Remotely adjustable automotive lift arm

A remotely adjustable automotive lift arm allows a user to position lift arms under the vehicle, extend them to the correct length, and position lifting pads to the correct location and height, all without requiring the user to bend over or kneel. The remotely adjustable automotive lift arm includes a telescopic arm, a screw jack assembly, a camera assembly, a gear assembly, and an input shaft. The telescopic arm includes two tubes with one being telescopically engaged to the other. The screw jack assembly is used to adjust the lifting pad height to achieve a level lift of a vehicle prior to the vehicle being lifted off the ground. The camera assembly provides a live image of the vehicle's undercarriage in order to precisely position the screw jack assembly. The input shaft can receive an input torque than can be transferred to the screw jack assembly by the gear assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an adjustable lift arm for automotive lifts. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable automotive lift arm that allows remote positioning of the lift arm and lifting pad by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are various kinds of automotive lifts. One common version is an above ground, two post style lift. Above ground, two post style lifts typically comprise two vertical lifting columns with a lifting carriage on each column and two arms on each lifting carriage.

A problem with these lifts is that to safely lift the vehicle, the user must bend over far enough, or kneel, or lay on the floor next to the vehicle, to actually see under the vehicle, then grasp the end of the lift arm to adjust it to the correct position under the vehicle. To further the problem, many vehicular contact points have to be raised or lowered to the correct position under the frame or pick-up points on the vehicle. This is a tedious, time consuming task and is physically hard on the users back, neck, and knees. Additionally, incorrectly positioned lifting pads can result in damage to the vehicle, the lift, or the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention would allow the technician to position the lift arms under the vehicle, extend them to the correct length, and position the lifting pads to the correct position and height, all without requiring the technician to bend over or kneel. The present invention would be a cost effective addition to popular automotive lifts, and the physical benefits for automotive technicians by means of easier lift arm manipulation combined with the benefits to shop owners the camera system would provide for training and liability purposes would make this a highly sought after addition to automotive lifts in the commercial market.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a remotely adjustable automotive lift arm that allows a user to position the lift arms under the vehicle, extend them to the correct length, and position the lifting pads to the correct location and height, all without requiring the user to bend over or kneel. The present invention is a modification of current lift arm designs. The present invention comprises a telescopic arm1, a screw jack assembly2, a lifting pad3, a camera assembly4, a gear assembly5, and an input shaft50. In reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, the telescopic arm1comprises a first housing11and a second housing10which are preferably two square or rectangular tubes. An inner diameter of the first housing11is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the second housing10, allowing the second housing10to fit inside the first housing11and slide in or out to change the overall length of the telescopic arm1. The telescopic arm1further comprises a pair of attachment features111which allows the telescopic arm1to attach to the lifting carriage600of an automotive lift. The pair of attachment features111is terminally integrated into the first housing11, opposite the second housing in order to be easily accessible for attaching the present invention to a lifting carriage600of an automobile lift. The pair of attachment features111is preferably a pair of sockets, each of which includes an attaching portion. A pin or shaft is inserted through the attaching portion of each of the pair of sockets, and into the lifting carriage600of an automotive lift, in a manner that allows the telescopic arm1to freely move in a horizontal arc.

The second housing10is sleeved by the first housing11in a manner where the second housing10slides into the open end of the first housing11allowing the second housing10to telescope in or out. The telescopic arm1includes holes or sockets in required places to allow insertion of the various components and serve as shaft supports where required. The camera assembly4is inserted into one of these sockets directly opposite the screw22.

In reference toFIGS. 1 and 3, a distal end of the second housing10furthest from the lifting carriage600contains a screw jack assembly2. The screw jack assembly2comprises a screw22, a lifting pad3, and an aperture30. The screw22is threadably mounted into the second housing10and is aligned to be perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the telescopic arm1. The lifting pad3is terminally connected to the screw22, and the aperture30traverses through the lifting pad3. In further detail, the aperture30is on center with a longitudinal channel20of the screw22and allows for a clear line of sight through the screw22and lifting pad3. The lifting pad3is positioned external to the second housing10. This arrangement allows the lifting pad3to contact a vehicle's undercarriage when the present invention is in use. The input shaft50transfers torsional energy to the screw22allowing the screw22to be rotated into or out of the second housing10. The input shaft50is mounted to second housing10, offset from the screw22, and the screw22and the input shaft50are parallel to each other. Further, the screw22is torsionally engaged to the input shaft50by the gear assembly5. Thus, the input shaft50can transfer torsional energy to the screw22when an input torque is applied to the input shaft50. The camera assembly4is compressibly mounted within the screw22. In further detail, the camera assembly4inserted through the bottom of the second housing10directly below the screw22, and up inside the longitudinal channel20of the screw22. A camera module40of the camera assembly4is in optical communication with the aperture30to provide the user alive image of the vehicle's undercarriage.

In reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the camera assembly4further comprises a camera mount41and a flange410. The present invention may further comprise a spring47in order to compressibly mount the camera assembly4within the screw22. The camera module40is sleeved by the camera mount41. In further detail, the camera mount41and the camera module40are preferably tubing of different diameters to allow a telescoping connection between the two. The camera module40and the camera mount41preferably have a non-circular shape that allows an intermeshing of the two sections411to create a non-rotational joining, while retaining its ability to slide in or out. The flange410is terminally connected to the camera mount41and is positioned external to the second housing10, opposite to the lifting pad3. In further detail, the flange410is attached to the bottom of the camera mount41and serves to attach the camera mount41to the second housing10. The non-rotational mounting of the camera assembly4results in a stable viewing perspective during rotation of the screw22and lifting pad3. The spring47or a similar compression device is positioned within a spring-receiving channel46of the camera mount41. The camera mount41and the camera module40are positioned within the longitudinal channel20of the screw22. Further, the camera module40is pressed against the lifting pad3by the spring47. In further detail, the spring47is mounted inside the two telescoping tubes in a way that forces the camera module40up inside the longitudinal channel20of the screw22, until it makes contact with the smaller diameter hole of the lifting pad3, or a similar stop. A thrust bearing or washer400can be installed at the point where the camera module40and the stop meet to prevent wear. The camera module40can follow the lifting pad3as the lifting pad3descends as a result of the spring47contracting and follow the lifting pad3as the lifting pad3ascends as a result of the spring47expanding. The camera assembly4provides a direct line of sight through the screw22and lifting pad3, and its projected image can be sent to a mounted or handheld digital display, either by cables or by wireless means. The camera assembly4or the lifting pad3can incorporate a protective lens cover, and lighting for the camera. Video support components can be housed inside the telescopic arm1. For example, the camera assembly4may further comprise at least one light7. The at least one light7is useful when the present invention is used in poorly-lit areas. The at least one light7is integrated into the camera module40. Thus, the at least one light7aids in providing a well-lit image of the vehicle's undercarriage.

In reference toFIG. 9, in one embodiment, the camera assembly4can be rotationally mounted to the telescopic arm1, to allow adjustment of the viewing perspective. Continuing with this embodiment, the camera assembly4can be mechanically linked to the lifting carriage600of an automobile lift by a cable assembly6resulting in a viewing perspective that remains parallel to the lifting carriage600and vehicle as the present invention is positioned under the vehicle. The cable assembly6comprises a cable body603, a cable sleeve602, a first cable guide605, a second cable guide606, a cable lever604, and a lifting carriage600anchor601. The cable body603is a semi-rigid elongated strip of material that comprises a fixed body end6031and a free body end6032. The cable lever604comprises a fixed lever end6041and a free lever end6042. The cable lever604is positioned external to the second housing10, opposite to the lifting pad3. This arrangement allows the camera assembly4to be rotated separately from the screw22. The fixed lever end6041is torsionally connected to the camera assembly4in order to rotate the camera assembly4as the cable lever604is rotated. The fixed body end6031is connected to the free lever end6042in order for the cable lever604to be rotated as the cable body603is translated when the present invention is adjusted in reference to the lifting carriage600. The first cable guide605and the second cable guide606are used to guide the cable body603along the telescopic arm1. The first cable guide605is connected external to the first housing11, and the second cable guide606is connected external to the second housing10. This allows the cable body603to be guided from the second housing10to the first housing11. The cable sleeve602is a flexible cable housing that is connected in between the first cable guide605and the second cable guide606. The cable body603traverses through the cable sleeve602, and thus, the cable sleeve602protects the cable body603by preventing wear and tear to the cable body603. The lifting carriage600anchor601allows the cable body603to be mounted to the lifting carriage600of an automobile lift. The free body end6032is connected to the lifting carriage600anchor601in order for the camera assembly4to be mechanically linked to the lifting carriage600of an automobile lift by the cable assembly6. In further detail, as the telescopic arm1is moved horizontally, the distance between fixed body end6031and the free body end6032changes in length. This length change is transmitted to the camera assembly4through the cable assembly6, therefore, rotating the camera assembly4to remain parallel with the lifting carriage600of an automobile lift. Furthermore, the length of the cable body603allows full extension of the telescopic arm1.

