TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of lifting devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a multistage telescopic jack lift assembly for use at construction and maintenance sites

BACKGROUND

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Workmen are often required to work at elevated places. This is particularly so when construction, repair or maintenance work is undertaken on multi-storey buildings and other high rise structures. Normal practice is to arrange scaffoldings along the structure on which suitable platforms are provided to stand/sit on to carry out the construction, repair or maintenance work. It is also not uncommon to see workmen carrying out repair or maintenance work hanging from top of structure through a rope; or positioned on a dolly hanging on a sling that is lifted or lowered using hydraulic or pneumatic means.

[0004] All such methods of gaining access to work area at an elevated position are potentially dangerous and many workmen are known to have sustained injuries that are incapacitating if not fatal. Many such accidents are also known to occur on account of fall of construction materials from height on workmen working at lower level.

[0005] There is, therefore, a need in the art for an efficient and safe alternative to scaffoldings or dollies for workmen forgaining access to work area at an elevated position. Requirement of safety for construction workers can be better served by lifts or lifting platform that can provide a safer work place for workmen and also prevent falling off of construction material.

[0006] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0007] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about". Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A generalobject of the present disclosure is to providea safer mode of lifting construction workers and material to an elevated work area. [0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vertically travelling platform for workmen engaged in construction, repair or maintenance work at elevated positions.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vertically travelling platform that is portable.

[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a reliable drive means for the vertically travelling platform.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a reliable drive means that work based on threaded members.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vertically travelling platform that is based on multistage telescopic type jack arrangement whose lift can be increased if required.

SUMMARY

[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a lift assembly for use by construction workers working at elevated places. In an aspect the lift assembly of the present disclosure is based on amultistage telescopic type jack arrangement to lift a platform on which workmen and construction material can be lifted to work place at an elevated position.

[0017] In an aspect, the multistage telescopic type jack can comprise of plurality of externally and internally threaded tubular members (also referred to as pipes and the two terms used interchangeably hereinafter) that are arranged in telescopic mannerby inserting in one another and engaging with each other through the internal and external threads. The outer most tubular member (also referred to as base pipe and the two terms used interchangeably hereinafter) can incorporate only internal threads. Also inner most tubular member can be fixed with a platform. Thus when the plurality of vertically and telescopically arranged tubular members extend out, the platform gets lifted up.

[0018] In an aspect, the lift assembly of the present disclosure can further incorporate means to rotate the outer most tubular member. Further the lift assembly can incorporate means to prevent rotation of the platform fixed to the inner most tubular member as the outer most tubular member is rotated. Thus when the outer most tubular member is rotated relative to the fixed inner most tubular member, the telescopic arrangement extend out or collapses in depending on direction of rotation of the outer most tubular member and direction of threads in the tubular members. [0019] In an aspect, there can be internal lock between the mutually engaging tubular members so that when the outertubular member turns clockwise (or anti clockwise depending on type of thread i.e. left handed or right handed) andthe corresponding inner tubular membertends to open or tends to come up like a jack,further extension is prevented after 90 percent of the length of the inner tubular member is out of the outertubular member. This can ensure adequate support length between the tubular members as well as prevent coming out and disengagement of the inner tubular member from the outertubular member.

[0020] In an aspect, the means to prevent rotation of the platform can be two vertically placed telescopic columns whose upper end is fixed to the platform. These columns can allow the platform to move up and down but prevent its rotation.

[0021] In an aspect, the means to rotate the outer most tubular member can be set of worm and gear arrangement with the gear fixed to the outer most tubular member and the worm driven by a motor. The motor can be configured to run in either direction to enable raising and lowering of the platform.

[0022] In an aspect, the two vertically placed telescopic columns, the means to rotate the outer most tubular member and the outer most tubular member can be arranged on a transportable platform (also referred to as base support and the two terms used interchangeably hereinafter) to make the lift assembly portable.

[0023] In an aspect, theouter most tubular member can be fixed on the transportable platform/base support by means of an arrangement of bearings so as to enable it to rotate freely and yet provide adequate rigidity.

[0024] During working, as the outer most tubular member turns the second tubular member can open because of threads and as it reaches a particular height, it locks itself with base pipe and can start rotating along with the outer most tubular member, two acting as single member. On further rotation, the third tubular member starts extending out and gets lockedwith the second tubular member and so on till all the tubular members are fully extended giving the platform attached to the last of the tubular member, its maximum height.

[0025] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the proposed multistage telescopic type jack lift assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary detailed view showing arrangement of base pipe on base support with bearing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary detailed view of thebase supportin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 4A illustrates exemplary view indicatingassembly of telescopic threaded tubular members in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary sectional view of the telescopic threaded tubular members in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0033] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0034] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing. [0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a multistage telescopic type jack lift assembly for use at construction and maintenance sites by workers as a safe and secure scaffolding, lift, or temporary elevated work platform.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a lift assembly for use by construction workers working at elevated places that can provide a safer work environment compared to conventional arrangements. In an aspect the lift assembly of the present disclosure is based on amultistage telescopic type jack arrangement to lift a platform on which workmen and construction material can be lifted to work place at an elevated position.

