METHOD AND APPLIANCE FOR LIFTING OUTBOARD MOTORS

Abstract: A lifting device (11) is placed between the rig (20) and the support (21) of the motor hanger of the motor (2). Then, the lifting device (11) is connected to fastening tools (10, 10') on the lifting appliance (1), whereupon the lifting device (11) can be elevated and lowered by a hoist (3-10), for example a manual or motorised winch (4) or cylinder.

Description: Method and appliance for lifting outboard motors. TECHNICAL FIELD The subject invention concerns a method and a lifting appliance designed to facilitate lifts and transports of outboard motors for servicing and the like. The lifting appliance comprises a lifting device and a lifting tool. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In outboard motors, the centre of gravity is positioned at a high level, making the motor extremely difficult to handle. Usually, two persons are required to lift and transport an outboard motor having a capacity above 20 horsepower and outboard motors may vary between 2 horsepower and 300 horsepower. Not only is the handling hazardous in view of possible wear injuries and accidents but also irrational. Today, outboard motors usually are lifted with the aid of a hook which is screwed onto the flywheel and with the aid of an overhead crane. This method requires the presence of a well-functioning over- head crane system in the ceiling and also removal of the motor cover. As a rule transports are carried out by means of a cart. US-2 892 555 illustrates a cart having a built-in hoist. A lifting sling is placed so as to encircle the outboard motor cover and the cart is positioned next to the motor. A lifting hook is attached to the sling and the user positions himself on the cart so as to serve as a balance weight. After lifting of the motor the user turns the motor to a position above the cart in which it is supported from a supporting bracket. Only in this position does the cart become stable and lifting may be effected by means of a hoist lifting in a point directly above the motor. The entire lifting and handling operation is complicated and can hardly be regarded as safe except with respect to smaller and light-weight outboard motors. PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The purpose of the subject invention is to consider¬ ably reduce the above-outlined problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above purpose is achieved by means of a lifting method and a lifting appliance having the characteristic features defined in the appended claims. Thus, the method in accordance with the invention is essentially characterized in that the lifting tool is attached to the outboard motor by inserting said lifting tool between the drive shaft tube and the bracket holder of the motor, whereupon the lifting tool is raised or lowered by operating the lifting device, which could be e.g. in the form of a manually or mechanically operated winch, cylinder, etc. The lifting method thus is based on lifting operations by means of a lifting tool which engages between the motor drive shaft tube and the bracket holder, a feature distinguishing it from the device disclosed in US 2 893 555. This lifting method presents several advantages which will become more apparent from the ensuing detailed description of various embodiments. The lifting appliance in accordance with the inven¬ tion is characterized essentially in that it is dimen- sioned to allow it to be inserted between the drive shaft tube and the bracket holder and in that with the aid of fasteners the lifting tool is s: coupled to the lifting device that the lifting tool may be raised or lowered by means of a hoist mechanism which forms part of the lift- ing device, such as a manually or mechanically operated winch, a cylinder, etc. Since the lifting appliance is inserted between the motor drive shaft tube and bracket holder a free space may be created above the lifted outboard motor and a lifting tool, particularly suited for the purpose, may be used. These and other charac¬ teristics features and advantages will become more clearly apparent from the detailed description of various embodiments with the support of the annexed drawing figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES Various embodiments of the invention will be de¬ scribed in the following with reference to the accompany¬ ing drawings wherein identical numeral references have been used throughout in the various drawing figures to denote corresponding or similar parts. The lifting appliance according to Figs. 1, 3-5 is of symmetrical structure. Right-hand components corresponding to com¬ ponents in the left-hand part are identified by means of the same numeral references with the addition of the sign . For instance, the right-hand lifting cable is desig- nated by 8' whereas the left-hand lifting wire is desig¬ nated by 8. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lifting appliance in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, including a lifting device and a lifting tool, and an outboard motor to be lifted. Fig. 2 is a side view which in a detailed enlargement illustrates the outboard motor. The drawing figure illustrates the attachment of the lifting tool to the motor in accordance with the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view which illustrates the beginning of the operation of lifting the outboard motor in accordance with the first embodiment. The lifting tool has been attached to the outboard motor and in turn been attached to the lifting device which is operated as one single, integral piece. Fig. 4 illustrates the outboard motor having been lifted to a maximum height in the lifting appliance in accordance with the first embodiment. Fig. 5 illustrate the lifting tool which has been attached in a reversed position in the lifting appliance in accordance with the first embodiment. The cover of the outboard motor has been removed and the lifting operation is carried out by means of a lifting loop which is attached to the motor flywheel. Fig. 6 illustrates in a perspective view a lifting appliance in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention including a lifting device and a lifting tool. Fig. 7 is a detailed enlargement of the outboard motor in a lateral view. The drawing figure illustrates the manner in which the lifting tool is attached to the motor in accordance with the second embodiment. Fig. 8 illustrates the outboard motor when lifted by the lifting appliance in accordance with the second embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 thus illustrates a lifting appliance 1 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, and an outboard motor 2 to be lifted. The lifting appli- ance 1 essentially comprises a lifting device 3-10 and a lifting tool 11. It is characterstic of the lifting device that it comprises two laterally spaced fasteners 10, 10' . The fasteners could be formed in a lifting yoke or a lifting wire and these are connected at a higher level in one single lifting point in which in turn a crane, an overhead crane, a truck or similar device effects the lifting proper. The lifting tool 11 is designed so as to comprise two laterally spaced lifting points 17, 17', such as apertures, and each lifting point 17, 17' is intended to be attached to its respective one of fasteners 10, 10' . For the attachment, quick fastening and quick release shuckles 10, 10' preferably are used or hooks which are attached in their associated one of apertures 17, 17' . In addition, the lifting device is designed to simultaneously raise or lower the associated fastener 10, 10' . In the subject case this is effected in that the fastener 10 is attached directly or via an intermediate member to a lifting wire 8. The latter travels around a first pulley 17 and a second pulley 6 to a winch 3. The winch is operated manually by means of a handle 5 but could also be motor-operated. In the same manner, the fastener 10' is attached to the lifting wire 8' which travels around pulleys 7' and 6' to the winch 3. Each lifting wire 8, 8' travels up to its associated side of the winch drum 4. When the latter is turned each lifting point 10, 10' will be raised or lowered by equal amounts. In this case the lifting device 3-10 is arranged on a cart having a lower section 14 supported by four wheels 15, 15' , 16, 16' . Obviously, the cart could be fitted with runners or the like. The lower section 14 is U-shaped in accordance with the embodiment illustrated, including two side sections 25, 25' and one crosspiece 26. Owing to this arrangement the cart may be manipulated so as to straddle the object to be lifted, such as the outboard motor 2. The cross-piece 26 may be left out, cf. Fig. 5. However, this structural feature is conditioned on sufficient stability being obtained in some other way. From the lower section 14 two essentially vertical columns or uprights 13, 13' extend upwards, towards the upper part of the lifting appliance. Each vertical column 13, 13' in this case consists of an inner section 27, 27' and an outer section, allowing the appliance to be raised or lowered or to be dismantled for transportation. At its upper part the appliance is U-shaped including two laterally spaced side pieces 12, 12' which are united by means of at least one crossbar 31. Thus, the appliance is U-shaped, comprising an open front within which the out¬ board motor may be lifted. The crossbar 31 holds the appliance together, which is necessary at some point in the vertical extension of the appliance. In this case this function is effected also at the lower part by means of the crosspiece 26. The winsch 3 is attached to the crossbar 31, the latter in turn being attached to the lateral components 12, 12' at its two ends. Each side piece 12, 12' is then attached to its respective one of columns 13, 13' . It would likewise have been possible to use an elongate winsch drum 4 having the same longitudi¬ nal extension as the crossbar 13, allowing each lifting