Abstract:
A utility lift may include a base frame, an upper plate and a plurality of support arms engaged with the base frame and the upper plate. The support arms may include first and second support arms adjustably engaged with the upper plate and third and fourth support arms adjustably engaged with the base frame. An exemplary embodiment may also include a power source connected to an engagement member, where the power source can be adapted to manipulate the engagement member and the engagement member can engage the plurality of support arms.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/129,371, filed Jun. 20, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Lifts and jacks, such as vehicle lifts, are commonly used to enable a user to work on heavy equipment, such as automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and/or other personal transportation equipment. Some known examples of jacks may be portable or coupled to a floor and generally apply force over a small area of an object in order to raise the object or a portion of the object. Such examples may not be practical for individual enthusiasts that desire to work on their own equipment that require specialized lifting capabilities. 
         [0003]    Other known examples of jacks merely lift one end of the object and/or only partially lift the object off the ground. Such examples make working on the object very difficult since the user is generally forced to work close to the ground or on their back underneath the object. As a result, a user wishing to work on their personal transportation equipment at a comfortable standing level may be forced to purchase a larger jack than they need and/or dedicate a large portion of the property to house the jack. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    According to at least one embodiment, a utility jack may include a base frame, an upper plate and a plurality of support arms engaged with the base frame and the upper plate. The support arms can include first and second support arms adjustably engaged with the upper plate and third and fourth support arms adjustably engaged with the base frame. An exemplary embodiment may also include an engagement member coupled to the plurality of support arms and the engagement member may manipulate the lateral movement of the plurality of support arms with respect to both the upper plate and the base frame. 
         [0005]    In exemplary method of lifting a desired object, the method may include loading an object onto an upper plate supported by a base frame and two pairs of support arms, each pair of support arms connected at a joint. Next, a user can actuate an air control valve in fluid communication with an air cylinder and retract an engagement member connected to the air cylinder, toward the air cylinder. Then a user can raise the upper plate by forcing apart the two pairs of support arms with the engagement member. 
         [0006]    In an exemplary method of elevating an object, the method may include loading an object onto an upper plate supported by a base frame and two pairs of support arms, a first pair and a second pair, each pair of support arms connected at a joint. Next, a user can actuate an engagement member coupled to both pairs of support arms and slide the first pair of support arms in a lateral direction along the upper plate. Then the user can slide the second pair of support arms in a lateral direction along the base frame and raise the upper plate by forcing terminating ends of the two pairs of support arms together. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0007]    Advantages of embodiments of the utility lift will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an elevated utility jack. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a compressed utility jack. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a utility jack. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4   a  is an exploded view of a cushion attachment for a utility jack. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4   b  is an isometric view of a cushion attachment coupled to a utility jack. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5   a  is an exploded view of a three-wheeled vehicle support attachment for a utility jack. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5   b  is an isometric view of a three-wheeled vehicle support attachment coupled to a utility jack. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6   a  is an exploded view of a frame support adapter for a utility jack. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6   b  is an isometric view of a frame support adapter coupled to a utility jack. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7   a  is an isometric view of a support platform for a utility jack. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7   b  is an isometric view of a support platform coupled to a utility jack. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    Aspects of the utility jack are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the utility jack. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the utility jack. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the utility jack will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the utility jack. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description a discussion of several terms used herein follows. 
         [0020]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the terms “embodiments of the utility jack”, “embodiment” or “utility jack” do not require that all embodiments of the utility jack include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , in an exemplary embodiment, utility jack  100  may include a base frame  102 . Base frame  102  may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape or in any other desired shape. Base frame  102  may act as the foundation of utility jack  100  and may include support feet  104 . Support feet  104  can extend from each terminal end of base frame  102  or at any other desired positions along the base frame  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, base frame  102  may include two pairs of support feet  104  extending from opposite ends of base frame  102 . In another exemplary embodiment, base frame  102  may include a single pair of support feet  104  extending from the central portion of base frame  102 . 
         [0022]    In another exemplary embodiment utility jack  100  may include a pair of support arms  106   a  and  106   b.  Support arms  106   a  and  106   b  may be fixed to base frame  102  via pin assembly  107 . Pin assembly  107  may allow support arms  106   a  and  106   b  to pivot about the pin assembly  107 , while preventing lateral movement of the support arms  106   a  and  106   b  with respect to base frame  102 . Support arms  106   a  and  106   b  may be fixed to base frame  102  via any mechanism known to one skilled in the art that may provide pivotability while inhibiting lateral movement. 