[0037] In an aspect, the multistage telescopic type jack can comprise of plurality of externally and internally threaded tubular members/pipes that are arranged in telescopic manner by inserting in one another and engaging with each other through the corresponding internal and external threads. The outer most tubular member/base pipe can incorporate only internal threads. Also inner most tubular member can be fixed with a platform. Thus when the plurality of vertically and telescopically arranged tubular members extend out, the platform gets lifted up.

[0038] In an aspect, the lift assembly of the present disclosure can further incorporate means to rotate the base pipe. Further the lift assembly can incorporate means to prevent rotation of the platform fixed to the inner most pipe as the base pipe is rotated. Thus when the base pipe is rotated relative to the fixed inner most pipe, the telescopic arrangement extend out or collapses in depending on direction of rotation of the outer most tubular member and direction of threads in the tubular members.

[0039] In an aspect, there can be internal lock between the mutually engaging pipes so that when an outer pipe turns and the corresponding inner pipetends to open or tends to come up like a jack,further extension is prevented after say 90 percent of the length of the inner pipe is out of the outerpipe. This can ensure adequate support length between the pipes as well as prevent coming out and disengagement of the inner pipe from the outerpipe.

[0040] In an aspect, the means to prevent rotation of the platform can be two vertically placed telescopic columns whose upper end is fixed to the platform. These columns can allow the platform to move up and down but prevent its rotation.

[0041] In an aspect, the means to rotate the base pipe can be set of worm and gear arrangement with the gear fixed to the base pipe and the worm driven by a motor. The motor can be configured to run in either direction to enable raising and lowering of the platform. [0042] In an aspect, the two vertically placed telescopic columns, the means to rotate the base pipe and the base pipe can be arranged on a base support to make the lift assembly portable.

[0043] In an aspect, thebase pipe can be fixed on the base support by means of an arrangement of bearings so as to enable it to rotate freely and yet have adequate rigidity.

[0044] During working, as the base pipe turns the second pipe can open because of threads and as it reaches a particular height, it locks itself with base pipe and can start rotating along with the base pipe, two acting as single member. On further rotation, the third pipe can start extending out andean get lockedwith the second pipe and so on till all the pipes are fully extended giving the platform attached to the last of the tubular member, its maximum height.

[0045] Various embodiments of the disclosure shall now be disclosed with reference to drawings wherein FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the proposed multistage telescopic type jack lift assembly 100. As shown the disclosed multistage telescopic type jack lift assembly 100 can incorporateplurality of internally and externally threaded pipes 102 configured in a telescopic manner and holding a platform 118 placedat upper end of the telescopic arrangement. There can be two telescopic columns 120 to provide additional support to the platform 118 and prevent its rotation.

[0046] In an aspect, plurality of the telescopically arranged pipes 102 having internal and external threads can help in raising and lowering the platform by working like a multi stage screw jack. The externally and internally threaded pipes 102 can be arranged in telescopic manner by inserting in one another and engaging with each other through the corresponding internal and external threads. The outer most pipe, called base pipe 104, can incorporate only internal threads. Also, the inner most pipe can be fixed with the platform 118. Thus when the plurality of vertically and telescopically arranged pipes extend out, the platform 118 gets lifted up.

[0047] In an aspect, the lift assembly 100 of the present disclosure can further incorporate means to rotate the base pipe. In an exemplary embodiment, the means to rotate the base pipe 104 can be set of worm 114 and gear 116 arrangement with the gear 116 fixed to the base pipe 104 and the worm 114 driven by a motor 106. The motor 116 can be configured to run in either direction to enable raising and lowering of the platform 118. Thus when the base pipe 104 is rotated by the motor 116 relative to the fixed inner most pipe, the telescopic arrangement 102 extends or collapses depending on direction of rotation of the outer most tubular member and direction of threads in the tubular members. It is to be appreciated many other ways of providing rotation to the base pipe 104 are possible and all such methods are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] In an aspect, the lift assembly 100 of the present disclosure can further incorporate means to prevent rotation of the platform 118 fixed to the inner most pipe as the base pipe 104 is rotated. In an exemplary embodiment, the means to prevent rotation of the platform can be two vertically placed telescopic columns 120 whose upper end is fixed to the platform 118. The telescopic columns 120 can allow the platform 118 to move up and down but prevent its rotation. It is to be appreciated many other ways of preventing rotation of the platform 118 are possible and all such methods are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] In an aspect, the two vertically placed telescopic columns 120, the motor 106 and the base pipe 104 can be arranged on a base support 122 to make the lift assembly 100 portable. In an embodiment, the base pipe 104 can be fixed on the base support 122. In an embodiment, the base support 122 can incorporate wheels to move the lift assembly 100 from one place to other as per work requirement. It can further incorporate jacks such as hydraulic or screw jacks to firmly fix on the ground so that the lift assembly gets firm footing for the construction/maintenance work at an elevated position.