wire 8, 8' to travel directly onto the winsch drum without using intermediary pulleys 6, 6' . In the latter case, the winsch drum 4 could be attached only to the side pieces 12, 12'. In this case the crossbar 31 is redundant, provided that the appliance is held together by means of the crosspiece 26 or by means of some other interconnecting component. In this manner the access- ability around the lifted article is increased. Each column 13, 13' is provided with a slide 9, 9' which is displacable upwards and downwards along the column. Preferably, each lifting wire 8, 8' is attached to its respective slide 9, 9' , which in turn is attached to its associated fastener 10, 10' in which the lifting tool 11 is to be attached. The means for attachment of the lifting wire and the fastener is shown in the drawing in the shape of a yoke element 24, 24' the latter for reasons of clarity being somewhat oversized. Each lifting wire 8, 8' thus is attached to its associated yoke 24, 24' and each fastener 10, 10' is also attached to its associated yoke. Accordingly, the stability during lift- ing operations is increased. Obviously, each lifting wire 8, 8' could also be attached directly in its associated fastener 10, 10' . However, this considerably increases the risks for swaying movements during transports and the like. The use of a winsch 3 results in a simple and practical hoisting device. Other hoisting devices could be used in the lifting appliance 1. For instance, each column 13, 13' could be provided with an elongate turn- able screw. When this is the case a nut then preferably is provided for instance with a yoke 24, 24' which is mounted on the screw such that the associated fastener 10, 10' is raised or lowered upon turning movements of the associated screw. This solution is entirely analogous to a conventional screw jack but requires coordination of the rotation of the two screws of the respective pillar 13, 13' . Each fastener 10, 10' may also be raised and lowered with the aid of a hydraulically or pneumatically operated cylinder acting in an essentially vertical direction. Also in this case coordination of the raising and lowering movements is required. The essential is that the lifting appliance is U-shaped and that the lifting operation is carried out simultaneously from two later- ally spaced attachment points. The object to be lifted, such as the outboard motor 2, will then be lifted within the border outline of the lifting appliance, resulting in complete stability. In Fig. 1, at the bottom of the drawing to the side of the outboard motor 2 is shown the particular lifting tool 11 that has been developed especially to ensure safe lifting of outboard motors. Usually, the lifting tool 11 consists of a flat member the thickness of which is chosen to ensure that the tool 11 may be inserted between the drive shaft tube 20 and the bracket holder 21 of an outboard motor 2, which means that the thickness usually amounts to between 6 and 10 mm. Seen in the transverse direction of the lifting appliance the tool 11 is formed with a depression 18 which is at a lower level than the lifting points 17, 17', whereby the centre of gravity of the outboard motor, during lifting operations, will be positioned at a lower level than the lifting points 17, 17' of the tool 11. As a result, the suspension of the motor will be more stable when lifted from the lifting points 17, 17'. Alternatively, the tool could have a curved or undulating configuration for adaptation to outboard motors that are particularly narrow in the area around the exhaust drive shaft tube 20 and the bracket holder 21. In addition, the tool may consist of several parts, usually two or three parts. When this is the case, the depressed portion 18 need not, when the tool is dis- mantled, be surrounded by a raised portion including a lifting point 17, 17' on one or both sides. As a result it becomes possible, also in the case of very narrow outboard motors, to insert the dismantled tool and then assemble the parts thereof also if the tool generally speaking is curved, undulating or has some other non-flat shape. Preferably, the parts are interconnected with the aid of some kind of rapid coupling. For instance, the tool 11 may be divided horizontally, as seen when the tool is suspended in its normal lifting position in the lifting appliance 1, at the level of the depression 18. In this case, the parts could be provided with cooperat¬ ing engagement grooves, for instance dove-tail shaped, allowing the parts to be assembled by sliding them laterally. This would also make it possible to adjust the width of the tool 11 somewhat. Obviously, the parts could also be interconnected with the aid of cotter pins, screws and nuts, and the like. The partition between the various parts of the tool may also be varied within wide limits and may include vertical or oblique partitions. Fig. 1 illustrates a position when a lift is in preparation. The lifting tool 11 is initially inserted between the motor