Multipurpose lifting apparatus

A lifting apparatus includes a mast that is mounted orthogonally (perpendicularly) to the plane of a base supported by wheels. A beam and tension member are connected pivotally to the mast and further to a carriage assembly support in such a manner that the support and mast maintain a parallel relationship, as do the beam and tension member. A lifting ram is pivotally connected to the mast and to the telescopic beam. During a load lifting operation, the resulting parallelogram configuration of the mast, carriage assembly support, beam, and tension member serve to maintain the tines of the carriage assembly in a plane parallel to the base of the lifting apparatus as the carriage assembly is arcuately raised. The carriage assembly and tension member may be removed in order for the mast and boom to be used as an engine hoist, and the apparatus may be further used as an engine work stand by installing a plate on the engine which is pivotally installable on the mast at the ram attachment point.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to portable hoists and lifting 
devices, and more particularly to a multipurpose lifting device which 
provides utility[as a fork lift, engine hoist, and engine stand. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Traditionally, fork lift vehicles have been relatively heavy and bulky 
motorized vehicles which provided means for lifting heavy loads vertically 
by lifting the loads from below. The complexity of designing and 
manufacturing fork lifts has been transferred to purchasers in the form of 
higher prices. The servicing of fork lifts has also been an additional 
expense burdening fork lift owners. The operation of fork lifts has 
generally been performed only by those who are relatively skilled in 
maneuvering the machines. Known fork lift vehicles are relatively bulky 
and heavy, and require a considerable amount of power consumption. 
Although motorized fork lifts are needed in heavy industry, smaller fork 
lifts or hoists that are used less frequently would be useful in light 
industry, small warehouses, maintenance shops, and home use. These 
shortcomings of conventional forklifts have created a need for a 
relatively light and manually operated device which is capable of 
performing limited fork lift type operations, that provides several 
functions at an economical price yet is easy to manufacture, service, and 
operate. 
Additionally, engine ,hoists and stands are commonly used in auto repair 
shops and service stations, and are provided by rental agencies for home 
auto repair. When the engine hoist is not in use, it normally occupies 
space if it is not disassembled and placed in storage. Similarly, an 
engine stand that is not incorporated into an engine hoist also occupies 
excess space if it is not disassembled and placed in storage. Furthermore, 
additional expenses are incurred in acquiring two devices, an engine hoist 
and an engine stand, if both devices can be incorporated into one 
structure. A novel apparatus is one that incorporates a fork lift device, 
engine hoist, and engine stand in one disassembleable structure that is 
portable, easy to transport, and saves storage space. 
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is 
provided an apparatus for arcuately lifting loads by supporting the loads 
from below while the loads are situated on a horizontal platform. The 
portability inherent in the invention adds versatility by affording ease 
of handling while repositioning loads onto higher elevations such as 
shelves, roofs, trucks, and aircraft. This list is by no means exhaustive. 
Another embodiment of the present invention includes an engine hoist with 
an engine stand configuration. The fork lift mechanism is easily removed 
to modify the lifting apparatus into an engine hoist, and alternatively, 
an engine stand. When an engine is removed from a vehicle by means of the 
engine hoist, there is no need to secure the engine to a separate engine 
stand. Instead, the engine is secured to an engine attachment plate and 
the plate is then inserted into a bracket secured to the forward face of a 
mast on the lifting apparatus. The multipurpose design of the lifting 
apparatus conserves the space needed to store the otherwise separate 
devices that would accomplish the same objectives as the present 
invention. 
