Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6286813
-
Patent Number
6,286,813
-
Date Filed
Friday, December 5, 199726 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, September 11, 200122 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 254 93 H
- 254 93 HP
- 254 8 B
- 254 1
- 254 133
- 254 134
- 254 109
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a jack preferably comprising: a platform; a jack arm stabilizer guide having a first and a second terminal end, the first terminal end being attached to the platform; a jack arm; a jack arm stabilizer attached near the first terminal end of the jack arm, and the jack arm stabilizer is preferably slidably connected to the jack arm stabilizer guide so as to allow the jack arm stabilizer to be translocatable between the first and the second terminal ends of the jack arm stabilizer guide; and a vertical lift system operatively connected between the jack arm and the platform which is capable of vertically lifting the jack arm, thus translocating the jack arm stabilizer within the jack arm stabilizer guide. The vertical lift system preferably comprises a bellow connected between the platform and the jack arm, wherein the bellow is capable of being inflated causing it to vertically expand, thereby lifting the jack arm and translocating the jack arm stabilizer between the first and the second terminal ends of the jack arm stabilizer guide. The jack preferably further comprises a lock and release system to prevent the jack arm from descending subsequent to the jack arm having been lifted by the vertical lift system.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
The present invention is directed to device for lifting heavy objects, commonly known as a jack. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a jack which employs a pneumatic system for lifting.
The present invention finds particular utility in the field of automotive repair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a jack preferably comprising a platform, a jack arm stabilizer guide having a first and a second terminal end, the first terminal end being attached to the platform, and a jack arm.
The jack arm stabilizer is attached near the first terminal end of the jack arm, and the jack arm stabilizer is preferably slidably connected to the jack arm stabilizer guide so as to allow the jack arm stabilizer to be translocatable between the first and the second terminal ends of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
The jack further comprises a vertical lift system operatively connected between the jack arm and the platform which is capable of vertically lifting the jack arm, thus translocating the jack arm stabilizer within the jack arm stabilizer guide
The jack arm stabilizer guide preferably comprises a first arm having a first and a second terminal end, the first terminal end of the first arm being attached to the platform. A race is preferably located within the first arm. The jack arm stabilizer guide further comprises a second arm having a first and a second terminal end, wherein the first terminal end of the second arm is attached to the platform. A race is also located within the second arm. Preferably, the first arm and the second arm are attached to the platform such that the race located within the first arm is diametrically opposed to the race located within tile second arm.
The jack arm stabilizer preferably comprises a first plate and a second plate diametrically opposed thereto. A first set of bearings are located between the first and a second plate. When the jack arm stabilizer is placed within the jack arm stabilizer guide, the first set of bearings are positioned within the race located within the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
The jack arm stabilizer also comprises a second set of bearings located between the first and the second plate. As above, when the jack arm stabilizer is placed within the jack arm stabilizer guide, the second set of bearings are positioned within the race located within the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
In the preferred embodiment, the jack arm stabilizer guide is offset from the platform, relative to a perpendicular therefrom, at a first predetermined angle. This offset provides maximum clearance for jack arm by allowing the jack arm to engage more of the automobile to be lifted.
Additionally, the jack arm stabilizer is also offset from the jack arm, relative to a perpendicular therefrom, at a second predetermined angle proportional to the first predetermined angle.
The vertical lift system preferably comprises a bellow connected between the platform and the jack arm, wherein the bellow is capable of being inflated causing it to vertically expand, thereby lifting the jack arm and translocating the jack arm stabilizer between the first and the second terminal ends of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
The vertical lift system also comprises a portage system capable of delivering pneumatic fluid to the bellow so as to cause it to inflate. In the preferred embodiment, the pneumatic fluid comprises compressed air.
The bellow of the vertical lift system preferably comprises a bladder having a first and a second terminal end, a first retainer operatively attaching the first terminal end of the bladder to the jack arm, and a second retainer operatively attaching the second terminal end of the bladder to the platform.
The jack preferably further comprises a lock system to prevent the jack arm from descending subsequent to the jack arm having been lifted by the vertical lift system.
