A LIFTING APPARATUS

Abstract: The present invention provides a lifting apparatus (10) which, in use, is located adjacent a walled container, for example, a skip, the lifting apparatus (10) including a body portion (11), support means (12) which, in use, can support a load; and mechanical means for vertically lifting the support means (12) from a first position to a second elevated position such that on reaching the second elevated position the load can be tipped into the walled container.

Description: A LIFTING APPARATUS The present invention relates to a lifting apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a lifting apparatus that, in use, can lift a load so that it may be placed or tipped into a walled container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lifting apparatus that, in use, can lift a wheelbarrow or like load-carrying vehicle and its load to an elevated position such that the load can be emptied or tipped into a walled container, for example, a skip. In order to remove unwanted building materials or debris from a building site, such materials are first loaded into a skip, that is, a large open container, which, when full, is transported by lorry to a suitable disposal site. One of the methods currently utilised to fill a skip is for two men to actually lift the wheelbarrow and its load so that the load can be tipped into the skip. As will be appreciated, this is a particularly strenuous task, which can result in injury. Additionally, as two people are required to lift the wheelbarrow and its heavy load, it is labour intensive. With a view to reducing the amount of personnel required to fill a skip, it is known to provide the skip with a ramp usually in the form of a plank of wood. As will be appreciated, by utilising a ramp a single person can push the wheelbarrow and its load up same such that on reaching the top, the wheelbarrow's load can be tipped into the skip. A problem associated with the use of such wooden planks is that they can become slippy, especially when wet, which, once again, can result in an injury. Additionally, due to the inherent flexibility of a plank of wood they tend to bounce under load, which can also result in an injury if the person pushing the wheelbarrow and its load up the ramp looses their footing. Moreover, and as the ramp has to be suitably positioned so as to provide a steady incline up to the top of the skip's wall, it will be appreciated that a lot of clearance space is required on the side of the skip from which the ramp is to extend. Consequently, the provision of a ramp may not be possible if the skip is located within a confined area. Furthermore, the task of pushing a wheelbarrow and its load up an inclined ramp is a strenuous one. With a view to partially addressing the problems associated with the use of ramps to fill a skip, conveyer belts have been fitted to the sides of the skip such that the contents of the wheelbarrow i.e. its load, can be emptied on to the conveyer belt which, in turn, will automatically transport and tip the load into the skip. A problem associated with these conveyor belts is that they are extremely expensive and moreover, due to the amount of clearance they require, cannot be utilised in confined areas. According to the present invention there is provided a lifting apparatus which, in use, is located adjacent a walled container, the lifting apparatus including: a body portion; support means which, in use, can support a wheelbarrow or like load- carrying vehicle; and means for vertically lifting the support means from a first position to a second elevated position such that on reaching the second elevated position the contents or load of the wheelbarrow or like load-carrying vehicle can be tipped into the walled container characterised in that the support means is provided with means which, in use, can releasably retain a wheelbarrow or like load-carrying vehicle thereon. It is believed that a lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above. In particular, since a lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention can lift a wheelbarrow or like load-carrying vehicle vertically, it does not require as much clearance space as a ramp or a conveyor belt. As a result thereof, it will be appreciated that a lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention can be utilised even if the walled container, for example, a skip, is located in a confined area. Additionally, since the lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes means for lifting a wheelbarrow or like vehicle and its load, preferably means for mechanically lifting the load, it will be appreciated that the task of filling a walled container, for example, a skip, utilising same, is less strenuous. In addition, the fact that the lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention include means for releasably retaining the wheelbarrow or like load-carrying vehicle to the support means has the advantage in that no one need hold on to the wheelbarrow or like load-carrying vehicle when same is being lifted and tipped. As will be appreciated, this has the advantage in that whilst the contents or load of the wheelbarrow or like load-carrying vehicle are being tipped into the walled container, its user can carry on with other tasks. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the body portion is adjustable. This has the advantage in that the height of the lifting apparatus and hence, the height it lifts the wheelbarrow and it's load can be adjusted to correspond to the height of the wall of the container. That is, in a preferred embodiment, a lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention can be used with containers, such as skips, with walls of varying heights. Further preferably, a lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention is provided with attachment means so that is can be releasably attached to a side of the walled container. This increases the stability of a lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the support means is moveabie from a first substantially horizontal position to a second substantially vertical position. This has the advantage in that when the support means reaches the second elevated position it can be moved to a second substantially vertical position such that the wheelbarrow's or like vehicle's load being carried or supported thereby will be tipped into the walled container. Additionally, this has the advantage in that when not in use the support means can be pivoted to the second substantially vertical position such that the lifting apparatus can be stored in a compact manner. In this connection, it is preferable that the lifting apparatus further include locking means, for example, a releasable catch, for releasably retaining the support means