         [0023]    Support arms  106   a  and  106   b  may extend in a substantially parallel fashion from base frame  102  to upper plate  110 . Support arms  106   a  and  106   b  may be fastened to a roller assembly  112  having rollers  113  that may engage upper plate  110  via guide rails  111 . Guide rails  111  may extend from opposite sides of upper plate  110  and provide a path along which rollers  113  may roll. The engagement of rollers  113  and guide rails  111  can facilitate lateral movement of support arms  106   a  and  106   b  with respect to upper plate  110 . Support arms  106   a  and  106   b  may also engage upper plate  110  via any mechanism that can provide pivotability and lateral movement, known to one skilled in the art. 
         [0024]    Similar to support arms  106   a  and  106   b,  utility jack  100  may include an additional pair of support arms  108   a  and  108   b.  Support arms  108   a  and  108   b  may be fixed to upper plate  110  via pin assembly  109 . Pin assembly  109  may allow support arms  108   a  and  108   b  to pivot about the pin assembly  109 , while preventing lateral movement of the support arms  108   a  and  108   b  with respect to upper plate  110 . Pin assembly  109  may also include a bolt-type fastener, facilitating an adjustable and/or removable connection between pin assembly  109 , and subsequently support arms  108   a  and  108   b,  and upper plate  110 . The bolt-type fastener may be an Allen bolt or any other desired standard or custom bolt. Support arms  108   a  and  108   b  may be fixed to upper plate  110  via any mechanism known to one skilled in the art that may provide pivotability while inhibiting lateral movement. 
         [0025]    Support arms  108   a  and  108   b  may extend in a substantially parallel fashion from upper plate  110  to base frame  102 . Support arms  108   a  and  108   b  may be fastened to a roller assembly  114  having rollers  115  that may engage base frame  102  via guide rails  103 . Guide rails  103  may extend from opposite sides of base frame  102  and provide a path along which rollers  115  may roll. The engagement of rollers  115  and guide rails  103  can facilitate lateral movement of support arms  108   a  and  108   b  with respect to base frame  102 . Support arms  108   a  and  108   b  may also engage base frame  102  via any mechanism that can provide pivotability and lateral movement known to one skilled in the art. 
         [0026]    Support arms  106   a  and  106   b  may be pivotably fastened to support arms  108   a  and  108   b  via pin assembly  116 . Pin assembly  116  can provide uniform spacing between support arms  106   a  and  106   b,  as well as, between support arms  108   a  and  108   b.  Pin assembly  116  may also provide strength and support to the support arms  106   a,    106   b,    108   a  and  108   b  as the upper plate  110  is raised and lowered during use. 
         [0027]    Utility jack  100  may also include an engagement bolt  118 . Engagement bolt  118  may pass through a hole in pin assembly  109  and a hole in roller assembly  112 . Engagement bolt  118  may also include a first end  118   a  designed for manipulation by a user of the utility jack  100 . The first end of the engagement bolt  118   a  can be shaped for engagement with a standard socket or wrench or can be shaped in any other desired fashion. Engagement bolt  118  may also include a second end  118   b  that may be threaded and may threadedly engage interior threads of the hole in roller assembly  112 . 
         [0028]    In an exemplary embodiment, engagement bolt  118  can be rotated by a user. As the engagement bolt  118  is rotated, the second end  118   b  threaded engagement between the engagement bolt  118  and the roller assembly  112  can force the terminal ends of support arms  106   a  and  106   b  to move in a lateral direction toward the terminal ends of support arms  108   a  and  108   b.    
         [0029]    Engagement bolt  118  may also include a stopper  120   a  immediately adjacent to the threaded second end  118   b  which can be used to prohibit over extension of the support arms  106   a  and  106   b  and can act as a safety mechanism securing the position of pin assembly  112  with respect to the engagement bolt  118 . Likewise, engagement bolt  118  may include a stopper  120   b  immediately adjacent to the pin assembly  109  which can be used to prohibit over extension of the support arms  108   a  and  108   b  and can act as a safety mechanism securing the position of pin assembly  109  with respect to the engagement bolt  118 . 
