Patent Grant
10835429
This application is a U.S. national stage entry of international patent application no. PCT/US2016/058282, filed Oct. 21, 2016, which claims the benefit of Denmark Patent Application No. 2015 00656 filed Oct. 23, 2015 entitled “Lifting Mechanism”, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
The present invention generally relates to personal mobility products and, more particularly, aspects of personal mobility devices that accommodate lifting portions of the device such as seats.
Some conventional wheelchairs include a lifting system enabling an occupant to be seated at different heights. However, conventional systems can be bulky. Some are not aesthetically pleasing or take up too much space. It is desirable to create form factors that allow lifting mechanism to stow partially or completely and that may for example fit completely underneath the seat. An exposed lift system may also create pinch points which pose a threat of injury or damage if a user's finger, etc. is caught in the lift mechanism. Some conventional systems also move the center of gravity of the seat and the user horizontally with respect to a base as the system is elevated. Such horizontal movement creates a risk of instability. Conventional systems also rely on cumbersome or complex systems to maintain an orientation of the seat to a horizon while the lifting system moves the seat from a lowered position to a raised position.
Therefore, a need exists for a compact lifting mechanism that minimizes horizontal movement of the center of gravity of the system, reduces pinch points, and maintains the orientation of the seat with respect to the horizon during operation of the lifting mechanism.
In one embodiment there is a platform link mechanism including a base with a first member rotatably coupled to the base. A second member may be coupled to the first member. The second member may be moveable with respect to the first member between a first position and a second position. A lifting link assembly may be rotatably coupled to each of the base and the second member. A platform mount may be coupled to the second member. The platform mount may be rotatable about a platform pivot with respect to the second member. The lifting link assembly may rotate relative to the first member, the second member, and the base as the second member moves relative to the first member. The first member may rotate relative to the base as the lifting link assembly rotates relative to the first member.
In a further embodiment, a platform link assembly may be coupled to each of the second member and the platform mount, wherein the platform link assembly is configured to maintain an orientation of the platform. Orientation of the platform may include one of a) an orientation of an aspect of the platform mount with respect to a horizon, b) an orientation of an aspect of the platform mount relative to a vertical plane passing through the platform mount, or c) both a) and b). The lifting link assembly may include a base link rotatably coupled to the base, a lifting link rotatably coupled to the second member, and a receiving link coupled to each of the base link and the lifting link. The receiving link may rotate relative to the base link as the lifting link rotates relative to the first member, thereby causing the first member to rotate relative to the base. The platform mount may move from a lowered position to an elevated position as the first member rotates relative to the base. A plane fixed on the platform mount may maintain a substantially fixed angle relative to the horizon as the platform mount moves from the lowered position to the elevated position as the first member rotates relative to the base. A plane fixed on the platform mount may maintain a substantially fixed angle relative to the horizon as the platform mount moves from the lowered position to the elevated position as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration. A center of gravity of the platform mount may remain at a substantially fixed horizontal distance from a point where the first member is pivotally mounted to the base as the platform mount moves from the lowered position to the elevated position as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration. The platform mount may lie within a vertical plane when the platform mount is in the lowered configuration and the platform mount may move a maximum of 2 inches from the vertical plane as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration. One of the first member and the second member may be telescopically nested within the other of the first member and the second member. The second member may be translatable with respect to the first member.
In another embodiment, an actuator is coupled to the second member and may be configured to move the second member relative to the first member. The actuator may comprise at least one of a piston within a cylinder and a threaded rod. The lifting link may be coupled to the second member at a lifting link pivot. The lifting link may have an effective link length between the lifting link pivot and the receiving link, and the effective link length may be configured to change as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration. The receiving link may be configured to slidingly receive the lifting link such that the effective link length changes as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration. the lifting link may comprise an inner lifting link telescopically nested within an outer lifting link such that the lifting link may telescopically expand and contract as the lifting link rotates relative to the first member. The lifting link may be rotationally fixed relative to the receiving link.