drive shaft tube 20 and its bracket holder 21. Fig. 2 illustrates the position of the tool during lifting. The bracket holder 21 is positioned to the right of the drive shaft tube 20. The bracket holder 21 is attached to the drive shaft tube 20 by means of an upper interconnection means 23 and a lower interconnec¬ tion means 28. The bracket holder is rotatable about a pivot pin extending between the two interconnection points 23, 28. Owing to this arrangement the motor may be turned in relation to the boat on which it is mounted. During lifting operations, the depression 18 thus will rest against the lower face of the interconnection means 23. A bracket 22 is rotatably mounted to the bracket holder 21 by means of a pivot pin 29. The bracket 22 is attached to the transom of a boat, for instance by being bolted in position. Preparatory to lifting the outboard motor 2 in Fig. 1, the lifting tool 11 thus is placed in the position illustrated in Fig. 2 with the difference that the motor and the tool extend horizontally in Fig. 1. The two fasteners 10, 10' are then slid into a posi- tion level with the attachment points 17, 17' of the tool 11 and the cart is moved into position allowing connec¬ tion of the fasteners 10, 10' to the associated lifting points 17, 17' . It should be noted that in this position the U-shaped lifting appliance partly straddles the outboard motor 2. Fig. 3 illustrates the position in which the out¬ board motor has been lifted slightly. The lower part of its drive shaft tube 20 still is supported on the ground or floor. When the motor is gradually lifted to increas- ingly higher levels the cart may be rolled forwards, preventing the drive shaft tube 20 from scraping against the floor or the ground. Fig. 4 illustrates the position in which the motor 2 has been lifted to its maximum height. The motor is suspended in an almost completely vertical position. This is so because in most outboard motors the centre of gravity is positioned very close to the position of the lifting tool 11 seen in the longitudinal extension of the motor, i.e. the position between the drive shaft tube 20 and the bracket holder 21, cf. Fig. 2. As appears from Fig. 4 the lifting method in accord¬ ance with the invention offers several advantages. Above all, the motor is suspended in a steady position interiorly of the support points of the U-shaped lifting appliance, such support points in this case consisting of wheels 15, 15' , 16, 16' . As already mentioned, the motor is suspended in an almost completely vertical position and its attachment bracket 22 is free. In other words, the motor may be conveniently lowered and mounted on the transom of a boat or be mounted in a test-running device. It is even possible to perform some test-running of the motor while the latter is suspended directly from the lifting appliance 1. For instance, the motor drive shaft tube may be submerged in a test-running vessel and the motor be idling. In order to lift the motor it is not necessary to remove its motor cover 30. Because lifting is effected in two lifting points, one on either side of the motor there is no lifting device above the motor body. This arrangement facilitates repairs to the motor after removal of the cover. In addition it is possible to lift the motor to a height where its upper part will be at a higher level than the surrounding parts of the lifting appliance 1, an arrangement which also facilitates servicing of the motor. Fig. 5 illustrates an entirely different manner of lifting the motor by means of the lifting appliance in accordance with the first embodiment. This lifting method is used in special situations, for instance when the tool 11, when assuming its normal position, would cause an obstruction during repairs. The motor cover 30 has been removed and a lifting hook of special design has been attached to the motor flywheel. The tool 11 has been turned upside down, whereby part 18, formerly depressed, is now raised. The lifting tool 11 is provided with at least one attachment point 19, for instance in the shape of an attachment aperture formed in the now raised portion 18. A lifting hook has beer, attached in the attachment hole. The lifting tool 11 is secured to the slides 9, 9' , making it stable in the upside-down posi¬ tion and prevented from turning over. In this case this is effected by making the attachment holes 17, 17' oblong in shape and over their associated one of attachment brackets 24, 24' on the corresponding slide 9, 9'. Locking keys 32 and 32' are then forced in position to secure the tool 11. Naturally, the tool may also be secured to its associated slide 9, 9' with the aid of screws and nuts or in any other suitable manner. The lifting tool 11 thus is still lifted from its two lifting points 17, 17' whereas the motor is lifted from one single lifting point. The lifting appliance 1 usually is provided with wheels but could also be equipped with devices allowing it to be attached to a vehicle, such as a fork lift truck. ' For