AU2009100087A4

AU2009100087A4 - Lifting Apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2009100087A4
Application number: AU2009100087A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Irish
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-30
Filing date: 2009-01-30
Publication date: 2009-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2017-01-30

Description

Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION SPECIFICATION

APPLICANT:

NUMBER:

FILING DATE: INVENTION TITLE: Peter Irish 30 January 2009 Liftting Device The invention is described in the following statement: LIFTING APPARATUS

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Field of the Invention This invention relates to a lifting apparatus and, in particular, to lifting apparatuses associated with personal transportation vehicles. Whilst the invention can be applied to lifting a range of vehicles, for convenience sake it shall be described herein in terms of a lifting apparatus for lifting and transporting a smaller vehicle such as an 00 elderly person's motorised scooter.

O Background to the Invention There are a range of personal transportation vehicles that an individual rides on at certain locations but could need transport by a larger vehicle for use at differing.

greatly spaced apart locations. These vehicles can include electric scooters for a single elderly or disabled person to ride, electric wheelchairs, golf buggies and recreational buggies.

Some personal transportation vehicles such as 4 wheeled sit on electric scooters are commonly used by individuals who are elderly or suffer from a physical impairment.

This apparatus is required to allow these individuals to maintain their independence in a manner which is both effective and appropriate. However the transport of such vehicles to differing greatly spaced apart locations currently includes the options of undertaking the services of a taxi, pickup truck, van or sufficiently sized motor vehicle. To purchase or seek the services of these options if required on an ongoing basis can be costly. In particular, taxis are not always prepared to accommodate such vehicles given that these compact, personal transportation vehicles can weigh well over a hundred kilograms.

Some type of external movable lifting device is usually required to load the personal transportation vehicle onto and off the transporting vehicle. However this is required at either end of the journey.

Some tray trucks or taxi vans or the like have built in lifting apparatus such as cranes or lifts but this makes the vehicle requiring substantial alterations to be available for this purpose. The lifting apparatus can act in an arm like fashion which can be attached to the vehicle and pulled to fold into and out of the vehicle. However, as it is fixed in a rigid manner inside the transporting vehicle the lifting apparatus is often located in an undesired, or less than optimal location to ensure that the lifting device -3 does not interfere with the wheel or other structure of the transporting vehicle. A

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Struck or taxi van needs to incur thousands of dollars of modifications to provide this service. As a result few for hire vehicles are available. A further issue that arises is Cthat once the personal transportation vehicle is in place it is difficult to secure without S 5 the instalment of further parts which must be designed, manufactured, and provided with the lifting device.

OO The personal transporter vehicle can be positioned into a transporting vehicle under O its own power. Such forms include an independent layout in which an individual will be required to place a plank of wood or metal frame on a slant extending from the ground up to the transporting vehicle. Often the issue that will arise is the difficulty of positioning the plank. of wood or metal frame by a mobile person and driving the vehicle over the plank of wood or metal frame and into the rear of the vehicle given the narrow space available. Further, once fitted into the transporting vehicle, there will be little or no room to allow for other personal items. This is a considerable disadvantage as many personal transportation devices will take up valuable interior car space and may also cause damage to the interior of the car. Further risks are associated with the use of an unsecured plank.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a lifting apparatus for attachment to the rear of a vehicle that is readily useable on most vehicles.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a lifting apparatus for attachment to the rear of a vehicle including: a connection means for allowing attachment of the lifting apparatus to a rear of a vehicle; a powered lifting means having two parts wherein first and second parts of the lifting means are able to be extended linearly upon activation; a support member having a platform for receiving a load; and an attachment means connecting between one of the two parts of the lifting means and the support member to allow lifting of the load on the platform wherein the attachment means includes a means for altering the protrusion of the support member by moving the support member relative to the connection; means from an in use position in which the support member extends away from the connection means to a storage position in which the support member extends in a compact position substantially alongside the connection means.