The platform link assembly may include a platform link rotatably coupled to the platform mount and moveably coupled to the platform mount and moveably coupled to the first member. The first member may include a first member track and the platform link may include a journal configured to move along the first member track as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration. The track may comprise a slot. The first member track may include a first arcuate portion. The first member track may include a second arcuate portion connected to the first arcuate portion. One of the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion may be convex relative to a lower surface of the first member and the other of the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion may be concave relative to the lower surface of the first member. The second member may include a second member track and the journal may be configured to move along the first member track and the second member track simultaneously as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration. The second member track may be transverse to the first member track. The platform link assembly may comprise an L-shaped link. The platform link assembly may comprise a multi-branched link including a branch rotatably coupled to the second member.
The platform link assembly may include a platform link, an intermediate link rotatably coupled to the platform link, and a connecting link rotatably coupled to each of the intermediate link and the lifting link assembly such that the connecting link rotates relative to the lifting link assembly as the lifting link assembly rotates relative to the second member. The connecting link may be rotatably coupled to the lifting link. The intermediate link may be rotatably coupled to the second member at an intermediate pivot. The intermediate link may include a first intermediate end and a second intermediate end with the intermediate pivot point between the first intermediate end and the second intermediate end. The intermediate link may rotate about the intermediate pivot point as the connecting link rotates relative to the lifting link assembly. The platform link may rotate relative to each of the intermediate link and the platform mount as the intermediate link rotates about the intermediate pivot point. The platform mount may rotate relative to the second member as the platform link rotates relative to the platform mount such that the orientation of the platform mount with respect to a horizon is maintained. The first member may include a cavity and the second member, lifting link, receiving link, and base link may be at least partially within the cavity when the lift mechanism is in the lowered configuration. The platform lift mechanism may include a maximum length of less than twenty two inches.
In a further embodiment, an actuator may be configured to move the first member such that the platform mount moves from a lowered position to an elevated position in less than forty-five seconds. The platform lift mechanism may be configured to support a load of four hundred pounds on the platform mount as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration.
In one embodiment, a method of lifting a platform while maintaining an angular orientation of the platform with respect to a horizon includes moving a second member relative to a first member, the first member being rotatably coupled to a base and the second member being rotatably coupled to a platform mount; wherein moving the second member causes a lifting link assembly to rotate relative to the first member, the second member, and the base; wherein rotation of the lifting link assembly causes the first member to rotate relative to the base; wherein rotation of the lifting link assembly causes a platform link assembly to rotate relative to the second member; wherein rotation of the platform link assembly causes rotation of the platform mount relative to the second member, thereby maintaining an orientation of the platform mount. The orientation of the platform may include one of a) an orientation of an aspect of the platform mount with respect to a horizon, b) an orientation of an aspect of the platform mount relative to a vertical plane passing through mount, or c) both a) and b). The lifting link assembly may include a base link rotatably coupled to the base, a lifting link rotatably coupled to the second member, and a receiving link rotatably coupled to the base link and coupled to the lifting link; and moving the second member may include rotating the receiving link relative to the base link as the lifting link rotates relative to the first member, thereby causing the first member to rotate relative to the base. Moving the second member may include maintaining a substantially fixed angle relative to the horizon as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration. Moving the second member may include maintaining a center of gravity of the platform mount at a substantially fixed distance from a point where the first member may be pivotably mounted to the base as the platform mount moves from a lowered position to an elevated position. Moving the second member may include activating an actuator. Moving the second member may include telescopically extending the second member relative to the first member. Moving the second member may include at least one of moving a piston within a cylinder and rotating a threaded rod.
