Panel Lifting Device

Abstract

A panel lifting device includes a rigid beam and a roller coupled to the beam. The panel lifting device is pivotable at a fulcrum. A beam body includes an upper foot platform. The upper foot platform may have a width gradually increasing from the proximal end of the beam body toward the distal end of the beam body. The roller may be coupled to the beam by opposite tabs extending inward from opposite side walls and received in open ends of the roller. The opposite tabs may be integrally formed with the side walls. A rigid wing may extend downward from the upper foot platform adjacent the roller and opposing an outer circumferential surface of the roller. The rigid beam may be a single, one-piece, integrally formed component formed from a single sheet of metal.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a panel lifting device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A panel lifting device may be used to aid in lifting a panel (e.g., drywall, door, plywood) off the floor so that it can be fastened to wall studs or other structural components. A conventional panel lifting device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,692,753.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, a panel lifting device generally comprises a rigid beam including opposite proximal and distal ends and a length with a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The rigid beam includes a beam body having opposite proximal and distal ends. A roller is coupled to the beam. The panel lifting device is pivotable at a fulcrum. The rigid beam has a longitudinal load portion extending proximally from the fulcrum to the proximal end of the rigid beam, and a longitudinal effort portion extending distally from the fulcrum to the distal end of the rigid beam. The beam body includes an upper foot platform. The upper foot platform has a width gradually increasing from the proximal end of the beam body toward the distal end of the beam body.

In another aspect, a panel lifting device generally comprises a rigid beam including opposite proximal and distal ends and a length with a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The rigid beam includes a beam body having an upper foot platform and opposing side walls depending downward from opposite sides of the upper foot platform. A roller is coupled to the beam. The roller is coupled to the beam by opposite tabs extending inward from the opposite side walls and being received in open ends of the roller. The opposite tabs are integrally formed with the side walls.

In yet another aspect, a panel lifting device generally comprises a rigid beam including opposite proximal and distal ends and a length with a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The rigid beam includes a beam body having an upper foot platform. A roller is coupled to the beam. At least one rigid wing extends downward from the upper foot platform adjacent the roller and opposing an outer circumferential surface of the roller.

In another aspect, panel lifting device generally comprises a rigid beam including opposite proximal and distal ends and a length with a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The rigid beam includes a beam body having opposite proximal and distal ends. A roller is coupled to the beam. The panel lifting device is pivotable at a fulcrum. The rigid beam has a longitudinal load portion extending proximally from the fulcrum to the proximal end, and a longitudinal effort portion extending distally from the fulcrum to the distal end. The rigid beam is a single, one-piece, integrally formed component formed from a single sheet of metal. The longitudinal effort portion has a mass that is greater than a mass of the longitudinal load portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a panel lifting device.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the panel lifting device.

FIG. 3 is a left side elevation of the panel lifting device.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the panel lifting device.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the panel lifting device taken through the line 5-5 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5 with a roller being in a distal position.

FIG. 7 is a left side elevation showing the panel lifting device in a downward position.

FIG. 8 is a left side elevation showing the panel lifting device in an upward position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to FIG. 1, a panel lifting device is generally indicated at reference numeral 10. The panel lifting device 10 is configured to aid in lifting a panel (e.g., drywall, door, plywood, and similar objects) above a floor (e.g., 2-3 in) and hold the panel in place on wall framing or other structural components (e.g., wall studs) so that the panel can be fastened to the wall framing above the floor using suitable fasteners (e.g., nails, screws, bolts, etc.). The illustrated panel lifting device 10 is a roll lifter, whereby a user's foot pushes down on the lifting device to lift and elevate the panel.

The illustrated lifting device 10 generally functions as a lever to provide a mechanical advantage in lifting the panel. The lifting device 10 generally includes a rigid beam, generally indicated at 12, and a roller or rocker 14 coupled to the beam. The lifting device 10 is pivotable at fulcrum or pivot point PP, which is where the roller contacts floor or ground or other surface. Each of the illustrated beam 12 and roller 14 may be a single, one-piece, integrally formed component. The beam 12 and the roller 14 may be formed separately and subsequently coupled to one another, as explained below. As an example, each of the beam 12 and the roller 14 may be formed from metal, such as steel, or from other metal or other materials.