The simplicity of the present invention's construction affords light 
industry, small warehouses, repair shops, and homeowners, an inexpensive 
multipurpose lifting apparatus that is easy to use, transport, 
disassemble, and store. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
Engine hoists and fork lifts are well known. Prior art lifts and the like 
have shortcomings that include: (1) inability to lift a load from below 
without swinging or tilting the load; (2) cumbersome accessibility to 
engine service and maintenance areas when the engine is attached to an 
engine stand; (3) no interchangeable parts that would otherwise transform 
an engine hoist into a fork lift, or alternatively, a fork lift into an 
engine hoist; (4) a requirement for powered operation, rather than manual 
operation; (5) fork lift devices are not easily disassembled for storage 
and transportation; and (6) fork lift devices are expensive to 
manufacture, service, and maintain. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,184,086 issued on May 15, 1963 to LeGrand H. Lull discloses 
a single purpose ]Lift truck that is bulky, heavy, and motorized, and is 
not easily dismantled or converted for other uses. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,971 issued to Georges Itey-Bernard on Aug. 5, 1080 
discloses a lift truck or fork lift having an articulated lift mechanism. 
The device is powered and carries the operator in addition to any load 
being lifted, and as such is considerably heavier, more complex and more 
costly than the present invention. Moreover, no provision is made by 
Itey-Bernard for conversion of the device for use as an engine hoist or 
work stand. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,703 issued on Jun. 2, 1987 to Joel W. Hawkins and 
Patrick G. Hawkins discloses a wheeled hoist that is incapable of 
performing fork lift operations. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,039 issued on May 15, 1990 to James Macris discloses a 
portable folding crane that is easily dismantled but does not perform fork 
lift operations. 
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in 
combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
By the present invention, an improved lifting apparatus is provided which 
overcomes the above noted shortcomings and offers an operator of the 
lifting apparatus a means of quickly converting the lifting apparatus into 
a forklift, engine hoist, or engine stand by attaching or removing members 
from the lifting apparatus. 
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means to 
lift a load vertically without disturbing the load by the transverse 
swinging or tilting actions associated with conventional hoists and 
cranes. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a manual means of 
lifting pallets and placing them on shelves, by means of the mechanical- 
advantage inherently provided in the present invention. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for 
transforming a conventional engine hoist into an apparatus capable of 
performing fork lift type operations. 
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a means of 
lifting engines from automobiles, boats, and light aircraft engine 
compartments and the like. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for securing 
an engine to a work stand for ease of repair. The fork lift boom 
attachment is removable along with the lifting ram to provide greater work 
area access while working on an engine. 
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a means of 
rotating an engine about its longitudinal axis when it is secured to the 
engine stand. By rotating an engine, hard to reach areas are more easily 
serviced 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide for ease of 
disassembly into five major components comprising the base, mast, lifting 
ram, carriage assembly, and beam. The invention is secured in its 
operating condition by standard heavy duty bolts or removable pins which 
may be spring loaded. By being easy to disassemble, the lifting apparatus 
is conveniently stored, transported, and transformed from one application 
to another. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide portability and 
provide an economical multi-purpose alternative to motor powered single 
purpose fork lifts and engine hoists. Pneumatic tires may be attached for 
outdoor use. 
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and 
arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is 
inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended 
purposes. 
These and other objects Of the present invention will become readily 
apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
With reference to the drawings, particularly FIG. 1 of the drawings, a 
wheeled lifting apparatus 1 is illustrated having a base 10 formed from a 
transverse base member 12, and two longitudinal base members 14 extending 
forwardly. Two base braces 16 provide generally diagonal bracing between 
each longitudinal base member 14, and to the upwardly extending mast 
socket 22 that is situated medially on the transverse base member 12. The 
longitudinal base members 12 include a pair of base extensions 24 
telescopically housed respectively in the two longitudinal base members 14 
and provide for the adjustment of leg length. To adjust leg length, a 
locking pin 26 is inserted into any one of a plurality of holes 28 in the 
side wall of each longitudinal base member 14 and engages one of a 
plurality of cooperating telescopic base extension holes 30 in the side 
wall of the telescopic base extension 24. The base 10 is supported by 
caster wheels 32 at opposite ends of the transverse base member 12. 