The lifting link may include an effective link length and moving the second member may include changing the effective link length as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration. The receiving link may include a first end rotatably coupled to the base link, a second end coupled to the lifting link and the first member may be rotatably coupled to the receiving link at a receiving pivot between the first end and the second end. Moving the second member may include rotating the receiving link about the receiving pivot. Moving the second member may include moving the platform link assembly along a first track in the first member. Moving the second member may include moving the platform link assembly within a second track in the second member. The platform lift mechanism may include a platform link, an intermediate link rotatably coupled to the platform link, and a connecting link rotatably coupled to each of the intermediate link and the lifting link assembly. Moving the second member may include rotating the connecting link relative to the lifting link assembly as the linking lift assembly rotates relative to the second member. Moving the second member may include rotating the intermediate link about an intermediate pivot relative to the second member as the connecting link rotates relative to the lifting link assembly. Moving the second member may include rotating the platform link relative to each of the intermediate link and the platform mount as the intermediate link rotates about the intermediate pivot point. Moving the second member may include rotating the platform mount relative to the second member as the platform link rotates relative to the platform mount such that the orientation of the platform mount with respect to the horizon may be maintained.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the lifting mechanism, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
In the drawings:
In some embodiments, a platform lift mechanism is configured to elevate a mobility device component such as a platform from a lowered position to a raised or elevated position. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism is configured to elevate a seat of a wheelchair. In some embodiments, the lift mechanism comprises a compact system in comparison to prior lift mechanisms. The lift mechanism, in one example, contains a linkage assembly enclosed (e.g., entirely or substantially entirely) within a telescoping low-profile single arm mechanism that is operable to pivot relative to a frame on the mobility device while a platform (or other aspect of the lift mechanism) coupled to the linkage assembly is elevated such that a chair (or other component so coupled) is retained (entirely or substantially) at an orientation relative to the horizon through-out the lift movement. In some embodiments, the chair (or other component) has a center of gravity that is retained (entirely or substantially) at a vertical orientation such that there is little or no forward or backward movement of the chair as the lift elevates or lowers. In some embodiments, the lift is capable of raising and lowering a chair all the while retaining its horizontal orientation and the chair's position relative to the front and back of the mobility device. In some embodiments, the lift mechanism fits beneath a wheelchair seat when the lift mechanism is in the lowered position. In some embodiments, the lift mechanism is configured to lift a platform or seat comprising a load of 600 pounds while being capable of retracting to stow beneath a seat such as a 22 inch wide seat. In some embodiments, the lift mechanism includes a lifting link assembly configured to pivot or rotate a first member relative to a base when a second member is moved relative to the first member (e.g., where the second member may telescope into or out of the first member). In some embodiments, a platform link assembly is configured to maintain an orientation of the platform or seat as the platform is elevated (e.g., as a result of first member rotating relative to the base). The platform link assembly may be coupled directly or indirectly to the lifting link assembly. In some embodiments, the platform link mechanism includes an actuator to move the second member relative to the first member. The actuator may be coupled (directly or indirectly) to either or both of the lifting link assembly and platform link assembly. In some embodiments, the platform link mechanism is configured to vertically raise a load while maintaining a fixed horizontal distance from a base such that center of gravity of the load is positioned above the system base to prevent toppling the system.
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in
In some embodiments, the base 22 is configured to be coupled to a wheelchair support base (not shown) such that the platform lift mechanism base 22 is fixed relative to the wheelchair support base. In some embodiments, the base 22 is fixed relative to the wheelchair support and is configured to allow a member assembly 26 to rotate relative to the base 22, as explained in greater detail below.
Still referring to
Still referring to
In some embodiments, a link bearing opening 46 extends through the sidewall 34. In some embodiments, the link bearing opening 46 includes a boundary defined by a semi-circular shape. In some embodiments, the link bearing opening 46 is aligned with the groove 40 in the base plate 32 such that a shaft (not shown) coupled to the lifting link assembly 38 is received in the link bearing opening 46 and can rotate therein as the lift mechanism rotates. In some embodiments, the link bearing opening 46 provides access to a pivot which connects the lifting link assembly 38 to the lugs 37. In one embodiment, the sidewall 34 comprises an L-shape with a bottom portion extending the width of the base plate 32 an allowing access to pivot 161 when the lift mechanism 20 is in the elevated configuration.