The connection means allows demountable attachment and includes a plate with an 0 0 opening for retaining on a tow ball connection of a vehicle and having the lifting (Ni means attached to the connection means and extending alongside to provide the lifting force as near as practical to the tow ball connection.

0 The powered lifting means can be powered from electrical connection through the electrical towing connection of the vehicle.

00 O 0 The lifting apparatus can be detachably mountable to the towing connections at the rear of the vehicle wherein at least part of the powered lifting means is attached to 0the towing device of the vehicle and the support member is mounted to at least the 0 part of the powered lifting means and suspends therefrom and the attachment means allows movement of the supporting platform relative to the lifting means in a pivoting mechanism to alter the protrusion of the support member by moving the support member relative to the connection means from an in use position in which the support member extends away from the connection means to a storage position in which the support member extends in a compact position substantially alongside the connection means.

The powered lifting means can raise the platform between a ground level and a level substantially aligned with the connection means attachment of the lifting apparatus to a rear of a vehicle.

The invention therefore provides a motorised lifting apparatus to transport a personal transportation vehicle at the rear of a larger vehicle without any substantial alterations or fittings and in a removable manner.

In particular, the lifting apparatus requires no manual labour as required by systems using a hoist mechanism or requiring an individual to physically place a plank in place which, if unsecured, can pose a serious risk to the user. The invention contains a ramp access making it easy accessible for a senior citizen to drive onto the platform and safely disembark and secure the personal transportation vehicle through the use of the straps. The stop guard is an added feature to keep the personal transportation device in place during transportation whilst ensuring that the personal transportation device does not impeded the visual site of the driver of the vehicle, or imposing any threat to other road users.

The lifting apparatus can be attached to any motor vehicle. Its use is not restricted by

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size. As it is lifted 10" above the ground the transportation device can be transported safely and with minimal effort over different terrain.

The invention can be transported at the rear of a vehicle on public roads as it is fitted with brake lights and an electrical break system. Registration plates can also be fitted onto the lifting apparatus to ensure it is a legally road worthy transportation device as OO required by law. Further, the device is easily stored without any disassembling O required. The device can simply be lifted and folded securely when not in use.

SAs the current invention substantially overcomes the disadvantages of the limited N prior art the current invention is particularly helpful to individuals who require the assistance of a personal transportation device due to age or other physical impairment or handicap. The lifting apparatus provides such individuals with greater independence in conducting their daily lives by reducing reliance on others for help with a needed personal transportation device.

It can be seen that as well as being connected to the towing connection the vertical, pivoting and lifting all occurs substantially adjacent the connection to minimise rotational forces on the apparatus and increase rigidity. Other benefits would be understood by persons skilled in this field.

Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention can be more readily understood an embodiment will be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the drawings wherein: Figure 1: is a diagrammatic rear view which illustrates the arrangement of components on the lifting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2: is a diagrammatic side view of Figure 1 which depicts a view of the platform 35 in position to support the personal transportation device and the first 22 and second 23 parts of the lifting means able to be extended linearly upon activation.

Figure 3: is a diagrammatic side view of Figure 1 which depicts a view of the platform 35 raised in storage position around the pivoting means 32.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention In a particularly preferred embodiment as shown in the drawings there is a lifting apparatus for attachment to the bumper 16 of a vehicle including: a connection -6means for allowing the attachment of the lifting apparatus to a rear bumper 16 of a

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Svehicle using a tow ball 17 and mounting plate 24 mechanism; a powered lifting (Ni means having two parts wherein first 22 and second 23 parts of the lifting means are able to be extended linearly along the attachment means 21 upon activation; a S 5 support member 31 having a platform 35 for receiving a load in which the personal transportation device can be driven onto the platform via the entering lip 36 and positioned by the stop bar 37 and the straps 39 extending from the strap down unit OO 38; and an attachment means 21, connected between one of the two parts of the Olifting means and the support member 31, controlled by a push button mechanism drawn from the electrical connection to the attachment means 21 to allow lifting and retracting of the load. The attachment means includes a means for altering the protrusion of the support member 31 by moving the support member relative to the connection means from an in use position in which the support member extends away from the connection means (Figure 2) to a storage position in which the support member extends in a compact position substantially alongside the connection means (Figure 3).