Non-castering wheels 34 support the telescopic base extensions 24. The 
transverse base member 12, longitudinal base members 14, and telescopic 
base extensions 24 are preferably tubular and square in cross section. 
A mast 36 is carried by the base 10 with the lower end of the mast 36 
inserted into an Upwardly extending mast socket 22 medially situated on 
the transverse base member 12. Two bolts may be used to secure the lower 
end oil mast 36 in the upwardly extending socket 22. The mast 36 and the 
upwardly extending socket 22 are preferably tubular and square in cross 
section. The mast 36 extends generally vertically upward (assuming base 10 
is horizontal) and is perpendicular to the transverse base member 12 and 
longitudinal members 14. The mast 36 is supported against lateral movement 
by two removable lateral support rods 38 having opposite first ends, which 
first ends are connected to the ends of the longitudinal base :members 14 
by brackets 40, and extend upwardly and inwardly to! the medial section of 
the mast where they are secured at their second ends by brackets 42. 
A beam 44 which is preferably tubular and square in cross section is welded 
or otherwise secured to a beam bracket 48 which is pivotally connected .to 
the mast 36 by a pivot pin 50, thus providing arcuate movement in the 
vertical plane for beam 44 and its associated components. An overlying 
support truss 45 is provided for beam 44 for additional bending strength. 
A shackle bracket 52 (FIG. 3) is attached to the beam 44 and is held 
securely in place by a set screw 53; rollers 55 provide for linear 
movement of bracket 52 along beam 44. A boom 54 is telescopingly inserted 
into the beam 44. and extends forwardly and aloha the same axis as the 
beam 44. The total length of the boom 54 and beam 44 can be adjusted by 
the insertion of a Din 56 into one of a plurality of holes 58 in the side 
walls of the beam 44, to engage one of a plurality of cooperating holes 60 
in the side walls of the boom 54. 
A lifting ram 62 that is preferably manually operated is bolted to the mast 
platform 104. The mast platform 104 is pivotally connected to the mast 36 
by a pivot pin 64, thereby allowing for the angular changes in the 
geometry of the various components of apparatus 1 as it is operated. The 
upper end of the lifting ram 62 inserts into a female socket 108 which is 
pivotally connected to the beam bracket 48 by the insertion of a pivot pin 
66 into one of a plurality of holes in the side of the beam bracket 48 and 
through a cooperating hole in the socket 108. The lifting ram 62 can be 
extended to elevate the beam 44 and thereby lift a load connected to the 
boom 54 via a chain and hook assembly 68, as shown in FIG. 3. 
Ram 62 may be easily removed from the remainder of lifting apparatus 1 by 
relieving any load on beam 44, and removing pin 66 from bracket 48 at the 
upper end of ram 62, and removing pin 64 from the base of platform 104. 
Thus, ram 62 may be used as a hydraulic jack for other purposes when it is 
not needed for the operation of lifting apparatus 1, or may be removed for 
maintenance and/or repair. Preferably, ram 62 comprises a readily 
available hydraulic jack, of the type known as a "bottle jack" due to its 
general shape. Other lifting means may be used in the operation of lifting 
apparatus 1, in place of ram 62. 
A tension component 70, comprising a rod, cable or other suitable component 
is pivotally connected by pivot pin 74 at one end to a mast bracket 72, 
which bracket 72 is welded or otherwise secured to the mast 36. Tension 
component 70 extends forward from the mast 36 to the first carriage 
bracket 76 connected to the vertical support 78 at the rear end of 
carriage assembly 80, and is mounted for pivotal movement by pivot pin 82 
for self leveling of the horizontal leas or tines 84 of the carriage 
assembly. 
The forward end of the boom is pivotally connected to the second carriage 
bracket 86 by a pivot Din 88. FIG. 2 shows that the tension component 70 
remains parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam 44 and boom 54 
throughout the range of motion of the carriage assembly 80, as is shown by 
the phantom lines in FIG. 2 when the carriage assembly is lifted and 
lowered as a result of the parallelogram location of the four pivot points 
50, 74, 82, and 88. 
