Patent ID: 8079444
Filing Date: 2011-12-20
Classification: B66B

Abstract:
1. A transportable, self-erecting, battery powered, vertical lift assembly adapted for raising and lowering a load vertically, the transportable, self-erecting, battery powered, vertical lift assembly comprising: a wheeled frame member having at least two wheel members secured to the frame member and a towing attachment mechanism secured to the frame member opposite the wheel members; a linear guide member of selected length pivotally secured at a first end to the frame member adjacent the at least two wheel members thereof, the linear guide member adapted for securing to a substantially vertical structure; a roller chain member secured to an exterior surface of the linear guide member and extending essentially the selected length of the linear guide member; a carriage member movably attached to the linear guide member; a platform member, which supports a load, rigidly attached to the carriage member; the carriage member and attached platform member movable along the linear guide member by a drive mechanism supporting the carriage member; the drive mechanism comprising a battery member powering a DC motor member driving a gear unit operatively connected to a sprocket member, which engages the roller chain member on the linear guide member, the supported carriage member and attached platform member moved by controlled rotation of the sprocket member engaged with the roller chain member on the linear guide member; a control switch member selectively controlling operation of the DC motor member; and a safety brake assembly actuated to immobilize the carriage member with respect to the linear guide member upon relative movement between the carriage member and the drive mechanism; whereby the carriage member and attached platform member move along the linear guide member in one direction, by controlled rotation of the sprocket engaged with the roller chain member on the linear guide member, to pivot and elevate the guide member, which is adapted to engage an essentially vertical support structure; the carriage member and attached platform member then moves along the linear guide member in an opposite direction, by controlled rotation of the sprocket engaged with the roller chain member on the linear guide member, to vertically elevate the carriage member and attached platform member.