instance, the lower section 14 of the cart could then be formed with channel-like members for receiption of the forks of the truck. Each side section 25, 25' could in that case be provided with a channel member secured thereto. In this manner it becomes poss- ible to lift a motor, which has been put in order in the work-shop, onto the quay-side and be lowered and mounted straight away onto a boat. Preferably, a working platform is then used in an innermost position on the forks to support the person operating the tool 1. In this case it may be an advantage to use wheels on the appliance but this is not necessary. Obviously, separate wheeled lower sections could be used which may be attached to an un- wheeled appliance by means of a quick couplings. Fig. 6 illustrates a lifting appliance 40 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention. Also this lifting appliance 40 essentially comprises a lifting device 42-48 and a lifting tool 49. By means of one end 51 the lifting tool 49 is connected to a lifting device 42-44, the latter being formed with e.g. an attachment member in the form of an attachment 47 which in turn may be provided with a slide 46 running on a column 41 in a manner similar to the arrangement of the first embodiment. For instance by means of loops 48, the attachment 47 is connected to a hoist, e.g. in the form of a manually or mechanically driven winch 42-44 including a wire 45 associated therewith. By these means the lifting tool 49 may be raised and lowered in the directions indicated by respectively arrow 53 and arrow 54. The lifting tool 49 is formed with one free end 50 and has a cross-sectional configuration allowing the free end 50 to be inserted between the drive shaft tube 20 of the motor 2 and the bracket holder 21 (see Figs. 7 and 8), whereby the motor may be raised or lowered with the aid of the lifting device 42-48. The lifting tool 49 preferably is rotatably attached to the attachment 47 in such a manner that the lifting tool 49 may be turned counter-clockwise as illustrated by arrows 52 in Fig. 6 or clockwise (not shown). In this manner a motor 2, when in suspended position, may be rotated with respect to the lifting appliance 40. The lifting tool 49 may be secured in various angular positions. Owing to the rotatability and as the case may be the locking feature, handling of the motor 2 is facilitated. For instance a motor 2 , when lifted, may be turned to a particular position in order to facilitate certain types of repairs and to another position to facilitate other types of repairs to the motor 2. In addition, the insertion of the lifting tool 49 between the drive shaft tube 20 and the bracket holder 21 is facilitated owing to the rotatability of the tool. The lifting appliance 40 is likewise formed with a lower frame 55 to which the lower end of the column 41 is attached. The lower frame 55 is in accordance with the embodiment illustrated formed, with a first shaft 56 to which displacement means, e.g. in the form of two wheels 57, 58, are attached, and with a second shaft 59. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated the shafts 56, 59 extend essentially at right angles to one another. In a suitable manner the shaft 59 is secured to shaft 56 and it is formed with a forward end 60 and a rear end 61, said ends extending at an angle to one another. The for¬ ward end 60 of the shaft 59 is formed with displacement means and/or support means, for instance in the shape of a support plate 62, and the rear end 61 of the shaft 59 is formed with displacement means, for instance in the shape of a wheel 63, the latter preferably being a pivot- able wheel. The shaft 59 is angled and attached to the shaft 56 in such a way that its angled configuration allows the lifting appliance 40 to be tilted between a first position, illustrated in Fig. 6, wherein the dis¬ placement means 57, 58 and the displacement means or support means 62 form the points of support against the ground, and second position (not shown) , wherein the displacement means 57, 58 and the displacement means 63 form the points of support against the ground. The first position of the lifting appliance 40 in accordance with the embodiment illustrated is a "raising or lowering position", wherein the lifting appliance is stably supported on the ground whereas its second posi¬ tion is a "position of transportation" wherein the lift¬ ing appliance may be moved. The lower frame 55 of the lifting appliance 40 need not be configured as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 8. For instance, the support plate 62 may be replaced by at least one wheel, preferably a pivotable wheel (not illustrated) , the lifting appliance 40 not necessarily having to be tiltable into a transportation position. In addition, the rear part 61 of the shaft 59 may be equipped with a larger number of displacement means (not shown) and the rear part 61 could for instance be equipped with two shaft parts 61 (not shown) instead of one. In order to