The connection means can allow demountable attachment and includes a mounting plate 24 with an opening for retaining a tow ball 17 connection of a vehicle and having the lifting means attached to the connection means and extending alongside to provide the lifting force as near as practical to the tow ball connection.

The lifting apparatus can be powered by the power supply 18 from a cars powered towing connection in which the electrical current travels via the power line 25 to the electrical connection on the attachment means 21.

The lifting apparatus can be detachably mountable to the towing connections at the rear of the vehicle wherein at least part of the powered lifting means is attached to the towing device of the vehicle and the support member is mounted to at least the part of the powered lifting means and suspends therefrom and the attachment means allows movement of the supporting platform relative to the lifting means in a pivoting mechanism to alter the protrusion of the support member by moving the support member relative to the connection means from an in use position in which the support member extends away from the connection means (Figure 2) to a storage position in which the support member extends in a compact position substantially alongside the connection means (figure 3).

-7- In this preferred embodiment, the invention provides for the connection of the device

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to the rear bumper 16 of a motor vehicle using a tow ball 17 and mounting plate 24 mechanism in order to support and raise a platform carrying a personal Ctransportation vehicle.

The preferred embodiment contains two parts wherein first 22 and second 23 parts of the lifting means are able to be extended linearly along the attachment means 21 OO upon activation. The support member 31 includes a platform 35 for receiving a load Oin which the personal transportation device can be driven onto the platform via the entering lip 36. The personal transportation device is then positioned by the stop bar S37 and the straps 39 extending from the strap down unit 38.

(Ni The lifting apparatus can be powered by the power supply 18 from a cars powered towing connection in which the electrical current travels via the power line 25 to the electrical connection on the attachment means 21. A push button mechanism drawn from the electrical connection to the attachment means 21 allows the lifting and retracting of the load.

Further, the lifting apparatus can be detachably mountable to the towing connections at the rear of the vehicle. Part of the powered lifting means can be attached to the towing device of the vehicle and the support member mounted to at least part of the powered lifting means. The attachment means includes a means for altering the protrusion of the support member 31 by moving the support member relative to the connection means from an in use position in which the support member extends away from the connection means (Figure 2) to a storage position in which the support member extends in a compact position substantially alongside the connection means (Figure 3).

While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a lifting apparatus for attachment to the rear bumper of a vehicle, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features described below.

The preferred embodiment of the invention allows it to be powered by the car trailer plug. However, further embodiments will allow for the invention to be battery, or otherwise, operated. Further the current Electric lift system could be substituted for a hydraulic lift system. Additionally, the platform can be manoeuvred up or down either -8electrically or manually so that it can be adjusted to the desired height of the user.

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C This also provides a secondary measure where the electronics of the platform malfunctions or requires repairing, the manual leaver will allow for the continued use of the invention.

S A further embodiment will allow for the inclusion of wheels so that an electric lift as such is no longer required as the addition of wheels will provide the necessary height 00 off the ground. When the platform is lowered, the wheels can retract and allow the O platform to become level with the ground to allow the personal transportation vehicle to be driven onto and off the platform. During the retraction of the wheels, the Cplatform will be safely supported by the tow bar assembly. Further, the wheels can aid in seniors detaching and moving the platform away from the transport vehicle for storage.

The movement of the arm like structure extending from the tow bar can allow for the lifting and insertion of the personal transportation device into the transporting motor vehicle. Once inside the motor vehicle, the arm like structure can then detach from the platform to allow the doors of the transporting vehicle to be shut. On disembarking the arm like structure can be reattached to the platform and extend outward to land safely on the ground and be driven off.

Additional embodiments will allow the components of the lifting apparatus to be detachable and able to be assembled and dissembled without the services of a mechanic or professional. This will allow the apparatus to be used by one or more individual accessing different transport vehicles.

