Patent Grant
10081523
A vehicle lift is a device operable to lift a vehicle such as a car, truck, bus, etc. Some vehicle lifts operate by positioning arms under the vehicle. The arms may be pivotably coupled with a yoke to support the frame, axle, wheel, or the like of the vehicle. The yoke may be attached to one of two posts. The posts may be fixed in a location on each side of the vehicle. Each yoke may be attached to the posts in such a way that the yokes may actuate up and down on each post relative to the ground. Accordingly, the yokes may be raised or lowered to bring the vehicle to a desired height. Afterward, the vehicle may then be lowered once the user has completed his or her task requiring the vehicle lift. In some cases, the vehicle lift may include a locking mechanism. Such a locking mechanism may prevent the vehicle lift from suddenly dropping a load, by progressively locking the vehicle lift at various heights as the yokes are raised relative to the ground. However, in some locking mechanisms, the locking mechanism of the vehicle lift may not fully engage until the load is lowered slightly. By adding an indicator system to the vehicle lift it may be possible for a user to quickly ascertain whether the vehicle lift is in the locked position (i.e., whether the load is being borne by the locking mechanism).
Examples of vehicle lift devices and related concepts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,196, entitled “Electronically Controlled Vehicle Lift and Vehicle Services System,” issued Jan. 3, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0097187, entitled “Vehicle Guidance System for Automotive Lifts,” published Apr. 28, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,287, entitled “Vehicle Lift,” issued Apr. 23, 1991, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,322, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Synchronizing a Vehicle Lift,” issued Nov. 15, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,073, entitled “Hinge Pin,” issued Dec. 19, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. Pub. No. 2004/0011594, entitled “Overhead Assembly for Vehicle Lift,” published Jan. 22, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
While a variety of vehicle lifts have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used an invention as described herein.
While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:
The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.
The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
Carriage assemblies (120) are shown has having two arms (122) extending from posts (110) at an angle. The two arms (122) of each carriage assembly (120) are connected to one another by a yoke (124). The proximal end of each arm (122) may connect to yoke (124) by a pin connection (126). Pin connection (126) may permit arms (122) to rotate relative to yoke (124). The distal end of each arm (122) is shown as having a lifting pad (128). Lifting pad (128) is configured to support a vehicle. The rotatabilty of arms (122) about yoke (124) permits each lifting pad (128) to be adjusted to a location on vehicle suitable for lifting such as the frame, axle, or wheel. Arms (122) may be formed by telescoping segments that provide adjustability of the effective length of each arm (122). Thus, the combination of arms (122) being rotatable relative to yoke (124) and the telescoping nature of the arm segments permits vehicle lift system (100) to lift vehicles of varying size, shape, and/or lifting locations.
Posts (110) are aligned to be substantially parallel to each other. The alignment of posts (110) may be maintained by bolts in bolt holes (112). Similarly, the parallel alignment of posts (110) may be maintained by overhead bar assembly (150) mounted on the upper portion of posts (110). Thus, even when a vehicle is supported by arms (122) of carriage assemblies (120), posts (110) may maintain parallel alignment whether carriage assemblies (120) are positioned in a lowered position or raised position relative to the ground. As will be understood, overhead bar assembly (150) may also provides suitable structure to mount assemblies that may be used for an equalization system which stabilizes and levels the carriage assembly (120) on each post (110). Further examples of such automotive lifts (100) having overhead bar assemblies (150) are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Ser. No. 61/940,589, entitled “Adjustable Overhead Assembly for Vehicle Lift,” filed Feb. 17, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
As described above, carriage assemblies (120) may be actuated by hydraulic lift assembly (200). In particular, hydraulic lift assembly (200) includes a hydraulic cylinder (210) mounted inside posts (110) which is operable to actuate a particular carriage assembly (120) up and down relative to a particular post (110). As can be seen in