increase the stability of the lifting appliance 40 it is an advantage, when the ground is essentially flat, to arrange for the centre of gravity of the motor 2, to be positioned interiorly of the support points of the lower frame 55 against the ground, an arrangement which could be achieved with the aid of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6-8. The front end 60 including the associated displace¬ ment means and/or support means 62 preferably are config- ured to allow it to be driven in underneath a motor supported on the ground. If the motor illustrated in Fig. 8 is turned substantially over a quarter of a turn clock¬ wise and is then lowered into abutment against the ground, it will be supported on the ground by means of the support faces 64, 65 of the motor 2. Owing to the configuration of the lifting appliance 40 it then becomes possible to displace the lifting appliance 40 away from the motor 2, since the front end 60 may be moved into the space between the support faces 64, 65 of the motor 2 supported on the ground. However, it is obviously possible to lift a motor 2 that is supported on the ground by pushing the end 60 underneath the motor 2 and position the lifting tool 49 in the space between the drive shaft tube 20 of the motor 2 and the bracket holder 21 and thereafter lift the motor 2 with the aid of the lifting device. Likewise it is quite possible to lift a motor 2 which is attached to e.g. a boat, by means of the attachment bracket 22. In this case the lifting appliance 40 is moved into position against one side of the motor in such a manner that the lifting tool 49 will assume the position illustrated in Fig. 7. In this case the end 60 is placed essentially underneath the motor 2. Just like in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention the attachment bracket 22 is free when the motor 2 is lifted. Since the boat motor 2 can be rotated with respect to the ground in such a manner that for instance it supporting faces 64, 65 extend essentially in parallel with the ground, the motor 2 is prevented from scraping against the ground when it is lowered towards the ground in this position. Nor do any scraping movements occur when the motor 2 is lifted off the ground, when the supporting faces 64, 65 of the motor 2 are lifted essen- tially in parallel, straight off the ground. The lifting tool 49 may be formed with locking means (not shown), securing the motor 2 to the lifting tool 49. The locking means could for instance be in the shape of a locking member which is attached between the end 52 of the locking tool and the motor 2 and for instance be in the shape of at least one key which is wedged into the space between the locking tool 49 and the drive shaft tube 20 of the motor 2 and/or the bracket holder 21. The lifting tool 49 could also have a serrated or similarly configured face or be formed with a high-friction surface layer in order to reduce the risk that the motor 2, when lifted, unintentially loosens from the lifting tool 49. In accordance with the modification (not shown) of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6-8 the shaft 59 is positioned at one end of shaft 56, however still inter¬ mediately the displacement means 57, 58. In accordance with this embodiment the column 41 is attached to the front end 60 of the shaft 59 and extends obliquely upwards so as to be attached to a second column of essentially the same extension as column 41 in Fig. 6 but which is likewise arranged at the end of shaft 56. The column 41, the front end 60 of shaft 59 and the second column together form a triangle which extends in an esentially perpendicular plane relatively to shaft 56. In accordance with this embodiment the lifting tool 49 extends essentially in parallel with the shaft 56 from the column 41 in a direction towards the opposite end of shaft 56. The hoist, for instance in the form of a winch, may be attached to the upper part of column 41 or prefer¬ ably to the second column in a point at or above the point of attachment between column 41 and the second column. Also in accordance with this embodiment the centre of gravity of the motor 2 is arranged to be posi¬ tioned essentially interiorly of the points of support of the lower frame 55 against the ground. In accordance with this modification the front end 60 need never be moved in underneath a motor supported o the ground or underneath a motor 2 attached to a boat for instance by means of the attachment bracket 22 but instead the lifting tool 49 may be inserted between the drive shaft tube 20 of the motor 2 and the bracket holder 21 by pushing, turning or lifting the lifting appliance 40 in the direction of extension of the lifting tool 49 from the column 41 in the direction towards the opposite end of the shaft 56. It is easily understood that the lifting device according to the second embodiment need not be provided with a winch, and that for instance an hydraulically or pneumatically operated cylinder could be used instead. Like