In the preferred embodiment, the lock system comprises a first and a second series of notches located in the first and second arm, respectively, of the jack arm stabilizer guide, a first pawl pivotally located between the first and the second plate of the jack arm stabilizer, the first pawl having an ear which is capable of ratcheting against the first series of notches located in the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide, and a second pawl pivotally located between the first and the second plate of the jack arm stabilizer, the second pawl having an ear which is capable of ratcheting against the second series of notches located in the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
When the vertical lift system stops lifting the jack arm, halting the progression of the jack arm stabilizer and thus the pawls, or should a system failure cause the compressed air to leak from any part of the vertical lift system, the pawls will drop down to the nearest notch, thereby securely bearing the weight of the load. Thus, the pawls and notches are a safety lock by preventing the unplanned descent of the jack arm.
In order for the jack arm to descend, it is necessary to pivot the pawls such they clear the notches. Therefore, the jack also preferably comprises a release system to release the lock system, thereby allowing the jack arm to descend subsequent to the jack arm having been lifted by the vertical lift system.
The release system comprises a device which, when activated, causes the ears of the first and second pawls to disengage from the first and second series of notches located in the first and second arms, respectively, of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
Thus, the release system allows the pawls to clear the notches upon the descent of the jack arm via exhausting compressed air from the bellow.
It should be noted that the pawls ratchet independently of each other. Thus, the jack arm is able to tilt, relative to horizontal. This feature finds particular utility in the lifting of an automobile near one of its wheels, since the automobile will tend to tilt as a result of having one of its wheels lifted off the ground while the other one remains thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
illustrates an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2
depicts a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the jack arm stabilizer guide shown in FIG.
1
.
FIG. 3
shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of the jack arm and jack arm stabilizer shown in FIG.
1
.
FIG. 4
illustrates a front view of the plate employed by the jack arm stabilizer shown in FIG.
3
.
FIG. 5
is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the pawl employed by the jack arm stabilizer shown in FIG.
3
.
FIG. 6
illustrates a partial side view of the preferred embodiment of the vertical lift system shown in FIG.
1
.
FIG. 7
depicts a front view of the preferred embodiment of the valve housing unit of the vertical lift system shown in FIG.
6
.
FIG. 8
illustrates the preferred embodiment of a lock and release system of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
Turning now to
FIG. 1
, an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the automotive jack of the present invention is shown. Specifically, jack
100
preferably comprises platform
102
, jack arm stabilizer guide
104
attached to the platform, jack arm
106
translocatable within jack arm stabilizer guide
104
via jack arm stabilizer
108
attached thereto, and vertical lift system
110
.
While the present invention is described with reference to the lifting of an automobile, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto.
In the preferred embodiment, plate
112
is secured to the top portion of jack arm stabilizer guide
104
to stabilize same, as well as to retain jack arm stabilizer
108
therewithin.
Turning now to
FIG. 2
, a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment of jack arm stabilizer guide
104
is shown. Jack arm stabilizer guide
104
preferably comprises arm
202
diametrically opposed to arm
204
, both rigidly attached to platform
102
.
Arms
202
and
204
are preferably offset from platform
102
, relative to a perpendicular therefrom, by a predetermined angle. In this way, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, maximum clearance is provided for jack arm (
106
,
FIG. 1
) by allowing the jack arm to engage more of the automobile to be lifted.
In the preferred embodiment, the predetermined angle is approximately 15 degrees, although other angles will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
Arms
202
and
204
preferably comprise race
206
and race
208
, respectively, which serve as channels to slidably secure jack arm stabilizer
108
(
FIG. 1
) therewithin, as described below with reference to FIG.
3
.
Arms
202
and
204
preferably also comprise notches
210
and
212
, which serve as part of a safety lock and release system, described below with reference to FIG.
8
.
Flat plate
214
is preferably located between the races to stabilize the relative positions thereof with respect to each other.
Arm
202
is comprised of sides
216
and
218
, each preferably manufactured from 1.5 inch by 0.5 inch bar stock, separated by spacer
220
preferably manufactured from ⅝ inch square stock. Arm
204
is similarly constructed. Arms
202
and
204
are preferably housed via plates
222
and
224
, respectively.
FIG. 3
shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of jack arm
106
and jack arm stabilizer
108
.
Jack arm
106
is preferably curved as shown at reference
302
, lowering the profile thereof to provide more clearance therefor. Optionally, rubber pad
304
is attached to the end of the jack arm to serve as a protector of the automobile being lifted.
