DEVICE FOR CONVEYING A LOAD BETWEEN TWO POSITIONS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS

Abstract: The device consists of lifting arm (1) that can be rotated and having on its free end means for carrying out the fastening of load (4) so as to allow them to rotate in relation to the arm (1) itself during the whole transfer trajectory and also possesses means capable of reducing, at least for one part of the above-mentioned trajectory, the effort necessary for its operation. It can also be motorized.

Description: Device for conveying a load between two positions at different levels The invention relates to a device capable of transferring a load over a trajectory connecting two positions situated at different levels and it includes a support member that can be anchored which is located in connection with the upper level and at least one rotating lifting arm pivoted at one end on said support member and equipped on the other end with means to effect its fastening to the load to be transferred. There already exist some not very widespread embodiments of this kind of device: they are mostly used for the loading, unloading and transport of bicycles on the roof of motor vehicles. The drawbacks exhibited by these devices are mainly due to the significant effort that is necessary to operate them manually in the final part of the lifting trajectory, in other words when the load is located at a level that is higher and more inconvenient for the user; another significant drawback is that the means for fastening the load do not always allow it to carry out the whole transfer trajectory while keeping parallel to itself, when the shape of the load varies, i.e vertical, for example in the case of a bicycle; moreover the above mentioned means are capable of sustaining loads equipped with particular means of suspension. This and other considerations which will be explained below have prompted the inventor to elaborate the object of the present invention which attempts to resolve the above mentioned problems, and it consists of a device characterized in that the means for fastening are designed and positioned so as to rotate, by the sole effect of gravity acting on the load in relation to the arm while it completes the whole transfer trajectory so that the barycentric axis of the load itself is always essentially contained within the vertical plane that passes through the point or points of suspension, and in that it possesses means capable of reducing the effort necessary for operating the device, at least for one part of the above mentioned trajectory. A more detailed description of its functioning will be provided for some types of preferred embodiment while making reference to the attached drawings in which: - figure 1 represents the lateral view of a lifting arm designed according to the invention so as to reduce the effort in the final part of the transfer of the load; - figure 2 represents the prospective view of a preferred embodiment suited for the loading of a bicycle on the roof of an automobile; - figure 3 represents an alternative embodiment for the same device as in figure 2 ; - figure 4 represents the lateral view of another embodiment of the invention equipped with hooks that can be rotated for holding the -wheels of a bicycle or motorcycle. - figure 5 represents a further example of an embodiment of the invention suitable for loading several bicycles at the same time; - figure 6 represents a detailed view of the device alone in a more enlarged prospective view according to a preferred embodiment; - figure 7 represents the prospective view of a device according to the invention in which a spring is installed so as to reduce the effort in the final part of the loading trajectory; - figure 8 represents the view in longitudinal cross-section of the hinging pivot of the lifting arm with two elastic springs applied to the torsion; - figure 9 represents the lateral view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention with the load free to also rotate around a vertical axis; - figure 10 represents a more close-up prospective view of the device in figure 9. Figure 1 shows, with a diagrammatically represented load, one of the concepts which are the basis for the invention: load 4, connected so that it can rotate in relation to lifting arm 1 during the entire transfer trajectory 5 from lower level α to higher lever β, by the effect of gravity, is constantly maintained in a vertical position. The manual effort to operate the device is furthermore necessary only in first segment 5A of the trajectory, inasmuch as in segment 5B, once the barycenter of load 4 has gone beyond the vertical that passes through the hinging pivot, it will be the weight of load 4 itself that will work together with the user in causing lifting arm 1 to rotate until it reaches its final position. This is obtained by bending or folding or even shaping arm 1, which in this embodiment is telescopically extendable, so as to ensure that load 4, in the final part 5B of its transfer trajectory to higher level β, has gone beyond vertical plane γ that passes through hinging pivot 2 of lifting arm 1. Examples of possible shapes that can be given to arm 1 are also represented, in addition to figure 1, in figures 2 to 7. One of the preferred embodiments of the device