In some embodiments, the platform mount 24 is configured to be attached to a seat of a wheelchair (not shown) such that the seat is elevated as platform lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration (
In some embodiments, the platform mount 24 includes an upper surface 50 which may be adjacent or parallel to bottom surface of a seat of a wheelchair and/or a tilt/recline mechanism of a wheelchair (not shown). In some embodiments, the platform link assembly 52 is configured to maintain an orientation of the upper surface 50 with respect to the horizon as explained in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the orientation of the platform includes an orientation of an aspect of the platform mount 24 (e.g., upper surface 50, a side surface) with respect to the horizon. In one embodiment, the orientation of the platform mount 24 includes an orientation of an aspect of the platform mount 24 relative to a vertical plane passing through the mount along axis 58 (
In some embodiments, the platform lift mechanism 20 includes an extending means for extending lift mechanism 20 as described herein. In one embodiment, extending means is member assembly 26. Member assembly 26 may be configured to rotate or pivot relative to the base 22 to elevate the platform mount 24 as the lift mechanism 20 moves from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration.
In some embodiments, the member assembly 26 comprises one or more nested members that telescopically expand. The member assembly 26 may include two members, as illustrated herein. In some embodiments, the member assembly 26 includes more than two members. In some embodiments, the member assembly 26 comprises a first member 64 (
In one embodiment, lifting link assembly 28 is rotatably coupled to the first member 64. In some embodiments, the first member 64 is rotatably coupled to the base 22 such that as the second member 66 moves relative to the first member 64, the lifting link assembly 28 causes the first member 64 to rotate relative to the base 22, as explained in greater detail below. In one embodiment, the first member 64, as shown in
In some embodiments, the first member 64 includes a guiding means for guiding the platform link assembly 52 in a manner that enables platform mount 24 to retain its orientation as lift mechanism 20 operates. In some embodiment, guiding means is a track (e.g., first track 82, second track 96 or combinations thereof), or a slot. First track 82 may be configured to receive a journal 88 coupled to the platform link assembly 52 in a configuration that maintains the orientation of the platform mount 24. In one embodiment, the first track 82 comprises a slot configured to guide the movement of the journal 88 as the lift mechanism 20 moves from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration. In one embodiment, the first track 82 comprises a first portion 84 connected to a second portion 86. In one embodiment, the first portion 84 comprises an arcuate shape and is concave with respect to the lower surface 76 of the first member 64. In one embodiment, the second portion 86 comprises an arcuate shape and is convex with respect to the lower surface 76 of the first member 64. In some embodiments, the shape of the first track 82 controls the orientation of the upper surface 50 of the platform mount 24, as explained in greater detail below. In one embodiment, the track 82 comprises a first region 85 and a second region 87. In one embodiment, the journal 88 is configured to be in the first region 85 when the lift mechanism 20 is in the lowered configuration and in the second region 87 when the lift mechanism 20 is in the elevated configuration. In some embodiments, the first member 64 includes a protrusion 90 extending from a front wall 92. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first track 82 is positioned in the protrusion such that the first track 82 extends forward of the front wall 92. In one embodiment, the protrusion 90 includes a mounting hole 94. In one embodiment, the mounting hole 94 is configured to receive an anchor, screw, etc. to secure a spacer (not shown) to the hollow interior of the first member to maintain the alignment of the first member 64 and second member 66 relative to each other as they move.
In some embodiments, the lift mechanism 20 includes a second track means for influencing rotation of a platform link assembly. In some embodiments, the second track means receives the journal 88 to influence the rotation of the platform link assembly 52 relative to the second member 66 and maintain the orientation of the platform mount. In some embodiments, the second track means comprises a second track 96. Turning now to
Still referring to
In some embodiments, one of the first member 64 and the second member 66 is at least partially nested within the other of the first member 64 and the second member 66 such that the second member 66 telescopically extends away from the first member 64 as the lift mechanism 20 moves from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration. In one embodiment, an actuator 104 is coupled to one or both of first member 64 and second member 66. In one embodiment, the actuator 104 comprises a hydraulic piston within a cylinder. In one embodiment, the actuator 104 comprises a threaded rod with a motor attached. In some embodiments, the actuator 104 moves the second member 66 relative to the first member 64 from a first position (
Turning now to
Some embodiments include a lifting link means for moving a member assembly during operation of a lift mechanism. In some embodiments, a lifting link means is configured to move (e.g., lift or lower) member assembly 26 during operation of the lift mechanism 20. In some embodiments, the lifting means is configured to rotate the first member 64 with respect to the base 22 as the second member 66 moves relative to the first member 64. Lifting link means in one embodiment is lifting link assembly 38.