Jack arm stabilizer
108
preferably comprises plates
306
and
308
securely attached to jack arm
106
. Plates
306
and
308
are preferably offset from jack arm
106
at the same predetermined angle at which arms
202
and
204
(
FIG. 2
) are offset, thereby providing a relatively horizontal jack arm position.
With reference to
FIG. 4
, a front view of the plates employed by jack arm stabilizer
108
(
FIG. 3
) is shown.
Plate
306
(
308
) preferably comprises four holes, located preferably as follows: dimension A is approximately 0.75 inches; dimension B is approximately 1.5 inches; and dimension C is approximately 1.5 inches. Plate
306
(Plate
308
) is preferably comprised of ⅜ inch steel having nominal dimensions of 4 inches by 9 inches.
Returning now to
FIG. 3
, four bolts
310
are located through the four holes of plates
306
and
308
, each bolt being secured by nuts
312
. Attached to each shaft of the four nuts
312
are four roller bearings
314
which are freely rotatable thereabout. In the preferred embodiment, bearings
314
are Nice® bearings, manufactured by SKF USA, Inc. as part number 1633 DCTN.
It is to be noted that plate
306
is located in an inverse position, relative to plate
308
. Given the preferred dimensions of the locations of the four holes in plates
306
and
308
(discussed above with reference to FIG.
4
), the shafts of bolts
310
are positioned such that bearings
314
lie parallel to plates
306
and
308
(i.e., at the same predetermined angle at which arms
202
and
204
(
FIG. 2
) are offset).
Therefore, when jack arm stabilizer
108
is placed within jack arm stabilizer guide
104
(FIG.
1
), bearings
314
will be positioned within races
206
and
208
of arms
202
and
204
, respectively (FIG.
2
). As plates
306
and
308
are preferably dimensioned to reside on the exterior of sides
216
and
218
(of arms
202
and
204
, FIG.
2
), respectively, ball bearings
314
reduce the friction therebetween.
Pawl
316
is preferably located on the shaft of each of the two bottom bolts. Pawls
316
, in conjunction with notches
210
and
212
(on arms
202
and
204
, FIG.
2
), serve as part of a safety lock and release system, described below with reference to FIG.
8
.
With reference to
FIG. 5
, a front view of pawl
316
is shown, and includes void
502
for pivotal rotation about bolt
310
(FIG.
3
), ear
504
, and tail
506
.
Turning now to
FIG. 6
, a partial view of vertical lift system
110
is shown. Vertical lift system
110
preferably comprises bellow
602
and portage system
604
.
Bellow
602
preferably comprises bladder
606
, bead rings
608
and retainer
610
. Bladder
606
is preferably a two-tier rubber bladder which is capable of being inflated with a pneumatic fluid. In the preferred embodiment, the pneumatic fluid comprises compressed air, capable of being supplied to bellow
602
via portage system
604
.
Bladder
606
comprises a lip at each terminal end over which bead rings
608
are placed. Bead ring
608
a
secures the upper portion of bladder
606
to the underside of jack arm
106
(
FIG. 1
) via a plurality of screws through a corresponding plurality of holes located therein (not shown). In the preferred embodiment, rubber gasket compound is employed therebetween to ensure the integrity of the seal. The lower portion of bladder
606
is preferably secured to platform
102
via bead ring
608
b
and retainer
610
by similar means. Bladder
606
is preferably approximately 10 inches in diameter, such as part number W01-358-7901 manufactured by Firestone.
Portage system
604
is capable of delivering compressed air to bellow
602
via valve housing unit
612
, which delivers the compressed air thereto via couplings
614
and flexible tubing
616
.
In the preferred embodiment, retainer
610
is employed between bead ring
608
b
and platform
102
to provide an inlet area for the compressed air to enter bladder
606
. In the preferred embodiment, retainer
610
is identical to bead ring
608
.
In the preferred embodiment, valve housing unit
612
is offset from platform
102
to correspond with the offset of jack arm stabilizer guide
104
(FIG.
1
).