Furthermore, the vertical support 78 medially connected to the transverse 
members 90, 92 of the carriage assembly 80, remains parallel to the mast 
36 throughout the range of motion of the carriage assembly 80 during 
lifting and lowering operations. The horizontal tines or leas 84 of the 
carriage assembly 80 remain parallel to the longitudinal base members 14 
throughout the entire range of motion of lifting and lowering the carriage 
assembly 80. 
Similarly, the vertical legs 94 of the carriage assembly 80 remain parallel 
to the mast 36 throughout the entire range of motion when lifting and 
lowering the carriage assembly 80. Pivot pins 50, 74, 82, and 88 form the 
pivot points of the parallelogram. Thus, with the parallelogram linkage 
formed by pivot pins 50, 74, 82, and 88, the plane defined by the legs 84 
of carriage assembly 80 is maintained parallel at all times to the plane 
defined by the members comprising base 10 of lifting apparatus 1. 
The carriage assembly 80 and accompanying tension component 70 may be used 
with other conventional engine hoists by adapting the tension component 70 
to the mast of a conventional engine hoist, by connecting an extension to 
the topmost portion of the mast to provide a distance between the beam 44 
and tension component 70 equal to the distance between the two pivot 
points of the carriage assembly 82, 88. 
FIG. 3 shows the fork lift configuration of the lifting apparatus 1 being 
easily converted into an engine hoist by the removal of the carriage 
assembly 80 and anti-tilt rod 70 and with the addition of the chain and 
hook apparatus 68. An engine can be removed from an automobile, boat, or 
aircraft engine compartment with the lifting apparatus in the engine hoist 
configuration. Obviously, other large, heavy, and/or bulky objects may 
also be lifted by means of the above apparatus. 
Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows that the present invention can also be used as an 
engine stand by attaching an engine attachment bracket 96 to the front 
face of the mast 36. An engine E may be lifted from an engine compartment 
or other location by means of the chain and hook assembly 68 secured to 
the end of boom 54, in the even that some extension of beam 44 is needed, 
as shown in FIG. 3. In such a case, the engine E must be lowered to the 
surface and the chain 68 repositioned and attached to the shackle bracket 
52 in order to allow the engine E toed! be repositioned and secured to the 
engine attachment bracket 96. Alternatively, the chain assembly 68 may be 
initially secured to the shackle bracket 52 and the shackle bracket 52 
positioned along the beam 44 as appropriate, and the engine E lifted 
directly by the shackle bracket 52. Such a method is preferable, as the 
engine E need not be lowered and lifted again to reposition the chain 
assembly 68 from the end of the boom 54 to the shackle bracket 52. 
Assuming lifting apparatus 1 can be properly positioned with the shackle 
bracket 52 directly over the lifting point of the engine E, this method 
eliminates the additional step of repositioning the chain 68. Otherwise, 
the additional length provided by boom 54 may be used. 
In any event, the beam 44 is lifted a sufficient height to allow the male 
connector 100 of the engine attachment plate 98 to be inserted into a 
female cylinder 102 in the engine attachment bracket 96. A clamp means 
(mot shown) is tightened in the side of the engine attachment bracket 96 
to secure the engine E in place, if rotation of the engine E is not 
desired. 
In accordance with the above disclosure, a portable, easily movable lifting 
device or apparatus is described. The device may be used as a lifting 
platform in lieu of a Dowered fork lift, and with little modification may 
be converted to an engine hoist or the like by means of the ready removal 
of the lifting platform components. The device may further be used as an 
engine work stand after an engine has been installed thereon. The lifting 
portions of the present invention may be manually actuated by means of the 
standard hydraulic jack disclosed herein, or may be manually actuated by 
mechanical or other means. Alternatively, powered actuation means of the 
lifting components may be installed if desired. 
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the 
embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments 
within the scope of the following claims.