In some embodiments, the lifting link assembly 38 is coupled to the base 22 and the second member 64 of the member assembly 26 (e.g., such that the lifting link assembly 38 rotates relative to the first member 64, the second member 66, and the base 22 as the second member moves relative to the first member, thereby causing the first member 64 to rotate relative to the base 22).
In some embodiments, the lifting link assembly 38 is folded upon itself when the lift mechanism is in the lowered configuration (e.g., the lifting link assembly includes hinges such that portions of the lifting link assembly are adjacent other portions of the lifting link assembly as best seen in
In some embodiments, there is a base link means for rotating the lifting means relative to the base 22. Base link means, in one embodiment, is base link 124.
In one embodiment, the second portion 132 comprises a central opening 138 configured to receive a receiving link pivot such that the receiving link 122 rotates relative to the base link as the lift mechanism 20 moves from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration. In one embodiment, the second portion 132 comprises an outer wall 140 having an outer shape defined by a circle having its center collinear with a center of the central opening 138. In some embodiments, the second portion 132 includes a width between a first edge 142 and a second edge 144. In some embodiments, the width of the second portion 132 is configured to provide adequate space for the actuator 104 or shaft 106 between the receiving links 122 and the lifting links 120 as best seen in
An exemplary embodiment of a lifting link 120 is illustrated in
In one embodiment, the lift mechanism 20 includes a receiving link means for transferring linear motion of the second member 66 into rotational motion of the lifting link means relative to the first member 64. In one embodiment, the receiving link means serves as a pivotably guide that is configured to permit the base link 124 to rotate relative to the base 22 to move the first member 64 relative to the base 22. In some embodiments, the lift mechanism 20 includes the receiving link means for allowing rotational motion of the lifting link 120 relative to the base and for varying the effective link length of the lifting link as the second member 66 moves relative to the first member 64. In one embodiment, the receiving link means is the receiving link 122. An exemplary embodiment of a receiving link 122 is illustrated in
In one embodiment, the receiving link 122 comprises a cap 166 with a cap opening 168 extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the cap opening 168 is configured to receive the lifting link 120. In one embodiment, cap opening 168 is configured to retain the lifting link 120 at an angle relative to axis 174 that is preselected to allow an increased amount of sliding travel while minimizing the spatial footprint of the lifting link assembly 38 when the lift mechanism 20 is in the lowered configuration compared to a perpendicular design. In one embodiment, the cap opening 168 is configured to slidingly receive the lifting link 122. In one embodiment, the cap 166 comprises an outer wall 170 disposed about an axis of symmetry 172. In one embodiment, the cap 166 comprises a length as measured between a front edge 171 and a rear edge 173. In some embodiments, the length of the cap 166 is less than the length of the lifting link 120. In one embodiment, the lifting link 120 is received in the cap opening 168 such that the lifting link is rotationally fixed relative to the receiving link 122. In one embodiment, the lifting link 120 and the receiving link 122 rotate simultaneously about at least one of the lifting link pivot 116, the pivot 161, and the receiving link pivot 160.
In one embodiment, an axis 174 extends through a center point of each of the first opening 158 and the connector opening 164 and intersects the cap axis of symmetry 172. In one embodiment, an angle 176 formed at the intersection of the axis 174 and the axis of symmetry 172 is about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, or about 10 degrees to about 80 degrees, or about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees, or about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees or about 45 degrees. Angle 176 is preferably selected to allow a sliding engagement between the lifting link 120 and the receiving link 122 and ensuring that sufficient force is provided by the actuator to move the lift mechanism 20. In one embodiment, the preselected angle is based on the length of lifting link 120, the cross sectional dimension of first member 66, and the distance of travel required by lifting link assembly 38, resultant moment arm forces created by the angle,
In one embodiment, the lift mechanism 20 includes a lifting link means for coupling the lifting means to the first member 64 such that rotation of the receiving link, in turn causes the first member 64 to rotate relative to the base 22. In one embodiment, the load to be raised or lowered by the lift mechanism 20 and the length of the first member 64 influence the material selection and dimensions of the lifting link means. In one embodiment, the lifting link means is the lifting link 120.