Generally, hydraulic pump (212), manifold (214), and hydraulic fluid storage tank (216) are configured to work cooperatively to actuate hydraulic cylinder (210). For instance, hydraulic pump (212) is configured to pump hydraulic fluid thus pressurizing the fluid within hydraulic lift assembly (200). Likewise, hydraulic fluid storage tank (216) is configured to act as a reservoir, storing excess hydraulic fluid. Manifold acts as a coupling between hydraulic pump (212) and hydraulic fluid storage tank (216) permitting pressurized hydraulic fluid to be communicated through hydraulic lines (220) to hydraulic cylinders (210). Thus, hydraulic pump (212) may pressurize hydraulic fluid contained within hydraulic fluid storage tank (216) forcing the hydraulic fluid through manifold (214) and into hydraulic cylinders (210). As the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic cylinders (210) builds, rods (218) may be forced out of hydraulic cylinders (210) via pistons (not shown). Correspondingly, as carriage assemblies (120) are lowered, fluid is drained from hydraulic cylinders (210) and into hydraulic fluid storage tank (216). It should be understood that any hydraulic lift assembly (200) may be utilize any suitable hydraulic pump (212), manifold (214), or hydraulic fluid storage tank (216) as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Lock rail (252) is shown as being a long rectangular strip with evenly spaced rectangular holes (254) disposed along the longitudinal length of lock rail (252). As will be described in greater detail below, holes (254) are sized to receive a lock member (262) of lock actuator (260). Lock rail (252) is generally rigid and may be comprised of a material that may provide sufficient rigidity. For instance, lock rail (252) may be comprised of steel, aluminum, iron, brass, or the like. Additionally, lock rail (252) is shown as having a generally u-shaped channel with outwardly extending flanges. Such a shape may provide additional rigidity while also positioning holes (254) closer in proximity to lock actuator (260). In other examples, lock rail (252) may be configured with any suitable shape or material as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
As can best be seen in
Lock member (262) comprises a lock portion (270) and a cam portion (272). As will be described in greater detail below, lock portion (270) and cam portion (272) are operable to engage holes (254) in lock rail (252). Accordingly, lock portion (270) and cam portion (272) are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of holes (254) in lock rail (252). Additionally, lock member (262) is shown as having a stopper portion (276). Stopper portion (276) is configured to prevent additional pivoting of lock member (262). In particular, stopper portion (276) will contact post (110) as lock member (262) pivots thus preventing lock portion (270) from pivoting below a substantially horizontal plane. Although not shown in
As described above, lock rail (252) and lock actuator (260) operate cooperatively to ensure that as carriage assembly (120) travels up post (110), carriage assembly (120) is locked from inadvertent lowering. In particular, lock rail (252) attaches to carriage assembly (120) such that lock rail (252) may travel with carriage assembly (120) on the exterior of carriage assembly (120) near the interior of post (110). Similarly, lock actuator (260) is mounted on the exterior of post (110) in alignment with a hole (not shown) in post (110). Accordingly, a portion of lock member (262) (e.g., lock portion (270)) of lock actuator (260) may pivot through post (110) where lock member (262) may engage lock rail (252).
For instance, in an exemplary mode of operation, carriage assembly (120) is moved upwardly by hydraulic cylinder (210) thus moving lock rail (252) upwardly relative to lock actuator (260). As lock rail (252) moves upwardly, a section of lock rail (252) above a particular hole (254) will pivot lock member (262) of lock actuator (260) away from lock rail (252). In the present example, such pivoting is accomplished by engagement with cam portion (272) of lock member (262). Further upward movement of lock rail (252) relative to lock actuator (260) will subsequently position the particular hole (254) adjacent to lock member (262). Once lock the particular hole (254) is adjacent to lock member (262), cam portion (272) of lock member (262) will become disengaged from lock rail (252). When cam portion (272) is disengaged from lock rail (252), lock member (262) will be permitted to pivot into hole (254) of lock rail (252) via the resilient bias described above. With lock member (262) pivoted into hole (254) of lock rail (252), lock portion (270) of lock member (262) may prevent any downward movement of lock rail (252) and carriage assembly (120) via stopper portion (274). Once lock portion (270) of lock member (262) has been positioned pivoted into position within hole (254) of lock rail (252), carriage assembly (120) may then be lowered to fully lock automotive lift (100), such that lock member (262) and lock rail (252) cooperate to bear the weight of the lifted vehicle (instead of the hydraulic fluid circuit of lift assembly (200) bearing the weight). Alternatively, carriage assembly (120) may continue to raise thereby pivoting lock member (262) out of hole (254) via the next subsequent portion of lock rail (252).