         [0030]    As the terminal ends of the two pairs of support arms  106   a,    106   b,    108   a  and  108   b  converge, upper plate  110  can elevate with respect to base frame  102 . Alternatively, if engagement bolt  118  is rotated in an opposite direction the terminal ends of the two pairs of support arms  106   a,    106   b,    108   a  and  108   b  can diverge and upper plate  110  can be lowered with respect to base frame  102 . 
         [0031]    In another exemplary embodiment upper plate  110  may include a plate pad  110   a.  The plate pad  110   a  can be made of various materials, for example rubber, and may facilitate shielding an object from the hard surface of plate  110  while being lifted by utility jack  100 . The plate pad  110   a  may also add slip resistance to the upper plate  110  which may enable increased safety during use. Plate pad  110   a  may substantially cover the planar portion of the upper plate  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , or any other desired portion or location on the upper plate  110 . 
         [0032]    Similarly, in another exemplary embodiment, utility jack  100  may include support feet  104  with feet pads  104   a,  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Feet pads  104   a  can be made of various materials, for example rubber, and may facilitate shielding an object or surface serving as a foundation for utility jack  100  from the hard surface of support feet  104 . The feet pads  104   a  may also add slip resistance to the support feet  104  which may enable increased safety during use. Feet pads  104   a  can substantially cover the planar portion of the support feet  104 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , or any other desired portion or location on the support feet  104 . 
         [0033]    Turning to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b,  in one embodiment, utility jack  100  may include at least one cushion adapter  200 . Cushion adapter  200  may facilitate secure support and stabilization of the object to be lifted. Cushion adapter  200  may include a base frame  202 , a mounting member  204  and a cushion  206 . Base frame  202  may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape or any other desired shape. Base frame  202  may include a horizontal portion  212  and guide rails  214  extending substantially downward from horizontal portion  212 . Each guide rail  214  may include a flange  216  extending horizontally therefrom and towards the center of base frame  202 . Horizontal portion  212  may have a length greater than the width of top portion  110  of utility jack  100 , while guide rails  214  may have a height greater than the height of guide rails  111  of utility jack  100 , in order to facilitate slidably coupling base frame  202  with top portion  110 . Horizontal portion  212  may also include cylinder  218  substantially cocentered therewith and extending upward therefrom. Cylinder  218  may include therein a cavity  219  substantially concentric thereto. 
         [0034]    Mounting member  204  may include a horizontal portion  222  and vertical portions  224  extending downward from horizontal portion  222 . Each vertical portion  224  may have a bottom edge  225  and a notch  226  defined in and substantially cocentered with bottom edge  225 . Notch  226  may have a length configured to receive horizontal portion  212  of base frame  202  such that bottom edge  225  is in contact with top portion  110  of utility jack  100 . Horizontal portion  222  may also include cylinder  228  extending downward therefrom. Cylinder  228  may be configured to slidably engage with cavity  219  of cylinder  218  of base frame  202 . Horizontal portion  222  may also include apertures  229  defined therein. 
         [0035]    Cushion  206  may be have a substantially cuboid shape or any other desired shape. Cushion  206  may be made of a substantially resilient material, for example but not limited to rubber, and may facilitate shielding an object from horizontal portion  222  of mounting member  204 . Cushion  206  may also add slip resistance to horizontal portion  222 , which may enable increased safety during use. Cushion  206  may substantially cover horizontal portion  222 , or any other desired portion or location on horizontal portion  222 . Cushion  206  may include apertures  232  defined therein. Apertures  232  may be configured to receive a bolt  234  such that bolt  234  is recessed within or flush with the top surface of cushion  206 . Bolt  234  may have an annular flange  235 , a shaft  236 , and may threadably couple to nut  238 . Annular flange  235  may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of aperture  232  such that annular flange  235  is received within aperture  232 . Shaft  236  may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of aperture  229  such that shaft  236  is received within aperture  229 . 
         [0036]    In operation, the user may slide base frame  202  over top portion  110  of utility jack  100 . The user may couple mounting member  204  and cushion  206  by inserting bolt  234  through apertures  232  and apertures  229  and threadably coupling bolt  234  to nut  238 . In an alternative embodiment, the user may couple mounting member  204  and cushion  206  by any other coupling means known in the art. The user may then position mounting member  204  over base frame  202  such that cylinder  228  is received within aperture  219  of cylinder  218  and such that bottom edge  225  is in contact with top portion  110 . The user may position mounting member  204  such that the longitudinal axis of mounting member  204  is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of base frame  202 . Alternatively, the user may position mounting member  204  such that the longitudinal axis of mounting member  204  is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of base frame  202  and such that horizontal portion  212  is received within notch  226 . 