With reference to
FIG. 7
, a front view of the preferred embodiment of valve housing unit
612
is shown, and includes compressed air inlet port
702
connected to inlet channel
704
. A source of compressed air (not shown) is capable of being delivered to coupling
614
(
FIG. 6
) via outlet port
706
when plunger
708
of inlet valve
710
is depressed.
Similarly, when plunger
712
of exhaust valve
714
is depressed, compressed air within bladder
606
(
FIG. 6
) is vented via exhaust channel
716
to exhaust port
718
. Valve housing unit
612
is preferably secured to platform
102
(
FIG. 6
) via threaded holes
720
.
Returning to
FIG. 6
, portage system
604
preferably comprises a pressure regulating system (not shown) which bleeds off compressed air from inlet port
702
once a threshold pressure is reached within bladder
606
.
Portage system
604
is available from The Unitec Manufacturing Corporation as part number ACV-107-R (with pressure regulator system) or ACV-107 (without pressure regulator system).
Turning now to
FIG. 8
, the preferred embodiment of a lock and release safety system of the present invention is shown, and comprises pawls
316
acting in conjunction with notches
210
and
212
of arms
202
and
204
, respectively, of the jack arm stabilizer guide (FIG.
2
).
Pawls
316
are pivotable about the shafts of bolts
312
, which are integral with the jack arm stabilizer, as discussed above. Thus, when the jack arm (and thus the jack arm stabilizer) is lifted by the vertical lift system, ears
504
of pawls
316
ratchet along notches
210
and
212
of arms
202
and
204
, respectively, of the jack arm stabilizer guide (FIG.
2
).
When the vertical lift system stops lifting the jack arm, halting the progression of the jack arm stabilizer and thus pawls
316
, or should a system failure cause the compressed air to leak from any part of the vertical lift system (FIG.
6
), ears
504
will drop down to the nearest notch, thereby securely bearing the weight of the load. Thus, the pawls and notches are a safety lock by preventing the unplanned descent of the jack arm.
It should be noted that pawls
316
ratchet independently of each other. Thus, the jack arm is able to tilt, relative to horizontal. This feature finds particular utility in the lifting of an automobile near one of its wheels, since the automobile will tend to tilt as a result of having one of its wheels lifted off the ground while the other one remains thereon.
In order for the jack arm to descend, it is necessary to pivot the pawls such that ears
504
clear notches
210
and
212
. To do so, it may be necessary to slightly raise the jack arm.
Lifting safety handle
802
will cause ears
504
to rotate inward, thereby allowing same to clear notches
210
and
212
upon the descent of the jack arm via exhausting compressed air from the bellow (
FIG. 6
) as discussed above.
Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments. Various changes or modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
Claims
- 1. A jack for lifting a load, said jack comprising:a platform; a jack arm stabilizer guide including a first arm having a first and a second terminal end, wherein the first terminal end of the first arm is attached to the platform, a race located within the first arm, a second arm having a first and a second terminal end, wherein the first terminal end of the second arm is attached to the platform, and a race located within the second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are attached to the platform such that the race located within the first arm is diametrically opposed to the race located within the second arm; a jack arm stabilizer slidably interposed between the first arm and the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide and translocatable between the first and the second terminal ends thereof; a jack arm having a first terminal end attached to the jack arm stabilizer and a second terminal end extending therefrom, wherein the load to be lifted is locatable on the jack arm; and a vertical lift system operatively connected between the jack arm and the platform, wherein the vertical lift system is capable of vertically lifting the jack arm, thus translocating the jack arm stabilizer between the first and the second terminal ends of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
- 2. The jack of claim 1, wherein the jack arm stabilizer comprises:a first plate; a second plate diametrically opposed to the first plate; a first set of bearings rotatably located between the first and a second plate, wherein the first set of bearings are operatively positionable within the race located within the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide; and a second set of bearings rotatably located between the first and the second plate, wherein the second set of bearings are operatively positionable within the race located within the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
- 3. The jack of claim 1, wherein the jack arm stabilizer is offset from the jack arm, relative to a perpendicular therefrom, at a second predetermined angle proportional to the first predetermined angle.
- 4. The jack of claim 1, wherein the vertical lift system comprises:a bellow operatively connected between the platform and the jack arm, wherein the bellow is capable of being inflated so as to cause the bellow to vertically expand, thereby lifting the jack arm and translocating the jack arm stabilizer between the first and the second terminal ends of the jack arm stabilizer guide; and a portage system capable of delivering pneumatic fluid to the bellow so as to cause the bellow to inflate.