that can be used for loading and transporting bicycles and motorcycles is better shown in figure 6. Lifting arm 1 is divided into two parallel bodies le and If, both of which can be extended telescopically, integral with one another and folded like an L, the end of the shorter side of which is hinged in 2 on support member 3 suitable in turn for being connected either directly to the roof of the automobile or to structure 15 of the known type (baggage rack, ski-racl) already attached to the roof itself. The means for attaching lifting arm 1 to load 4 consist, for example, in the case of bicycles or motorcycles, of a member connected to the free end of arm 1 itself so that it can rotate in relation to it and equipped with members capable of engaging with the two stanchions forming a "V" (so that either men's or women's bicycles or motorcycles can be attached) of frame 4a of the vehicle that is to be loaded. In the embodiment in figure 6 the above mentioned member capable of rotating is metal tube 6 that is telescopically extendable to one or both ends, on which connections 6a and 6b that are capable of connecting with the above mentioned "V" stanchions of a bicycle or another similar vehicle. Two other equivalent embodiments are represented in figures 2 and 3, where connections 24 and metal tube 23 are designed in a different manner. In contrast, figure 4 represents an embodiment adapted for the loading and transporting of motorcycles or the like that have a similar weight: to the free end of lifting arm 1, or to an intermediate member that is integral with it, two hooks 7 and 8 with vertical development, the loops 7a, 7b of which (in the drawing only one is visible, since the two hooks are actually exactly overlapping) are capable of making possible the support and containment of one wheel. On hooks 7 and 8 themselves, means for fastening the wheel are then applied, for example threaded bars 7b, which hold it by means of plate 7c interposed among the spokes of the wheel itself and fastening wing-nut 7d. In the event several bicycles or motorcycles have to be loaded and transported at the same time, a preferred embodiment (figure 5) is provided in which the member for the fastening of the load to lifting arm 1 is made up of strut 9 that carries several pairs of connections 9a and 9b capable of engaging with the frames of the vehicles to be loaded, pivoted in its intermediate point 9c on the end of lifting arm 1. In this embodiment there is also installed supplementary arm 10 hinged at its ends respectively on one end 9d of above mentioned strut 9 and on the support member so as to constitute the structure of a pantograph which maintains the strut itself parallel to itself over the entire transfer trajectory of load 4. In order to further reduce the effort necessary for the manual operation of the device, there is also provided the installation (figures 6, 7) of one or more members elastic to traction, for example telescopic shock-absorbers or, as in the figures, springs 13 that have their ends connected, free to be able to rotate, to lifting arm 1 and to a fixed point of support member 3 or of support structure 15. The fastening points of the above mentioned ends are selected so that the above mentioned springs, in the course of rotation arc 5 made by lifting arm 1 to transfer the load from the lower level to the higher level, exert a traction whose right line of application is such that it contrasts its rotation for a first part 5A of the arc, and it favors it for the remaining second part 5B, so as to reduce the effort in the phase in which it is the heaviest. For each of the possible embodiments of the invention there is also provided the use of other means capable of further reducing or modulating the necessary effort in the arc of the transfer trajectory of the load, as for example the application of members elastic to torsion 14 (springs Ln figure 8) around hinging pivot 2 with the ends connected respectively to lifting arm 1 and to support member 3 between which they are interposed. By regulating the "pre-loading" of above mentioned members 14 it is possible to superimpose in the arc of the transfer trajectory their effect to that of other means to facilitate the operation of the device by obtaining a suitable curve of the effort needed depending on the variation of the position of the load. In order to maintain the load, in the case of bicycles or motorcycles, firmly attached to the connections of the lifting arm during transport, while at the same time anchoring it to support structure 15 or to a suitable part 57 of support member 3, there are provided straps 20 and 21, figures 3 and 6 with a self-blocking buckle applied on the lower part of rims 16 so as to anchor them, at the same time exerting on them a downward pull, thus guaranteeing the secure blocking of the load during the transport phase. In completion, elastic rod 32 or an equivalent member anchors the device against capsizing. One particular embodiment is finally provided for the event of the transfer of loads which for any reason may have to be able to rotate around their own vertical axis, as for example a marine outboard motor which has to be lowered from a boat or from a dock with a higher level, toward the transom of the craft onto which it is to be used or vice