         [0037]    Turning to  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b,  in another embodiment, utility jack  100  may include at least one support  300 . Support  300  may be configured to receive a frame member of the object to be lifted, wherein the frame member has a substantially rectangular shape. Support  300  may include a base frame  302 , a supporting member  304 , and a cushion  306 . Base frame  302  may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape or any other desired shape. Base frame  302  may include a horizontal portion  312  and guide rails  314  extending substantially downward from horizontal portion  312 . Each guide rail  314  may include a flange  316  extending horizontally therefrom and towards the center of base frame  302 . Horizontal portion  312  may have a length greater than the width of top portion  110  of utility jack  100 , while guide rails  314  may have a height greater than the height of guide rails  111  of utility jack  100 , in order to facilitate slidably coupling base frame  302  with top portion  110 . Horizontal portion  312  may also include cylinder  318  substantially cocentered therewith and extending upward therefrom. Cylinder  318  may include therein a cavity  319  substantially concentric thereto. 
         [0038]    Supporting member  304  may include a shaft  322 , a horizontal portion  324  coupled to one end of shaft  322 , and flanges  326  coupled to two opposite ends of horizontal portion  324 . Each flange  326  may extend substantially upward from horizontal portion  324  such that the angle between horizontal portion  324  and flange  326  is between 90° and 179°. Cushion  306  may be coupled to horizontal portion  324  of supporting member  304 . Cushion  306  may be made of a substantially resilient material, for example but not limited to rubber, and may facilitate shielding an object from horizontal portion  324  of supporting member  304 . Cushion  306  may also add slip resistance to horizontal portion  324 , which may enable increased safety during use. Cushion  306  may substantially cover horizontal portion  324 , or any other desired portion or location on horizontal portion  324 . 
         [0039]    In operation, the user may slide base frame  302  over top portion  110  of utility jack  100 , and position supporting member  304  over base frame  302  such that cylinder  322  is received within aperture  319  of cylinder  318 . The user may then rotate supporting member  304  such that a desired frame member of the object to be lifted is received between flanges  326 , or to any other desired orientation. 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b,  in another embodiment, utility jack  100  may include frame support adapter  400 . Frame support adapter may be configured to facilitate supporting a desired object via an aperture (not shown) defined on a frame member (not shown) of the desired object (not shown). Frame support adapter  400  may include a first portion  402  and a second portion  452  configured such that first portion  402  may slidably couple with top portion  110  of utility jack  100  and such that second portion  452  may slidably couple with first portion  402 . 
         [0041]    First portion  402  may include base frame  404 , upright member  410 , guide rails  412  and support arm  420   a.  Base frame  404  may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape or any other desired shape. Base frame  404  may include a horizontal portion  405  and guide rails  406  extending substantially downward from horizontal portion  405 . Each guide rail  406  may include a flange  408  extending horizontally therefrom and towards the center of base frame  404 . Horizontal portion  405  may have a width greater than the width of top portion  110  of utility jack  100 , while guide rails  406  may have a height greater than the height of guide rails  111  of utility jack  100 , in order to facilitate slidably coupling base frame  404  with top portion  110 . Each guide rail  412  may be coupled to a guide rail  406  of base frame  404  and oriented substantially parallel thereto. Each guide rail  412  may be coupled to a guide rail  406  such that a first end of guide rail  412  is substantially flush with a first end of base frame  404 , and such that a second end of guide rail  412  extends substantially beyond a second end of base frame  404 . Each guide rail  412  may also have a cavity  413  defined therein such that pin assembly  109  may be received within cavity  413 . Upright member  410  may be coupled substantially to the first end of base frame  404  such that upright member  410  extends upward therefrom. Upright member  410  may have a cavity defined therein configured to receive support arm  420   a.  In one embodiment, upright member  410  may have an aperture defined therein. 
