustable relative to the wheeled frame by the lift mechanism. The wheeled frame includes a pair of extendable rear wheel supports which are each pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position. While in the retracted position, the wheels are in close proximity to the frame, thereby defining a small cart “footprint” for compact storage. While in the extended position, the wheels extend transversely away from the frame, thereby widening the cart “footprint” for stability and for ease of transportation. The height-adjustable cart further includes a detachable table onto which heavy equipment may be loaded. The detachable table includes wheels suitable for carrying the weight of the equipment and for transporting the heavy equipment thereon separate from the undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Everett Myers, Vincent Ming Lieu, Eugene Van Dyne, William Harry Benedict
  • Patent number: 6308802
    Abstract: A mobile elevator assembly which may be used for gaining access to balconies and the like for purposes of moving furniture further comprises a trailer base upon which all components are mounted, a plurality of telescoping frame assemblies which can be raised from a first nested position to an erect position on the base, a vertically extending track member which is secured to the erected frame assemblies, a carriage moveable along the track member, and a winch and cable for raising and lowering the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Michel Briere
  • Patent number: 6089354
    Abstract: A forklift with four wheels mounted on a chassis and a gantry which carries the forks and can be folded down longitudinally for transporting the forklift. The chassis of the forklift consists of two parts joined together by a hinge. The two chassis parts pivot relative to each other about a horizontal transverse axis and about a vertical axis, allowing for concurrent movement in the perpendicular axes of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Palfinger Crayler Staplertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Hettegger
  • Patent number: 5890737
    Abstract: A mechanism for preventing tipping of a lifting device having a main frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging support elements and a lifting element raisable and lowerable with respect to the main frame, the mechanism comprising a subframe mounted on the main frame and extending thereunder and intermediately disposed between all of the support members, and a parallel linkage mechanism for raising and lowering the subframe with respect to the ground in response to the lowering and raising of the lifting element respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Skyjack, Inc
    Inventor: Otto Hutka
  • Patent number: 5848668
    Abstract: A method, device and system are provided that is a portable lifting system for easy movement of moderately heavy items, including a base member, a vertical support member connected to the base member and a load member slideably connected along the vertical support member. The system is typically small in size, allowing for ease of loading, lifting, transporting and unloading of moderately heavy objects of 25 to 100 pounds. The system is typically used in enclosed areas such as an office, home, workshop, garage or basement. The actual load member varies depending upon the type of load being lifted. A common type connector is used allowing interchangeability between the various load members. The system can further include a mechanical advantage member including a screw or a motor to control load member height. The mechanical advantage member may be controlled manually, or electronically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: EZ Life Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Kafrissen, Robert F. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 5584363
    Abstract: A swing-up stabilizer for a portable lift has a bracing strut with a pivoted locking mechanism at its upper end including a locking plate on the strut which is spring biased into a tilted locking position biting the strut when the stabilizer is in an active ground engaging position or swung into a raised storage position located past an "at center" position whereat the strut is aligned with a pivotal connection between the strut and stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Genie Industries
    Inventors: Richard M. Curtin, Paul K. Smith, Matthew G. Kraemer
  • Patent number: 5429210
    Abstract: An adjustable height wagon capable of being manipulated between an orientation allowing maximum lift and an orientation allowing maximum height. The provision of a lift mechanism below an undercarriage of the wagon increases the stability of the wagon during lifting, and allows a material supporting bed to be drawn into contact with the undercarriage, thereby increasing the stability of both the material supporting bed and the wagon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventors: Elmer K. Hansen, deceased, by Catherine Hansen, executor
  • Patent number: 5425433
    Abstract: An elevating apparatus comprises a rack (1) supporting the apparatus, and an elevating platform (7) adjustable in height and suitably guided by at least one mast (8) or column. The mast (8) may be moved from a transport position into an operating position by having it pivoted about a horizontal tilting axis (9) on the rack (1). The axis (9) is arranged at the end of two parallel beams (2) of the rack (1) so as to enable the mast to be folded between these beams (2), thus practically requiring no additional space during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Josef A. Huber
  • Patent number: 5397209
    Abstract: A device for transporting workpieces to be machined and worked having a base housing or frame which may be moved on wheels and a bed which holds workpieces. The bed is connected with the base frame via a scissors mechanism and can be raised by the scissors mechanism. The scissors mechanism comprises arm braces wherein one arm brace at one end is pivotally connected to the base housing and the other arm brace on one end is pivotally connected to the bed wherein the arm braces are connected to each other at approximately the center thereof via a shaft. The wheels are mounted on the shaft which connect the arm braces and the wheels are pushed out of the base housing as the bed is lowered. The arm braces on the other end opposite the pivotal connections have a free end comprising a sliding foot which slides on the housing floor. In the resting position, the sliding foot engages under a cross rod lying above the housing floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Otmar Heim