- 5. The jack of claim 4, wherein the bellow of the vertical lift system comprises:a bladder having a first and a second terminal end; a first retainer operatively attaching the first terminal end of the bladder to the jack arm; and a second retainer operatively attaching the second terminal end of the bladder to the platform.
- 6. The jack of claim 1, the jack further comprising a lock system to prevent the jack arm from descending subsequent to the jack arm having been lifted by the vertical lift system.
- 7. The jack of claim 6, wherein the lock system comprises:a first series of notches located in the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide; a second series of notches located in the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide, wherein the first series of notches is diametrically opposed to the second series of notches; a first pawl pivotally located between the first and the second plate of the jack arm stabilizer, the first pawl having an ear which is capable of ratcheting against the first series of notches located in the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide; and a second pawl pivotally located between the first and the second plate of the jack arm stabilizer, the second pawl having an ear which is capable of ratcheting against the second series of notches located in the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
- 8. The jack of claim 6, the jack further comprising a release system to release the lock system, thereby allowing the jack arm to descend subsequent to the jack arm having been lifted by the vertical lift system.
- 9. The jack of claim 7, wherein the first pawl is capable of ratcheting independently of the second pawl, thereby allowing the jack arm to tilt, relative to horizontal.
- 10. The jack of claim 7, the jack further comprising a releases system to release the lock system, thereby allowing the jack arm to descend subsequent to the jack arm having been lifted by the vertical lift system.
- 11. The jack of claim 10, wherein the release system comprises a device which, when activated, causes the ears of the first and second pawls to disengage from the first and second series of notches located in the first and second arms, respectively, of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
- 12. A jack for lifting a load, said jack comprising:a platform; a jack arm stabilizer guide including a first arm having a first and a second terminal end, wherein the first terminal end of the first arm is attached to the platform, a race located within the first arm, a second arm having a first and a second terminal end, wherein the first terminal end of the second arm is attached to the platform, and a race located within the second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are attached to the platform such that the race located within the first arm is diametrically opposed to the race located within the second arm; a jack arm stabilizer slidably interposed between the first arm and the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide and translocatable between the first and the second terminal ends thereof; a jack arm having a first terminal end attached to the jack arm stabilizer and a second terminal end extending therefrom, wherein the load to be lifted is locatable on the jack arm; and a bellow operatively connected between the platform and the jack arm, wherein the bellow is capable of being inflated so as to cause the bellow to vertically expand, thereby lifting the jack arm and translocating the jack arm stabilizer between the first and the second terminal ends of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
- 13. The jack of claim 12, wherein the bellow comprises:a bladder having a first and a second terminal end; a first retainer operatively attaching the first terminal end of the bladder to the jack arm; and a second retainer operatively attaching the second terminal end of the bladder to the platform.
- 14. The jack of claim 13, the jack further comprising a portage system capable of delivering pneumatic fluid to the bladder so as to cause the bladder to inflate.
- 15. The jack of claim 12, wherein the jack arm stabilizer comprises:a first plate; a second plate diametrically opposed to the first plate; a first set of bearings rotatably located between the first and a second plate, wherein the first set of bearings are operatively positionable within the race located within the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide; and a second set of bearings rotatably located between the first and the second plate, wherein the second set of bearings are operatively positionable within the race located within the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
- 16. The jack of claim 12, the jack further comprising a lock system to prevent the jack arm from descending subsequent to the jack arm having been lifted by the vertical lift system.
- 17. The jack of claim 16, the jack further comprising a release system to release the lock system, thereby allowing the jack arm to descend subsequent to the jack arm having been lifted by the vertical lift system.
- 18. The jack of claim 16, wherein the lock system comprises:a first series of notches located in the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide; a second series of notches located in the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide, wherein the first series of notches is diametrically opposed to the second series of notches; a first pawl pivotally located between the first and the second plate of the jack arm stabilizer, the first pawl having an ear which is capable of ratcheting against the first series of notches located in the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide; and a second pawl pivotally located between the first and the second plate of the jack arm stabilizer, the second pawl having an ear which is capable of ratcheting against the second series of notches located in the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
- 19. The jack of claim 18, wherein the first pawl is capable of ratcheting independently of the second pawl, thereby allowing the jack arm to tilt, relative to horizontal.