The beam 12 has opposite proximal and distal ends and a length L with a longitudinal axis LA extending between the opposite ends (FIG. 4). Referring to FIG. 3, the beam 12 has a longitudinal load portion 12A extending proximally from the pivot point PP the proximal end, and a longitudinal effort portion 12B extending distally from the pivot axis to the distal end. At rest, the beam 12 is biased in a downward direction, whereby the effort portion 12B is in a lower position relative to the load portion 12A. As explained throughout the disclosure, the combination of the location of the pivot point PP and the respective masses of the load portion 12A and the effort portion 12B (i.e., mass of effort portion is greater than mass of the load portion) biases the beam 12 in a downward position (FIG. 7). Providing a downward input force to the load portion 12A pivots the beam 12 (and lifting device 10 as a whole) about the pivot point PP so that the effort portion 12B pivots upward about the pivot point PP toward an upward position (FIG. 8).

The beam 12 includes a rigid beam body, generally indicated at reference numeral 18, having opposite proximal and distal ends 18A, 18B, and a nose plate, generally indicated at reference numeral 19, coupled to the distal end of the beam body. The beam body 18 includes an upper foot platform 20 and opposing side walls 22 depending downward from opposite sides of the upper foot platform. A width W (FIG. 2) of the foot platform 20 gradually increases from the proximal end 18A toward (e.g., to) the distal end 18B of the beam body 18, or stated another way the width tapers from the distal end toward the proximal end, to suitably accommodate a shoe (e.g., boot) worn by the user. In this way, the area of the foot platform 20 at the effort portion 12B is greater than the area at the load portion 12A. Moreover, because the area at the effort portion 12B is greater, it also has a greater mass than the load portion 12A. In one example, the width W of the platform 20 at the distal end 18B of the beam body 18 may be at least about 50%, 75%, or 100% greater than the width of the platform at the proximal end 18A. In the illustrated embodiment, the width W of the platform 20 at the distal end 18B of the beam body 18 is about 100% greater than the width of the platform at the proximal end 18A.

The side walls 22 may be mirror images of one another, with each side wall 22 having a non-uniform height along the length L of the beam body 18. Referring to FIG. 3, a proximal height H1 of a proximal end portion of each side wall 22 gradually increases from adjacent the proximal end 18A of the beam body 18 to adjacent the pivot point PP. An intermediate height H2 of an intermediate portion of each side wall 22 is generally uniform along the length L from the proximal portion toward a distal portion of the side wall. A distal height H3 of the distal portion of each side wall 22 tapers from the intermediate portion toward the distal end 18B of the beam body 18. When the beam 12 is in its initial, downward position as shown in FIG. 7 (i.e., the distal end 18B is in a lower position relative to the proximal end 18A), lower edges of the distal portions of the side walls 22 may be substantially flush with or adjacent to a planar floor surface, and the proximal and intermediate portions of the side walls are above the planar floor surface. The combined area of the side walls 22 at the effort portion 12B is greater than the combined area of the side walls at the load portion 12A, and the combined mass of the side walls 22 at the effort portion 12B is greater than the combined mass of the side walls at the load portion 12A.

The nose plate 19 is generally L-shaped including an extension portion 19A extending downward from the platform 20, and a flange portion 19B extending distally from a lower end of the extension portion. The flange portion 19B is configured to slide under and support a panel (e.g., drywall) and the extension portion 19A is configured to butt against a front face of the panel to enable the nose plate 19 to support the panel in an elevated position as the beam 12 is pivoted about the pivot point PP during use.

The beam 12 includes a toe stop or tab 26 extending upward from the platform 20 at the effort portion 12B generally adjacent the distal end of the beam body 18. As an example, the foot tab 26 may be formed by punching and bending operation(s) used in metal fabrication. The toe stop 26 is generally rigid and is configured to be engaged by a toe box of a shoe of the user and resist bending. The toe stop 26 is engageable by the foot (i.e., toe box) of the user to enable the user to move the lifting device 10 along the floor/ground using their foot. In this way, the user can roll the lifting device 10 so that the nose plate 19 is under the panel, and/or with the panel supported by the nose plate 19, the user can roll the lifting device with their foot to move and position the panel against the wall framing.