In reference toFIGS. 5 and 8, the gear assembly5transfers rotational movement from the input shaft50located near the end of arm10opposite the screw22. The input shaft50is aligned to be perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the telescopic arm1and is aligned to be parallel with the screw22. The input shaft50extends through a socket in the top of the second housing10. The bottom of the input shaft50can be rotationally mounted in a socket104in the second housing10. The input shaft50can be hollow and keyed to allow insertion of an extension handle55. The extension handle55is positioned external to the telescopic arm1and can be torsionally engaged to the input shaft50. Thus, the extension handle55allows the user to position telescopic arm1and adjust the lifting pad3from a standing position. In different embodiments of the invention, the gear assembly5could comprise any style of assembly that can transfer rotational movement from one shaft to another, including sprocket gears and roller chain, belt and pulleys, or a horizontal drive shaft and gears. The gear assembly5could be driven by the user or incorporate an electric motor.

In reference toFIG. 5, in one embodiment of the gear assembly5, the gear assembly5comprises an input sprocket gear52, an output sprocket gear53, an output threaded sleeve101, and a roller chain54. The input shaft50is rotatably mounted within the second housing10. In further detail, the input shaft50is unthreaded and is mounted in a rotational way using sockets in the arm as bearing mounts. The input sprocket gear52is laterally connected to the input shaft50in order to allow the input sprocket gear52to rotate as the input shaft50is rotated by a torque force. The output threaded sleeve101is rotationally mounted within the second housing10and is engaged by the screw22. The output threaded sleeve101is mounted in a rotational way using reinforced sockets in the telescopic arm1as bearing mount. The output threaded sleeve is engaged by the screw22which allows the screw22to be fastened into or out of the output threaded sleeve101. The output sprocket gear53is laterally connected to the output threaded sleeve101in order to allow the output threaded sleeve101to rotate as the output sprocket gear53is rotated. Further, the input sprocket gear52is torsionally engaged to the output sprocket gear53by the roller chain54. In further detail, as the input shaft50and the input sprocket gear52are rotated by a torque force, the rotary motion is transferred by the roller chain54to the output sprocket gear53and output threaded sleeve101, causing the screw22to be fastened into or out of the output threaded sleeve101. The screw22is kept from rotating by the shape of the camera mount41interacting with a corresponding shape inside the screw22. As the output threaded sleeve101and the screw22interact, the rotary motion becomes a vertical motion of the screw22and lifting pad3. As weight is applied to the lifting pad3, while lifting the vehicle, the downward force exerted on the output threaded sleeve101forces the output threaded sleeve101to push down against the telescopic arm1for support, serving as a brake for the output threaded sleeve101, to prevent vertical movement of the lifting pad3under load.

In reference toFIGS. 6 and 7, in another embodiment of the gear assembly5, the gear assembly5comprises an input sprocket gear52, an output sprocket gear53, an input threaded sleeve103, and output threaded sleeve101, and a roller chain54. The input threaded sleeve103and the output threaded sleeve101are externally mounted onto the second housing10. This arrangement respectively allows the input shaft50and the screw22to be fastened into or out of the second housing10. The input threaded sleeve103and the output threaded sleeve101are positioned offset from each other. The input threaded sleeve103and the output threaded sleeve101are offset from each other so their respective engagement components are able to function without mechanically interfering with each other. The input threaded sleeve103is threadably engaged by the input shaft50. Thus, the input shaft50can be fastened into or out of the input threaded sleeve103. The output threaded sleeve101is engaged by the screw22which allows the screw22to be fastened into or out of the output threaded sleeve101. The input sprocket gear52and the output sprocket gear53are positioned within the second housing10in order to conceal the gear assembly5. The input sprocket gear52is laterally connected to input shaft50in order to allow the input sprocket gear52to rotate as the input shaft50is rotated by a torque force. The output sprocket gear53is laterally connected to the screw22in order to allow the screw22to rotate as the output sprocket gear53is rotated. Further, the input sprocket gear52is torsionally engaged to the output sprocket gear53by the roller chain54. In further detail, as the input shaft50and input sprocket gear52are rotated, the roller chain54transfers the rotational movement to the output sprocket gear53and the screw22. As the screw22and input shaft50are rotated respectively through the output threaded sleeve101and the input threaded sleeve103, affixed to the top of the telescopic arm1, the result is a unison vertical movement by the screw22, the lifting pad3, the input shaft50, the input sprocket gear52, the output sprocket gear53, and roller chain54. The camera assembly4is fixed to the bottom of the telescopic arm1while the non-rotational camera module40retains a stable image through the screw22.

With reference toFIG. 1and in order to allow the second housing10to properly slide into and out of the second housing10, the telescopic arm1may further comprise a shaft channel114. In further detail, the shaft channel114is an elongated slot on top of the first housing11to allow access to the screw jack assembly2and the input shaft50. The shaft channel114can be reinforced to add strength to the arm. The shaft channel114traverses into the first housing11, and the input shaft50is slidably engaged into the shaft channel114. Thus, input shaft50does not disrupt the telescopic connection between the first housing11and the second housing10.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.