- 20. A jack for lifting a load, said jack comprising:a platform; a jack arm stabilizer guide including a first arm having a first and a second terminal end, wherein the first terminal end of the first arm is attached to the platform, a race located within the first arm, a second arm having a first and a second terminal end, wherein the first terminal end of the second arm is attached to the platform, and a race located within the second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are attached to the platform such that the race located within the first arm is diametrically opposed to the race located within the second arm; a jack arm stabilizer slidably interposed between the first arm and the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide and translocatable between the first and the second terminal ends thereof; a jack arm having a first terminal end attached to the jack arm stabilizer and a second terminal end extending therefrom, wherein the load to be lifted is locatable on the jack arm; a bellow operatively connected between the platform and the jack arm, wherein the bellow is capable of being inflated by pneumatic fluid so as to cause the bellow to vertically expand, thereby lifting the jack arm and translocating the jack arm stabilizer between the first and the second terminal ends of the jack arm stabilizer guide; and a portage system capable of delivering the pneumatic fluid to the bellow so as to cause the bellow to inflate.
- 21. The jack of claim 20, wherein the bellow comprises:a bladder having a first and a second terminal end; a first retainer operatively attaching the first terminal end of the bladder to the jack arm; and a second retainer operatively attaching the second terminal end of the bladder to the platform.
- 22. The jack of claim 20, wherein the pneumatic fluid comprises compressed air.
- 23. The jack of claim 20, wherein the jack arm stabilizer comprises:a first plate; a second plate diametrically opposed to the first plate; a first set of bearings rotatably located between the first and a second plate, wherein the first set of bearings are operatively positionable within the race located within the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide; and a second set of bearings rotatably located between the first and the second plate, wherein the second set of bearings are operatively positionable within the race located within the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
- 24. The jack of claim 23, the jack further comprising a lock system to prevent the jack arm from descending subsequent to the jack arm having been lifted by the vertical lift system.
- 25. The jack of claim 24, wherein the lock system comprises:a first series of notches located in the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide; a second series of notches located in the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide, wherein the first series of notches is diametrically opposed to the second series of notches; a first pawl pivotally located between the first and the second plate of the jack arm stabilizer, the first pawl having an ear which is capable of ratcheting against the first series of notches located in the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide; and a second pawl pivotally located between the first and the second plate of the jack arm stabilizer, the second pawl having an ear which is capable of ratcheting against the second series of notches located in the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide.
- 26. The jack of claim 25, wherein the first pawl is capable of ratcheting independently of the second pawl, thereby allowing the jack arm to tilt, relative to horizontal.
- 27. The jack of claim 24, the jack further comprising a release system to release the lock system, thereby allowing the jack arm to descend subsequent to the jack arm having been lifted by the vertical lift system.
- 28. The jack of claim 1, wherein the race located within the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide and the race located within the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide are offset from the platform, relative to a perpendicular therefrom, at a first predetermined angle.
- 29. The jack of claim 12, wherein the race located within the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide and the race located within the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide are offset from the platform, relative to a perpendicular therefrom, at a first predetermined angle.
- 30. The jack of claim 29, wherein the jack arm stabilizer is offset from the jack arm, relative to a perpendicular therefrom, at a second predetermined angle proportional to the first predetermined angle.
- 31. The jack of claim 20, wherein the race located within the first arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide and the race located within the second arm of the jack arm stabilizer guide are offset from the platform, relative to a perpendicular therefrom, at a first predetermined angle.
- 32. The jack of claim 31, wherein the jack arm stabilizer is offset from the jack arm, relative to a perpendicular therefrom, at a second predetermined angle proportional to the first predetermined angle.
US Referenced Citations (29)
Foreign Referenced Citations (5)
Number |
Date |
Country |
2746610 |
Apr 1978 |
DE |
0017765 |
Oct 1980 |
EP |
0064673 |
Nov 1982 |
EP |
2091905 |
Jan 1971 |
FR |
2044843 |
Feb 1971 |
FR |