         [0042]    Second portion  452  may include base frame  454 , upright member  460 , and support arm  420   b.  Base frame  454  may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape or any other desired shape. Base frame  454  may include a horizontal portion  455  and guide rails  456  extending substantially downward from horizontal portion  455 . Horizontal portion  455  may engage horizontal portion  405  of first portion  402  to facilitate preventing the movement of second portion  452  beyond a predetermined point in relation to first portion  402 . Each guide rail  456  may include a flange  458  extending horizontally therefrom and towards the center of base frame  454 . Horizontal portion  455  may have a width greater than the width of first portion  402  of frame support adapter  400 , while guide rails  456  may have a height greater than the height of guide rails  412  of first portion  402 , in order to facilitate slidably coupling base frame  454  with first portion  402 . Base frame  454  may also Include support members  457 . Upright member  460  may be coupled substantially to a first end of base frame  454  such that upright member  460  extends upward therefrom. Upright member  460  may have a cavity defined therein configured to receive support arm  420   b.  In one embodiment, upright member  460  may have an aperture defined therein. 
         [0043]    Each of support arms  420   a  and  420   b  may include an attachment portion  422  having a plurality of apertures defined therein, an upright member  424  and an adjustable shaft  426 . Adjustable shaft  426  may include a substantially cylindrical-shaped body  427  that has an end stop  428  coupled at one end of adjustable shaft  426  and an end tip  429  coupled to another end of adjustable shaft  426 . In one alternative embodiment, end stop  428  may be, but not limited to, a circular clip. In another alternative embodiment, body  427  may include any shape that enables lifting assembly to function as described herein. In one embodiment, end tip  429  may include a plastic cover  430  coupled thereto using a fastener  431 . Plastic cover  430  may have a diameter that facilitates engaging an aperture (not shown) defined on a frame member (not shown) of the desired object to be supported(not shown). As the diameters of such apertures may vary, in one embodiment, the diameter of plastic cover  430  may vary to engage a corresponding aperture. In an alternative embodiment, fastener  431  may be an Allen bolt. Support arms  420   a  and  420   b  may also include an adjustment bore  432  defined in an end of support arms  420   a  and  420   b,  wherein the end is positioned substantially opposite of the end coupled to attachment portion  422 . A locking mechanism  133  may be coupled to the end of support arms  420   a  and  420   b  to facilitate locking adjustable shaft  426  thereto in a specific position with respect to support arms  420   a  and  420   b.  In one embodiment, locking mechanism  133  may include an adjustment knob  134  and a pin portion  135 , wherein pin portion  135  may be coupled to knob  134  and support arms  420   a  and  420   b.  In one embodiment, pin portion  135  may be threadably coupled to support arms  420   a  and  420   b  such that pin portion  135  extends partially into adjustment bore  432 . 
         [0044]    Turning to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b,  in one embodiment, adjustment shaft  426  may be inserted within adjustment bore  432  such that end tip  429  faces the opposite lifting arm. End stop  428  may be coupled to adjustment shaft  426  to facilitate preventing adjustment shaft from sliding out of adjustment bore  432 . 
         [0045]    During operation, plastic cover  430  of support arms  420   a  and  420   b  may be inserted into an aperture (not shown) defined on a frame (not shown) of the motorcycle (not shown). Adjustable shaft  426  may be adjusted with respect to support arms  420   a  and  420   b  such that plastic cover  430  may be inserted into the motorcycle frame aperture. Once plastic covers  430  are positioned within the motorcycle frame aperture, adjustable shafts  426  may be locked into place using locking mechanism  133 . In an alternative embodiment, adjustable shafts  426  and end tips  429  may be coupled to any part of the motorcycle frame known to a person having ordinary skill in the art that enables frame support adapter  400  to function as described herein. 
         [0046]    In another embodiment, utility jack  100  may include a frame support adapter  500 , as shown in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b.  Frame support adapter  500  may be configured to support particular models of motorcycles or other vehicles (not shown) at specific points defined in the frame thereof. For example, but not limited to, frame support adapter  500  may be configured to support a Yamaha V-Max motorcycle at specific points defined in the frame thereof. 
         [0047]    Frame support member  500  may include a base plate  502 , a first support member  504  and a second support member  506 . Base plate  502  may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape, or any other desired shape. First support member  504  and second support member  506  may be coupled to base plate  502  at substantially opposite ends thereof. First support member  504  may include a vertical member  512  and a horizontal plate  514  coupled substantially to the top end of vertical member  512 . Second support member  506  may include a vertical member  516  and a horizontal plate  518  coupled substantially to the top end of vertical member  516 . Horizontal plate  518  may have an location pin  520  coupled thereto. 
         [0048]    The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the utility jack. However, the utility jack should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
         [0049]    Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the utility jack as defined by the following claims.