in the first embodiment the lifting appliance 40 could be provided with a device by means of which it could be attached to a vehicle, such as a fork lift truck, an obviously specially designed wheeled lower frames could be used also in accordance with the second embodiment, such lower frames being attached to a tool without wheels by means of some quick coupling arrange¬ ment. The upper and lower portion of the lifting appliance 40 could be separable also in accordance with the second embodiment in order to facilitate transportation and the like. Like in accordance with the first embodiment some test running of the motor may be effected with the motor being supported directly from the lifting appliance 40. In addition, it is not either necessary to remove the motor cover 30 when the motor is to be lifted by means of a lifting appliance designed in accordance with the second embodiment and no lifting device above the motor body is required in accordance with the second embodi- ment. In addition, the upper face of the motor could also in accordance with the second embodiment be lifted above surrounding portions of the lifting appliance 40.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A method of lifting and possibly also transport¬ ing outboard motors (2) with the aid of a lifting device (3-10; 42-48) and a lifting tool (11; 49), c h a r ¬ a c t e r i s e d by attaching the lifting tool (11; 49) to the outboard motor (2) by inserting said lifting tool (11; 49) between the drive shaft tube (20) and the bracket holder (21) of the motor (2) and thereafter rais¬ ing or lowering the lifting tool (11; 49) by operating the lifting device (3-10; 42-48), which could be e.g. in the form of a manually or mechanically operated winch (4; 43) , a cylinder, etc. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i s e d by attaching the lifting tool (11) by means of two laterally spaced lifting points (17, 17'), e.g. holes, to the outboard motor (2) , thereafter connecting the lifting device (3-10) having two laterally spaced fasteners (10, 10') to the lifting points (17, 17') of the lifting tool (11) in such a manner that one fastener (10) is secured to one of the lifting points (17) and the other fastener (10') to the other lifting point (17'), and thereafter simultaneously raising or lowering the fastener (10, 10') by equal amounts by operating the lifting device (3-10) . 3. A lifting appliance (1; 40) designed to lift and possibly also transport outboard motors (2), said appli¬ ance (1; 40) comprising a lifting device (3-10; 42-48) and a lifting tool (11; 49), c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the lifting tool (11; 49) is dimensioned to allow it to be inserted between the drive shaft tube (20) and the bracket holder (21) of the motor (2), and in that the lifting tool (11; 49) is so coupled to the lifting device (3-10; 42-48) with the aid of fasteners (10, 10'; 47) that the lifting tool (11; 49) may be raised or lowered by means of a hoist mechanism which forms a part of the lifting device (3-10; 42-48) , such as a manually or mechanically operated winch (4; 43), a cylinder, etc. 4. A lifting appliance (1) in accordance with claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the lifting device (3-10) is formed with two laterally spaced fasteners (10, 10') and the lifting tool (11) is formed with two later¬ ally spaced lifting points (17, 17'), such as holes, and in that each lifting point (17, 17') is intended to be secured to its associated fastener (10, 10') and the lifting device is so designed as to simultaneously raise or lower the fasteners (10, 10'), said two fasteners (10, 10') e.g. being formed on a lifting member which in turn is lifted by a crane, an overhead crane, a truck, etc. 5. A lifting appliance (1) in accordance with claim 4, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the lifting appliance is in the form of a vehicle having wheels, runners or the like and/or devices for attachment of said appliance to a vehicle, such as a fork lift truck and being provided with a lifting device (3-10), and in that the lifting appliance (1) has an essentially U-shaped basic configuration including two side pieces (12, 12') which are spaced laterally with respect to the appliance and at least one essentially vertical column (13, 13' ) extends from each side piece (12, 12') down to the lower section (14) of the lifting appliance, usually provided with four wheels (15, 15', 16, 16'), and in that the lifting device is arranged in such a way that the lifting tool (11) including the lifting points (17, 17') is raised and lowered simultaneously from both lifting points, for instance by each lifting point (17, 17') being raised or lowered by means of a lifting wire (8 and 8' respectively), the latter being coupled to a winch (3) via at least one pulley (7, 7', 6, 6') or by each lifting point being coupled to a screw-and-nut mechanism or by each lifting point being connected to a hydraulically or pneumatically operated cylinder. 