In one embodiment, the lifting link assembly 38 rotates relative to each of the base 22, the first member 64, and the second member 66 to cause the first member 64 to rotate relative to the base 22. In one embodiment, the lifting link assembly 38 includes a base link 124 rotatably coupled to the base 22. In one embodiment, the lifting link assembly 38 includes a lifting link 120 rotatably coupled to the second member 66. In one embodiment, the lifting link assembly 38 includes a receiving link 122 coupled to each of the base link 124 and the lifting link 120, wherein the receiving link 122 rotates relative to the base link 124 and the first member 64 as the lifting link 120 rotates relative to the second member 64, thereby causing the first member 64 to rotate relative to the base 22. In one embodiment, the first member 64 includes a cavity and the second member 66, lifting link 120, receiving link 122, and base link 124 are at least partially within the cavity when the lift mechanism 20 is in the lowered configuration.
In one embodiment, the lift mechanism 20 includes a platform linkage means for maintaining an orientation of the platform mount with respect to the horizon. In one embodiment, the platform linkage means is coupled to each of the second member 64 and the platform mount 24 such that rotation of one of the second member 64 and the platform mount 24 relative to the platform linkage means causes rotation of the other of the second member 64 and the platform mount 24 relative to the platform linkage means. In one embodiment, the platform linkage means is a platform link assembly 52.
In one embodiment, the lift mechanism 20 includes an actuator mount means for fixedly coupling the actuator 104 to the second member 66. In one embodiment, the actuator mount means is the actuator mount assembly 181. Still referring to
In one embodiment of the lift mechanism 20, there is a platform link 178. Platform link 178 may be coupled to the platform mount 24, the first member 64, and the second member 66 (e.g., such that the relative linear motion of the second member 66 causes the platform mount 24 to rotate relative to the second member 66).
Referring again to
In one embodiment, the intersection of the first track 82 and the second track 96 controls the position of the journal 88 because the journal 88 is positioned within both tracks simultaneously. In one embodiment, the location of the intersection of the tracks changes relative to both tracks as the second member 66 moves relative to the first member 64. In one embodiment, the platform link is rotatable and movable relative to the platform pivot 30 such that the platform mount 24 rotates relative to the second member 66, thereby maintaining the orientation of the upper surface 50 as the journal follows the intersection of the tracks. In one embodiment, the layout of the first track 82 and the second track 96 is selected based on a path the journal 88 would take as the lift mechanism 20 moves between the lowered configuration and the elevated configuration while the upper surface 50 is parallel to the horizon. In another embodiment, the upper surface 50 may be configured to be at an angle relative to the horizon when the lift mechanism is in one of the elevated and lowered configurations.
Referring to
In one embodiment, the platform link assembly 224 comprises a multi-branched link having a first branch 228 coupled to the second member pivot 226 and a second branch 230 coupled to a platform link pivot 56. In one embodiment, the platform link pivot 56 is positioned above the platform pivot 30. In one embodiment, the platform link pivot 56 is positioned below or to the side of the platform pivot 30. In one embodiment, the platform link assembly 224 comprises a third branch 232 coupled to the journal 88. In one embodiment, the second branch 230 comprises a knuckle 234 between a second branch first portion 236 and a second branch second portion 238. In one embodiment, the first portion 236 and second portion 238 are rotationally fixed relative to one another. In one embodiment, the first portion 236 and second portion 238 are configured for limited rotation between the two such that the top surface 50 undergoes an angular deflection relative to the horizon as the lift mechanism 220 moves from a lowered configuration (
Referring to
In one embodiment, the lifting link 326 is defined by an effective length as measured between the lifting link pivot 116 and the receiving pivot 328. In one embodiment, the lifting link 326 comprises a telescoping rod and cylinder construct such that the effective length of the lifting link 326 is configured to change as the lift mechanism moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration. In one embodiment, the lifting link 326 comprises an inner lifting link 327 telescopically nested within an outer lifting link 329 such that the lifting link 326 telescopically expands and contracts as the lifting link 326 rotates relative to a first member 64.