A plurality of through openings 30 (e.g., 7 openings, as illustrated) are defined by the platform 20 at the load portion 12A of the beam body 18. The through openings 30 are spaced longitudinally from one another along the beam body 18. The through openings 30 reduce the mass of the load portion 12A of the beam body 18. The openings may have different sizes, and in particular, different transverse dimensions (transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA) due to the tapering width of the platform 20 at the load portion 12A. For example, the transverse dimension of the proximal-most through opening 30 may be less than the transverse dimension of the distal-most opening and even some other distal openings.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, webs 32A, 32B are disposed between adjacent through openings 30. The webs 32A,32B extend generally transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the webs 32A, 32B extend at offset angles or out-of-plane relative to the upper surface of the platform 20, and may extend slightly above the upper surface of the platform, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In this way, the webs 32A, 32B provide gripping surfaces for the user's shoe sole during use. Side edges defining the through openings 30 may also extend slightly above the upper surface of the platform 20. The direction at which the illustrated webs 32A, 32B extend relative to the upper surface of the platform 20 alternate (e.g., alternating downward and upward directions). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the webs 32A extend in an upward direction from proximal to distal ends of the web, whereby the distal ends are above the proximal ends so the distal ends act as a gripping edge; and the webs 32B extend in a downward direction from proximal to distal ends of the web, whereby the proximal ends are above the distal ends so the proximal ends act as a gripping edges. The webs 32A, 32B, respectively, alternate along the length of the beam body 18. In one example, the webs 32A, 32B may be offset from the upper surface of the platform 20 from about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees. The through openings 30 (including the raised side edges partially defining the openings), and the webs 32A, 32B may be formed by punching and bending operations, respectively (e.g., the webs may be suitably bent about their respective longitudinal axes so that they extend out-of-plane relative to the upper surface of the platform 20).

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the illustrated roller 14 is a hollow cylinder, which may be formed from metal or other rigid material, and is disposed between the side walls 12 of the beam body 18. The roller 14 has a rotational axis RA extending between opposite ends and transverse (e.g., orthogonal) to the longitudinal axis LA of the beam 12. The roller 14 is coupled to the beam 12 (e.g., beam body 18) by opposing retainer tabs 44 extending inward from the opposite side walls 22, and at least one rigid wing (e.g., two rigid wings 48) extending downward from the platform 20 on opposite sides of the axis of the roller. The retainer tabs 44 are received in the opposite open ends of the roller 14. The retainer tabs 44 enable rotation of the roller 14 about its rotational axis relative to the beam 12 and limit or restrict vertical (upward/downward) movement of the roller 14 relative to the beam. The wings 48 extend downward at an angle (e.g., from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, such as 45 degrees) relative to the upper surface of the platform and generally oppose an outer circumferential surface of the roller. The wings 48 enable rotation of the roller 14 about its axis relative to the beam 12 and limit or restrict proximal and distal movement of the roller relative to the beam 12 (e.g., movement along the length of the beam). Together, the retainer tabs 44 and the wings 48 capture the roller 14 while enabling the roller to rotate about its rotational axis and providing slack between the roller and the beam to enable limited movement between the roller and the beam. The retainer tabs 44 and the wings 48 may be formed on the beam 12 from a suitable punching and bending operation or in other ways.

In the illustrated embodiment, as the roller 14 rotates, it rides on a lower surface of the platform 20 between the wings 48. Upon pivoting of the lifting device 10 about the pivot point PP, the outer circumferential surface of the roller 14 may frictionally engage surface(s) of one or both of the wings 48 to inhibit rotation of the roller relative to the beam 12. In this way, the roller 14 and the beam 12 are substantially fixed relative to one another so that the roller and the beam pivot (or rock) together, with the roller pivoting on the ground/floor surface to pivot the beam in the upward direction and lift/elevate the panel on the nose plate 19. For example, the roller 14 may frictionally engage the proximal wing 48 prior to and/or during upward pivoting to inhibit the roller (and the panel lifting device 10) from rolling forward (distally), and the roller may frictionally engage the distal wing in the upward position with the panel lifted to inhibit the roller (and the panel lifting device) from rolling backwards (proximally). To reduce friction and prevent binding between the wings 48 and the outer circumferential surface of the roller 14, the illustrated embodiment includes one or more projections 50 (e.g., a boss, roughened surface, knurls, etc.) extending toward the roller from an inner surface of the wing 48.

As described above, the beam 12 may be integrally formed as a single, one-piece component. The beam 12 may be fabricated from a sheet of metal, such as a sheet of steel having a suitable uniform thickness. The beam 12, including the beam body 18, the nose plate 19, the toe stop 26, the through openings 30 and webs 32A, 32B, the retainer tabs 44, the wings 48, and the friction projections 50, may be formed by suitable metal fabrication processes, such as blanking, punching, and bending. Although metal fabrication is preferred and believed to be the most efficient and effective way of producing the beam 12, the beam may be formed in other ways and of other material.

The roller 14 may be cut to length from cylindrical metal stock. The roller 14 is coupled to the beam 12 by positioning the roller between the wings 48 and then bending the retainer tabs 44 inwardly into the open ends of the roller.