Thus, according to the above description, locking assembly (250) has the characteristics of a ratchet type mechanism. In particular, as carriage assembly (120) is actuated upwardly relative to post (110), locking assembly (250) acts to lock carriage assembly (120) at progressively higher heights. Accordingly, if hydraulic cylinder (210) were to suddenly lose fluid pressure, carriage assembly (120) would only fall to the lowest next hole (254) on lock rail (252). However, it should be understood that automotive lift (100) is in a fully locked position when carriage assembly (120) has been lowered to fully engage lock member (262) of lock actuator (260) with hole (254) of lock rail (252). Although certain structures and modes of operation for locking downward motion of carriage assembly (120) are shown, it should be understood that any other suitable structure or method of operation may be utilized as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
As described above, automotive lift (100) is in the fully locked position when carriage assemblies (120) have been lowered to fully engage locking assemblies (250). When in this position, the hydraulic fluid in hydraulic cylinders (210) may be at least partially relieved of pressure. In other words, the load carried by automotive lift (100) may be shifted from being supported by hydraulic cylinders (210) to being at least partially supported by locking assemblies (250). Accordingly, pressure in hydraulic cylinders (210) and the rest of the hydraulic circuit may act to indicate whether automotive lift (100) is in a locked state. When the pressure in the hydraulic circuit is relatively high, this may indicate that the hydraulic circuit is bearing the weight of the lifted vehicle, which may further indicate that automotive lift (100) is in an unlocked state. When the pressure in the hydraulic circuit is relatively low, this may indicate that the mechanical components of locking assembly (250) are bearing the weight of the lifted vehicle, which may further indicate that automotive lift (100) is in a locked state.
Locking assembly (200) may also include an unlocking feature (not shown), which is coupled with lock member (262), that may permit automotive lift (100) to provide intentional, controlled lowering of the vehicle. In particular, when lift assembly (200) is activated to intentionally lower the vehicle, lock member (262) is actuated by the unlocking feature to pivot away from lock rail (252). Lock member (262) is pivoted away from lock rail (252) by the unlocking feature such that lock member (262) does not impede intentional, controlled lowering of the vehicle. A suitable unlocking feature may comprise any suitable mechanism such as a solenoid, a motor or manually actuated cable, or the like.
Indicator (320) comprises a single light (322) mounted in a junction box (324). Light (322) is may be any suitable light such as an incandescent, halogen, LED, florescent, and/or etc. Additionally, light (322) may be configured to have a certain color that may provide additional meaning as will be described in greater detail below. Light (322) is shown as being mounted to junction box (324). Junction box (324) provides a connection between a first run (332) of wire harness (330) and light (322). Additionally, junction box (324) provides a connection between second run (334) of wire harness (330) and light (322), as will be described in greater detail below. In the present example, wire harness (330) is comprised of wire suitable for carrying the electric current necessary to power light (322). As can best be seen in
As can be seen in
Continuing with the process shown in
It should be understood from the foregoing that indicator system (300) is operable to provide a visual indicator to a user of automotive lift (100) as to whether automotive lift (100) is in a locked state. For instance, an illuminated light (322) may be used to indicate either a locked state of automotive lift (100) or an unlocked state of automotive lift (100). In a shop environment utilizing several automotive lifts (100), a user may be a supervisor quickly verifying that all lifts in the shop are in a locked state when persons are underneath any raised vehicles.
As noted above, indicator system (300) may use a single light (322) to indicate the locked state of automotive lift (100); or a single light (322) to indicate an unlocked state. For instance, light (322) may emit red light to indicate that a user should stop and lock the lift when automotive lift (100) is unlocked. In other examples, indicator system (300) may include a wired or wireless computer network interface which may permit indicator system (300) to be connected to a local area network, or the internet. In such an example, the locked or unlocked condition may be remotely monitored by a user (e.g., supervisor in the back office of a shop). In yet other examples, the number of lights (322) may be varied, as will be described in greater detail below. In still other examples, indicator (320) may include other types of indications besides lights such as buzzers, chimes, bells, and/or etc. Of course any other method of indicating the status of the automotive lift (300) may be used as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
It should be also understood that indicator system (300) may be utilized with other types of automotive lifts (100). For instance, automotive lift (100) may contain additional posts (110) (e.g., four post lift) with one or more posts utilizing hydraulic cylinders (210) to lift a vehicle. Indicator system (300) may be similarly incorporated with inground lifts, scissor-lifts, Y-lifts, match (WEMU) lifts, parallelogram lifts, and/or etc. Of course, such lifts may utilize hydraulic cylinders (210) or any other type of hydraulic actuation mechanisms. In some versions, cylinders (210) are mounted in the runway of a lift, on a leg assembly, and/or elsewhere within a lift system. It should also be understood that an indicator (320) may be directly mounted in a control box or other housing, in any suitable location, and that a junction box is not necessarily required for indicator (320). Other configurations may be utilized as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
While the examples above are provided in the context of an above-ground two-post lift, it should be understood that the teachings herein may be readily applied to various other kinds of vehicle lifts. By way of example only, the teachings herein may be readily applied to single post in-ground lifts, two post in-ground lifts, scissor lifts, platform lifts, mobile column lifts, Y-lifts, parallelogram lifts, four post lifts above-ground lifts, and/or any other suitable kind of lift.
It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/993,550, entitled “Load Indicator for Vehicle Lift,” filed May 15, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenced herein.
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