6. A lifting appliance (1) as claimed in claim 5, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that each lifting point (17, 17' ) is coupled directly or by way of an intermediary member (10, 10'), such as a hook or a quick shackle, to a runner (9, 9') travelling on the associated column (13, 13') so as to stabilize the lifted object (2) against oscillating movements during transportation. 7. A lifting appliance (1) in accordance with claim 5 or 6, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the thickness of the lifting tool (11) is adapted to ensure that the tool (11) may be inserted between the drive shaft tube (20) and the bracket holder (21) of an outboard motor (2) , which means that the thickness usually amounts to 6- 10 mm, and in that as seen in the transverse direction of the lifting appliance the lifting tool (11) is formed with a portion (18) which is at a lower level than the lifting points (17, 17'), whereby the centre of gravity of the outboard motor will be positioned at a lower level than the lifting points (17, 17') of the tool (11). 8. A lifting appliance (1) in accordance with claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the lifting tool (1) consists of several parts which may be dismantled and assembled, preferably with the aid of quick couplings. 9. A lifting appliance (1) as claimed in claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the lifting tool (11) and its associated runners (9, 9') are designed in such a manner that the lifting tool (11) may be attached in an upside down position on the associated runners (9, 9'), e.g. with the aid of screws and nuts or by means of a locking key in attachment loop, and in that the lifting tool (11) is provided with at least one attachment point (19), e.g. an attachment hole, formed in the now raised portion (18) . 10. A lifting appliance (40) in accordance with claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that a first end (50) of the lifting tool (9) is insertable between the drive shaft tube (20) of the motor (2) and the bracket holder (21), and in that the lifting tool (49) is connected to the lifting device (42-48) by means of an attachment (47) in the opposite end. 11. A lifting appliance (40) in accordance with claim 19, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the lifting tool (49) is rotatably mounted to the attachment (47) in such a manner that the motor (2), when lifted, may be rotated relatively to the lifting appliance (40) . 12. A lifting appliance (40) in accordance with claim 11, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the lifting tool (49) may be locked in various angular positions. 13. A lifting appliance (40) in accordance with any one of claims 10-12, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the lifting appliance (40) is designed as a vehicle equipped with wheels, runners or the like and/or devices allowing it to be attached to a vehicle, such as a fork lift truck, and in that the lifting tool (40) is formed with a column (41) the lower end of which is attached to the lower section (14) of the lifting appliance (40) and along which column the lifting tool (49) is arranged to be raised and lowered. 14. A lifting appliance (40) as claimed in claim 13, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the attachment means (47) is formed with a runner (46) travelling along the column (41) and in that the attachment means is connected to a hoist (42-45) . 15. A lifting appliance (40) in accordance with any one of claims 13-14, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the lower section (14) of the lifting appliance (40) is formed with a first shaft (56) presenting at its ends displacement means (5 7 , 58), such as wheels, runners, and the like, forming the points of support against an essen¬ tially horizontal base or support, and with at least one second shaft (59) at the front end (60) of which dis- placement means (62), such as wheels, runners, and the like and/or support means (62), such as support plates, are provided, and at the rear end (61) of which displace- ment means (63) , such as pivotable wheels, runners, and the like are provided, the second shaft (59) having a bent configuration and being arranged in such a manner relatively to the first shaft (56) that the lifting appliance (40) becomes tiltable into two positions, whereby in the first position the front end (60) of the second shaft (59) is supported against the ground or support whereas in the second position the rear end (61) of the second shaft (59) abuts against the ground or support, in which positions the centre of gravity of the motor (2), when lifted, is positioned essentially interiorly of the points of support of the lower section (14) against the ground or support.

Inventors: HERMANSSON LENNART, HERMANSSON, LENNART
Applicants: HERMANSSON LENNART, SJOE6 ANS MARINA AB, HERMANSSON, LENNART, SJOE6:ANS MARINA AB
Application year: 1995
Main classification: B66C23
IPC codes: B66C23, F02B61