Lifting Device

Abstract

A lifting device includes a lifting element with at least one holding element supported thereon. The holding element is adapted for holding a section of a human arm to provide support when the hand grips an object which is to be displaced. An operator of the lifting device may place their arm in the holding element and then use their hand to grasp an object to be displaced. The lifting device allows the grasped object to be displaced while the weight of the grasped object is borne through the holding element and lifting element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

The FIGURE shows a perspective view of a lifting device in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the FIGURE, the lifting device 1 has a cantilever, from the outer end of which a lifting element 2, designed here as a rope, is suspended. On the lower free end of the lifting element 2, there are—divided on two strands—two holding elements 3a and 3b.

These holding elements 3a and 3b are designed as loops, through which an arm of a worker can be inserted, so that a section of the arm rests in or is supported by the holding element 3a, 3b.

The worker, not shown in the FIGURE, may then grip an object, also not shown, with his hands, which have been inserted through the loop-shaped holding elements 3a, 3b.

By means of the schematically represented operating part 4, it is possible to control a drive 5 of the lifting device 1 in such a way that the lifting element 2 is raised or lowered with the holding elements 3a, 3b placed thereon. The operating part 4 may be specifically designed for wireless communication with a controller (not shown) for the lifting device 1.

The lifting device 1 can be driven so that it can be moved freely, for example, in a warehouse.

The above described exemplary embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications to these example embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A lifting device for use in moving objects, the lifting device including: (a) a lifting element; and(b) a holding element connected to the lifting element, the holding element for supporting a section of a human arm while the hand of the supported arm remains in position to grip an object which is to be moved, the holding element supporting the section of the human arm by taking up the weight of the object being gripped.

19. The lifting device of claim 18 further including a second holding element connected to the lifting element or to an additional lifting element, the second holding element for supporting a section of a second human arm while the hand of the supported second arm remains in position to grip the object, the second holding element supporting the section of the second human arm by taking up the weight of the object being gripped.

20. The lifting device according to claim 18 wherein the holding element comprises a loop that extends completely around the supported arm section above the hand.

21. The lifting device according to claim 18 wherein the holding element includes a laterally opening recess or an upwardly opening recess for receiving the supported arm section.

22. The lifting device according to claim 18 wherein the holding element comprises a glove.

23. The lifting device according to claim 18 further including a drive for moving the holding element vertically or horizontally or both vertically and horizontally.

24. The lifting device according to claim 23 further including an operating part for controlling the operation of the drive to move the holding element.

25. The lifting device according to claim 24 wherein the operating part is located on the holding element.

26. The lifting device according to claim 24 wherein the operating part provides wireless control of the drive.

27. The lifting device according to claim 18 wherein the device is freely movable.

28. A method for moving objects, the method including: (a) introducing a section of a human arm into a holding element which is connected to a lifting element;(b) with the hand of the arm introduced into the holding element, gripping the object which is to be moved so as to take up the weight of the object; and(c) moving the object while the weight of the object is taken up through the hand to the holding element.

29. The method according to claim 28 further including: (a) introducing a section of a second human arm into a second holding element which is connected to the lifting element or to a second lifting element;(b) with the hand of the second arm introduced into the second holding element, gripping the object which is to be moved; and(c) moving the object while the weight of the object is taken up through the hand to the holding element and through the second hand to the second holding element.

30. The method according to claim 28 wherein the holding element comprises a loop that extends completely around the supported arm section above the hand.

31. The method according to claim 28 wherein the holding element includes a laterally opening recess or an upwardly opening recess for receiving the supported arm section.

32. The method according to claim 28 wherein the holding element comprises a glove.

33. The method according to claim 28 further including operating a drive to move the holding element vertically or horizontally or both vertically and horizontally.

34. The method according to claim 33 further including controlling the drive by an operating part.

35. The method according to claim 34 wherein the operating part is located on the holding element.

36. The method according to claim 34 wherein the operating part provides wireless control of the drive.