versa. In this case the support member of the device is framed with vertical development 17 and is equipped with means 18 ^ capable of connecting it to another vertical structure 19, for example the frame of the bulwark of a hull. In figures 9 and 10 this embodiment can be seen, in which the above mentioned means are screw collars 18 that can be applied around the sections that constitute bulwark 19. The means for- fastening load 4 to lifting arm 1 consist of sling 22 which winds around load 4 and is connected by ring 23 to the hook of spring-catch 24, free to rotate around its own axis, which is applied to the free end of lifting arm 1. The device also includes table 25, figures 9 and 10, connected to support frame 17 so that it can run vertically in relation to it and capable of being attached to marine motor 4 using the same means 26 used to fasten the motor itself to the transom of a boat. The rotation of lifting arm 1 is obtained by exerting traction on its mobile end lc by means of rope 20 and a system of pulleys 21 capable of reducing the effort needed. With a similar device it is possible to carry out the haulage of a motor directly to its point of installation on a craft, by adjusting its vertical position and its adjustment around vertical axis of rotation S and by carrying out its fastening onto the craft itself while it is still supported by arm 1 of the device. In the opposite case of removing motor 4, it is also possible to raise it and fasten it to the device itself by means of the above mentioned table 25, by leaving it in a vertical position until its next use. Or else, if at least two wheels 30, 31 have been applied to the device, it is possible to easily transfer the motor, while it is fastened to it, to the place it is stored. As it has been possible to point out in the course of the present description, the embodiments described and represented in the figures are only given as examples, but other different embodiments of the parts can be obtained by modifying the shape or the relative positioning of the parts, or even by carrying out an "interpolation" and by joining the different technical characteristics of the various possible embodiments depending on the requirements without moving out of the scope of what is expressed by the attached claims. It should be added that the operation of the device can be carried out manually, by providing a handle with a handgrip, or by the use of a motor, whether it be an electric motor with a push-button panel or else the motor itself of a means of transportation equipped with a suitable force grip. Such embodiments, which can be imagined in an obvious manner by an expert, are not represented. Furthermore, the device, if it is anchored to a fixed structure, can also be used as a simple mechanical lift.

Claims: Claims 1. Device for the transfer of a load over a trajectory that joins two positions located at different levels, consisting of a support member that can be anchored and located in relation to the higher level and of at least one lifting arm that can be rotated, hinged at one end of said support member and equipped at the other end with means to secure their being fastened to the load to be transferred, characterized in that said means for fastening (6, 6a, 6b, 23, 24) are designed and positioned in such a way that they rotate, by the sole effect of gravity acting on the load in relation to the arm while it completes the whole transfer trajectory so that the barycentric axis of the load itself is always essentially contained within the vertical plane that passes through the point or points of suspension, and in that it possesses means capable of reducing, at least for one part of the above mentioned trajectory, the effort necessary to operate the device. 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein: a) said means of fastening consist of one member (6, 23) connected to the free end of lifting arm (1) so that it can rotate in relation to it and equipped with members capable of engaging in a reversible manner with the two "V" stanchions of the frame of one or more bicycles or motorcycles in a higher position in relation to their barycenter; b) the effort necessary to operate the device manually is reduced by the force of gravity on account of the fact that lifting arm (1) is shaped in such a way that load (4) , as it moves through the final part (5B figure 1) of the trajectory that transfers it to the higher level (β) , has gone beyond vertical plane (γ) that passes through hinging pivot (2) of lifting arm (1) on support member (11) . 3. Device according to claim 1, in which: a) said means of fastening lifting arm (1) consist of at least two hooks (7, 8) shaped with vertical development, the ends of which are hinged on lifting arm (1) or on an intermediate member that is integral with it, and the loops (7a) of which are capable of allowing for the support and the containment of a bicycle or motorcycle wheel, and the above mentioned hooks (7, 8) are also equipped with means (7b, 7c, 7d) for carrying out the fastening of said wheel within them; b) the effort necessary to operate the device manually is reduced by the force of gravity by the fact that lifting arm (1) is curved or folded in such a way that load (4) , as it moves through the final part (5B figure 1) of the trajectory that transfers it to the higher level (β) , has gone beyond vertical plane (γ) that passes through hinging pivot (2) of lifting arm (1) on support member (11) . 