[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary detailed view indicating arrangement of thebase pipe 104 on the base support 122 with help of a plate bearing 114. The arrangement enables the base pipe 104 to rotate freely and yet have adequate rigidity. As would be apparent to a person skilled in art many other configuration of the base pipe 104 on the base support 122 are possible without any compromise on basic requirement of free rotation and rigidity and all of them are well within the scope of the present disclosure without any limitation.

[0051] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary view 300 of the base support 122 of the lift assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the view 300, the base support 122 holding the whole lifting structure can be fixed to any surface such as uneven surface with the help plurality of jacks such as screw or hydraulic jacks to name a few. The exemplary embodiment shows arrangement of threaded bolts 110 and nuts 108 that work like screw jacks. The threaded nuts 108 can be mounted on threaded adjustable shafts 112. The threaded adjustable shafts 112 can incorporate an externally threaded bolt 306 placed inside a nut 302 permanently fixed to the base support 122. The arrangement can help extend the screw jacks comprising the threaded bolts 110 and nuts 108 so as to provide a broader support to the base support 122 and collapse them to a smaller dimension/size when being transported from one place to other. Alternatively the threaded adjustable shafts 112 can help to reduce or increase size of the base support depending on available space.

[0052] In an embodiment, the base support 122 can further incorporate wheels 124 to help transport the base support 122 from one place the other. The wheels 124 can be mounted on the threaded bolts 110 through aset of bearings 308 place inside the cylindrical structure 310 with the wheel 124 fixed to the cylindrical structure 310. The arrangement enables rotational movement of the bolt 306 even when the support base 122 is supported by the wheels 124.

[0053] FIG. 4A illustrates exemplary configuration and detailed view 400 of assembly of telescopic threaded pipesl02 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in view 400, pipes 102 can be arranged in a telescopic fashion engaging with each other through corresponding internal and external threads. The telescopic arrangement of the pipes 102 throughthe through corresponding internal and external threads provides the feature of extendibility to the pipes 102. But to have a safe and stable extension of pipes 102, they need suitable arrangement to ensure that do not come out of the corresponding outer pipe and retain adequate engagement with each other in extended condition.

[0054] In an embodiment, the pipes 102 incorporate a locking mechanism that meets the above requirement. In another embodiment, end of internal thread with relief at appropriate position such as upper end of the pipes is used as the locking mechanism. The locking arrangement is configured to prevent further extension of the inner pipeafter its projection out of the corresponding outer pipe has reached a certain percent of its total length such as 90 percent. This can ensure that atleast 10 percent of length of the pipe is in engagement with the corresponding outer pipe. In another embodiment, the locking arrangement prevents relative rotation of the outer and inner pipes beyond the set limit and the two pipes rotate as one unit. Thus further rotation helps in projection of next pipe.

[0055] FIG. 4B illustrates exemplary sectional view 450 of the threaded pipes 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in view 450, the hollow tubes or pipes can be internally and externally threaded and can be arranged in a telescopic manner similar to extendible antenna type arrangement, where hollow pipes can be inserted into one another one after other like a hydraulic multi stage cylinder. The base pipe 104 can be only internally threaded while rest of the pipes 102 can be internally and externally threaded. [0056] When the base pipe 104 turns in an appropriate direction the next pipe(called second pipe) engaging with the base pipe 104and being stationary, tends to open or tends to come up as in a screw jack till it reaches the lock position. On reaching the lock position, the second pipe gets locked with the base pipe and starts rotating with the base pipe 104. Rotation of the second pipe makes the next i.e. third pipe to open or come till it also reaches the lock position. The process can continue till the base pipe 104 is rotated or the last pipe gets fully extended and gets locked. The last pipe being fixed with the platform 118 cannot rotate and, therefore further lifting of the lift assembly 100 will stop.

[0057] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0058] The present disclosure provides a safer mode of lifting construction workers and material to an elevated work area.

[0059] The present disclosure provides a vertically travelling platform for workmen engaged in construction, repair or maintenance work at elevated positions.

[0060] The present disclosure provides a vertically travelling platform that is portable.

[0061] The present disclosure provides a reliable drive means for the vertically travelling platform.

[0062] The present disclosure provides a reliable drive means that work based on threaded members.

[0063] The present disclosure provides a vertically travelling platform that is based on multistage telescopic type jack arrangement whose lift can be increased if required.