In one embodiment the lift mechanism 320 comprises a platform link assembly 328 configured to maintain the orientation of the upper surface 50 relative to a horizon as the lift mechanism 320 moves from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration. In one embodiment, the platform link assembly 328 comprises a platform link 330, an intermediate link 332, and a connecting link 334. In one embodiment, platform link 330 is rotatably coupled to the platform mount 24 by the platform link pivot 56. In one embodiment, the platform link 330 is rotatably coupled to the intermediate link 332 by a coupling pivot 336 such that the platform link and intermediate link rotate relative to each other. In one embodiment, an intermediate pivot 338 is configured to rotatably couple the intermediate link 332 to the second member 66. In one embodiment, a connecting pivot 340 is configured to rotatably couple the connecting link to the intermediate link. In one embodiment, a second connecting link pivot 342 is configured to rotatably couple the connecting link 334 to the lifting link 326. In one embodiment, the connecting link 334 couples the lifting link assembly 322 to the platform link assembly 328 such that an orientation of the upper surface 50 is maintained with respect to the horizon as the lift mechanism 320 moves from the lowered configuration to the elevated configuration.
In one embodiment, movement of the second member 66 relative to the first member 64 causes the lifting link 326 to rotate relative to the receiving link 324 in direction 344. In one embodiment, the receiving link 324 is configured to rotate relative to the base link 122 as the lifting link 326 rotates relative to the receiving link 324. In one embodiment, the base link 122 is configured to rotate relative to the base 22 as the receiving link 324 rotates relative to the base link 122. In one embodiment, the first member 64 is configured to rotate relative to the base 22 as the base link 122 rotates relative to the base 22 and the base link 122, receiving link 324, and lifting link 326 rotate relative to one another such that the lift mechanism 320 moves from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration.
In one embodiment, the connecting link 334 is configured to rotate relative to the lifting link 326 as the lifting link rotates relative to the second member 66. In one embodiment, the connecting link 334 is configured to rotate relative to the intermediate link 336 as the connecting link 334 rotates relative to the lifting link 326. In one embodiment, the intermediate link 336 is configured to rotate about the intermediate pivot 338 relative to the second member 66 when the connecting link 334 rotates relative to the intermediate link 336. In one embodiment, the intermediate link 336 is configured to rotate relative to the platform link 330 as the intermediate link 336 rotates relative to the second member 66. In one embodiment, the platform link 330 is configured to rotate relative to the platform mount 24 as the platform link 330 rotates relative to the intermediate link 336. In one embodiment, the platform mount 24 is configured to rotate relative to the second member 66 as the platform link 330 rotates relative to the platform mount 24 such that an orientation of the upper surface 50 is maintained. In one embodiment, the connecting link 334 is coupled to each of the lifting link assembly 322 and the platform link assembly 328 such that the platform mount 24 and base 22 rotate relative to the member assembly 26 simultaneously.
In one embodiment, the platform link assembly 328 comprises the platform link 330, the intermediate link 332 link rotatably coupled to the platform link 330, and the connecting link 334 rotatably coupled to each of the intermediate link 332 and the lifting link assembly 322 such that the connecting link 334 rotates relative to the lifting link assembly 332 as the lifting link assembly rotates relative to the second member 66.
Several embodiments of the lift mechanism are described herein. Features from any embodiment may be included in any other embodiments. Although various embodiments are disclosed, features of distinct embodiments may be incorporated into any of the otherwise described embodiments.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. Each element may move in the opposite direction of motion described herein as the lift mechanism moves from the elevated configuration to the lowered configuration.
It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.
Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims. Any claims directed to the methods of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 00656 | Oct 2015 | DK | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2016/058282 | 10/21/2016 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017/070586 | 4/27/2017 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180311091 A1 | Nov 2018 | US |