In an exemplary method of using the lifting device 10, the user positions the lifting device so that the flange 19B of the nose plate 19 is under the panel. The user may roll the lifting device 10 in this position (by hand or by foot), whereby the roller 14 rotates about its rotational axis RA (FIGS. 3, 5, and 6) along the floor/ground. With the nose plate 19 supporting the panel, the user can roll the lifting panel 10 along the floor/ground using their foot to position the panel against the wall framing. The user may push their foot against the toe stop 26 to roll the lifting device 10 and move the panel into position. With the panel in position (e.g., against the wall framing), the user uses their foot to push down on the load portion 12A of the beam 12 to pivot the lifting device about the pivot point, thereby lifting the panel above the floor/ground and into its elevated position on the wall framing. With the panel in the elevated position, the user can then fasten the panel to the wall framing using suitable fasteners (e.g., nails or screws).

Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A panel lifting device comprising: a rigid beam including opposite proximal and distal ends and a length with a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, the rigid beam including a beam body having opposite proximal and distal ends, and a flange at the distal end of the beam body configured to support a panel in an elevated position; anda roller coupled to the beam,wherein the panel lifting device is pivotable at a fulcrum,wherein the rigid beam has a longitudinal load portion extending proximally from the fulcrum to the proximal end of the rigid beam, and a longitudinal effort portion extending distally from the fulcrum to the distal end of the rigid beam,wherein the beam body includes an upper foot platform, the upper foot platform having a width gradually increasing from the proximal end of the beam body toward the distal end of the beam body.

2. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 1, wherein an area of the upper foot platform at the longitudinal effort portion is greater than an area of the upper foot platform at the longitudinal load portion.

3. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 2, wherein the longitudinal effort portion has a mass that is greater than a mass of the longitudinal load portion.

4. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 1, wherein the width of the upper foot platform at the distal end of the rigid beam is at least about 50% greater than the width of the upper foot platform at the proximal end of the rigid beam.

5. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 4, wherein the width of the upper foot platform at the distal end of the rigid beam is about 100% greater than the width of the upper foot platform at the proximal end of the rigid beam.

6. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 1, wherein the beam body has opposing side walls depending downward from opposite sides of the upper foot platform, wherein the roller is coupled to the beam by opposite tabs extending inward from the opposite side walls and being received in open ends of the roller, wherein the opposite tabs are integrally formed with the side walls.

7. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 1, wherein the upper foot platform defines a plurality of through openings at the longitudinal load portion.

8. A panel lifting device comprising: a rigid beam including opposite proximal and distal ends and a length with a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, the rigid beam including a beam body having an upper foot platform and opposing side walls depending downward from opposite sides of the upper foot platform, and a flange at the distal end of the beam body configured to support a panel in an elevated position; anda roller coupled to the beam, wherein the roller is coupled to the beam by opposite tabs extending inward from the opposite side walls and being received in open ends of the roller, wherein the opposite tabs are integrally formed with the side walls

9. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 8, further comprising at least one rigid wing extending downward from the upper foot platform adjacent the roller and opposing an outer circumferential surface of the roller.

10. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 9, wherein the at least one rigid wing extends downward at an angle measuring from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to the upper foot platform.

11. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 9, wherein the at least one rigid wing includes two rigid wings.

12. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 9, wherein the roller is configured to frictionally engage the at least one rigid wing during use.

13. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 9, wherein the at least one rigid wing is integrally formed with the upper foot platform.

14. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 8, wherein the tabs enable the roller to roll relative to the rigid beam.

15. A panel lifting device comprising: a rigid beam including opposite proximal and distal ends and a length with a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, the rigid beam including a beam body having an upper foot platform, and a flange at the distal end of the beam body configured to support a panel in an elevated position;a roller coupled to the beam; andat least one rigid wing extending downward from the upper foot platform adjacent the roller and opposing an outer circumferential surface of the roller.

16. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 15, wherein the at least one rigid wing extends downward at an angle measuring from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to the upper foot platform.

17. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 15, wherein the at least one rigid wing includes two rigid wings.

18. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 15, wherein the roller is configured to frictionally engage the at least one rigid wing during use.

19. The panel lifting device set forth in claim 15, wherein the at least one rigid wing is integrally formed with the upper foot platform.

20. A panel lifting device comprising: a rigid beam including opposite proximal and distal ends and a length with a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, the rigid beam including a beam body having opposite proximal and distal ends, and a flange at the distal end of the beam body configured to support a panel in an elevated position; anda roller coupled to the beam,wherein the panel lifting device is pivotable at a fulcrum,wherein the rigid beam has a longitudinal load portion extending proximally from the fulcrum to the proximal end, and a longitudinal effort portion extending distally from the fulcrum to the distal end,wherein the rigid beam is a single, one-piece, integrally formed component formed from a single sheet of metal,wherein the longitudinal effort portion has a mass that is greater than a mass of the longitudinal load portion.