Alterations can be made to the size of the platform and the lifting apparatus to attend to the needs of the user. To ensure that the personal transportation vehicle is secured appropriately, the lifting apparatus will need to be modified to adequate dimensions and strength to support personal transportation vehicles of different size and weight. Thus the lifting apparatus could be used for different transport vehicles ranging from motorcycles and bicycles, without the use of the platform, to larger or multiple personal transportation vehicles.

Further embodiments can include accessory items such as a cover system to protect the personal transportation device from environmental damage. Modifications and improvements can be made to allow the implementation of a sounding alarm system \for further security given that personal transportation devices are expensive and 0 difficult to replace. As the platform adds extra length to the transport motor vehicle, it (Ni can be placed with sensors and/or mirrors to aid the driver of the transport vehicle in Cdetermining whether they are in close proximity to another object.

t There can be improvements or amendments made to the control mechanism of the lifting apparatus. It can be controlled by a remote, or push buttons along the metal 00 frame of the structure or through a control panel inside the car easily accessible to Othe driver. In addition, the straps used to fix the personal transportation device into position can be amended for better access, ease of use and support. LED lights can also be manufactured for the braking system.

(Ni Further improvements can be made to ensure the personal transport system is positioned firmly onto the platform during transit. This can result in the addition of bars in a cage like manner to ensure the safety of the personal transportation vehicle during transit and as a security measure. Variations in the cage like structure do not need to cover the complete area around the personal transportation vehicle, as it can act as a short fence along the perimeter of the platform to form a secondary measure of security. It can further be locked with a key and lock mechanism. Another form of variation can allow the single side of the platform facing outward to form a cage like structure or mesh to shield the vehicle from damage caused by other motor vehicles potentially hitting the personal transportation device whilst in transit.

Another embodiment can allow for the lifting apparatus to be situated so as having 2 separate structures extending from either side of the tow bar. This will allow for the platform carrying the personal transportation vehicle to extend over and above the transporting vehicle. The carried vehicle can then be situated safely above the vehicle.

The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of explanation and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments or preferred methods, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular structure, methods, and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein, as the invention extends to all structures, methods and uses that are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

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Claims

1. A lifting apparatus for attachment to the rear of a vehicle including: a. a connection means for allowing attachment of the lifting apparatus to a rear of a vehicle; b. a powered lifting means having two parts wherein first and second parts of the lifting means are able to be extended linearly apart upon activation; 00 c. a support member having a platform for receiving a load; and d. an attachment means connecting between one of the two parts of the lifting means and the support member to allow lifting of the load on the platform; wherein the attachment means includes a means for altering the protrusion of the support member by moving the support member relative to the connection means from an in use position in which the support member extends away from the connection means to a storage position in which the support member extends in a compact position substantially alongside the connection means.

2. A lifting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the connection means allows demountable attachment to a vehicle towing apparatus and includes a plate with an opening for retaining on a tow ball connection of a vehicle and having the lifting means attached to and extending alongside the connection means to provide the lifting force as near as practicable to the tow ball connection and wherein the powered lifting means is powered from an electrical connection to the electrical towing connection of the vehicle.

3. A lifting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the lifting apparatus is detachably mountable to the towing connections at the rear of the vehicle wherein at least a first part of the powered lifting means is attached to the towing device of the vehicle and the support member is mounted to at least the first part of the powered lifting means and suspends therefrom and the attachment means allows movement of the supporting platform relative to the lifting means in a pivoting mechanism to alter the protrusion of the support member by moving the support member relative to the connection means from an in use position in which the support member extends away from the connection means to a storage position in which the support member extends in a compact position substantially alongside the connection means.

12- 4. A lifting apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the powered lifting means raises the platform between a ground level and a level substantially aligned with the connection means attachment of the lifting apparatus to a Ct rear of a vehicle. S A lifting apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. 00 0~