4. Device according to claim 1, wherein: a) said means for fastening consist of one member (6, 23) connected to the free end of lifting arm (1) so that it can rotate in relation to it and equipped with members capable of engaging in a reversible manner with the two "V" stanchions of the frame of one or more bicycles or motorcycles in a higher position in relation to their barycenter; b) the effort necessary to operate the device manually is reduced by the application of one or more members (13) elastic to traction, which have their ends connected, free to be able rotate respectively to lifting arm (1) and to a fixed point of support member (3) or of the supporting structure (15) , while the fastening points of said ends are positioned so that the above mentioned members (13) , in the course of the arc of rotation made by lifting arm (1) to transfer load (4) from lower level (α) to higher level (β) exert on lifting arm (1) itself a traction, whose right line of application is such that it contrasts its rotation for a first part (5A) of the arc, and favors it for the remaining second part (58) . 5. Device according to one of claims 2 or 4, wherein the member for fastening load (4) to lifting arm (1) consists of metal tube (6) that can be extended telescopically to one or to both the ends connected to the free end of lifting arm (1) and equipped on its ends with connections (6a, 6b) capable of engaging in a reversible manner with the two "V" stanchion of frame 4d of a bicycle or motorcycle. 6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein around hinging pivot (2) between lifting arm (1) and support member (3), one or more elements (14) elastic to torsion are applied, with their ends connected in relation to them. 7. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the member for fastening the load to lifting arm (1) consists of strut (9) that carries several pairs of connections (9a, 9b) capable of engaging with the frames of several bicycles or motorcycles, pivoted on one of its intermediate points (9c) on the free end of lifting arm (1) , and the device also includes a supplementary arm (101) hinged on the respective ends, on one end (9d) of said strut (9) and on support member (3) so as to constitute the structure of a pantograph in order to maintain said strut (9) parallel to itself during the whole trajectory of the transfer of load (4). 8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims from 2 to 7, wherein support member 3 is capable of being connected to a structure of known type (15) for supporting loads on the roof of a motor vehicle. 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims from 2 to 7, wherein support member (3) is equipped with means capable of effecting the direct anchoring to the roof of a motor vehicle. 10. Device according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein it includes straps (20, 21 figure 3) with a self- blocking buckle capable of blocking the lower part of rims (16) of the bicycles or motorcycles in relation to the above mentioned supporting structure (15) or to a part of support member (3) by exerting a downward traction on the rims themselves (lb) . 11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is a frame with vertical development (17) and it is equipped with means (18) capable of connecting it to vertical structure (19) , while the means for fastening load (4) to lifting arm (1) are capable of making possible, during the whole transfer trajectory, the rotation of load (4) around vertical axis (<S) , and the rotation of lifting arm (1) is obtained exerting traction on its mobile end (la) by means of rope (20) and a system of pulleys (21) capable of reducing the effort necessary. 12. Device according to claim 1, wherein the means of connecting lifting arm (1) to load (4) consist of sling (22) that wraps around load (4) and which is connected by ring (23) to the hook of spring-catch (24) which is free to rotate around its own axis (<S) and is connected to free end (la) of lifting arm (1) . 13. Device according to any one of claims 11 or 12, which also includes table (25) connected to support member (17) so that it can run vertically in relation to it and capable of being fastened to an outboard type marine motor (4) using means (26) with which the motor itself is equipped to be fastened to the transom of a boat. 14. Device according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least two wheels (30, 31) are applied to support member (17) . 15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein lifting arm (1) comprises several assembled parts that can be folded back or loosened. 16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims that comprises a handle with handgrip for manual operation. 17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14 wherein lifting arm (1) is motorized. 18. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm that can be rotated can be extended or shortened telescopically.

Inventors: URGNANI GIANFRANCO, URGNANI, GIANFRANCO
Applicants: SWIFTSHORE LIMITED, URGNANI GIANFRANCO
Application year: 1993
Main classification: B60R9
IPC codes: B60R9