in the second substantially vertical position. Further preferably, the lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention is provided with means for automatically tipping the load into the walled container. This has the advantage in that when the load is lifted to the second elevated position no one is required to actually tip or push or throw the wheelbarrow's or like load-carrying vehicle's load into the walled container, that is, the tipping of the load into the walled container is fully automated. Further preferably, the lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention is provided with at least one wheel. This assists with moving the lifting apparatus from one location to another. In this connection, it is further preferable that the at least one wheel can be lowered from a storage position to a ground engaging position. This has the advantage in that when the lifting apparatus is in use, the wheel, which is in its storage position, does not affect the stability of the lifting apparatus. Two, non-limiting, embodiments of a lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lifting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 1 , a lifting apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention includes a body in the form of a frame 11. So that the size or height of the frame 11 can be adjusted to correspond to the height of the wall of the skip (not illustrated), the sides 11A of the frame 11 are telescopic. As illustrated, the sides 11 A are lockable at a suitable height by pegs 20. The upper end of the frame 11 is further provided with attachment means comprising an inverted U-shaped extension 18 and screw 19 that acts as a clamping jaw. In use, the inverted U-shaped extension 18 is placed over the top of the wall of the skip and the screw 19, which passes through a threaded aperture provided in a wall of the inverted U-shaped extension 18, is tightened such that it acts like a moveable jaw of clamp thereby attaching the lifting apparatus 10 to the wall of the skip by a clamping action. The support means 12 is in the form of a plate, preferably made of aluminium. The plate 12 is provided with arms 13 at either side thereof, which are pivotally attached to sleeves 14 that are moveable up and down the sides 1 1A of the frame 11. Preferably, the inner surface of the sleeves 14 are provided with a nylon slip, which assists with reducing any friction between the internal surface of the sleeve and external surface of the frame over which the sleeve 14 moves. The ends 13A of the arms 13 are upwardly curved and are each provided with a wheel 21. The means for mechanically lifting and lowering the plate 12 about a substantially vertical axis Y includes a motor (not illustrated), which drives cog 17 and chain 16. When driven, the chain 16 engages with the plate 12 such that, and on depending on the direction of the motor, will raise or lower the plate 12. Although not illustrated, the frame 11 is provided with control means for controlling the direction of the motor. Preferably, the motor is powered by a battery, transformer or generator. As motors of this type are known, the components and machinations thereof will not be described further herein. Once the lifting apparatus 10 is attached to a skip, a wheelbarrow (not illustrated) can be wheeled on to the plate 12 in direction Z. The wheelbarrow is suitably positioned such that the legs of the wheelbarrow are placed under brackets 50 and the front wheel of the wheelbarrow is clamped between the jaws 52 of clamp 51. As will be appreciated, in use, the brackets 50 and clamp 51 , will ensure that the wheelbarrow is retained on the plate 12, even when same is tipped and not substantially horizontal. The motor, via the control means, is actuated such that the plate 10 is lifted vertically from a first position at ground level to a second elevated position. In this preferred embodiment, on reaching the second elevated position, the wheelbarrow's contents or load will then be automatically tipped into the skip due to the interaction of the curved extensions of the ends 13A of the arms 13, which act as guide members, and the protruding pegs 20, which act as a stop. That is, the ends 13A of the arms 13 on coming into contact with the protruding pins or pegs 20, will cause the plate 12 to pivot such that the supporting surface thereof is substantially vertical thereby tipping the wheelbarrow's contents or load into the skip. Once tipping is complete, the motor can be reversed such that the plate 12 is returned to a substantially horizontal position and lowered to ground level where the wheelbarrow can be removed from the brackets 50 and clamp 51 for subsequent refilling. Additionally, in order to assist with transporting or moving the lifting apparatus 10 from one location to another, the plate 12, which is at ground level, is pivoted so that the supporting surface thereof abuts against the frame 11. Although not illustrated, it is preferable that the frame 11 and plate 12 are provided with means for releasably locking same together. This has the advantage in that when not in use, the lifting apparatus 10 can be stored in a compact manner. On pivoting plate 12 in such a manner the ends 13A of arms 13 are moved downwardly such that the wheels 21 move into a ground- engaging position thereby enabling the lifting apparatus 10 to be wheeled from one location to another. As illustrated in Figure 2, a second embodiment of a lifting apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention includes a body in the form of a pillar 11 , within which is located the mechanical means for lifting and lowering the support means 12. In this embodiment, the support means 12 is specifically adapted to support a conventional wheelbarrow and includes a lower plate member 12A, which supports the wheel of the wheelbarrow, and upper plates 12B and 12C, which support the legs of the wheelbarrow. The plates 12A, 12B or 12C include means for releasably retaining the wheelbarrow to the support means 12. As illustrated, such means take the form of a bracket 50 provided on upper plates 12B and 12C and a clamping member 51 provided on lower plate member 12A. Like the first embodiment, the upper end of the body 11 of the second embodiment is also provided with attachment means comprising an inverted U-shaped extension 18 and screw 19 that acts as a clamping jaw. In use, the inverted U-shaped extension 18 is placed over the top of the wall of the skip and the screw 19, which passes through a threaded aperture provided in a wall of the inverted U-shaped extension 18, is tightened such that it acts like a moveable jaw of clamp thereby attaching the lifting apparatus 10 to the wall of the skip by a clamping action. Once the lifting apparatus 10 is attached to a skip, a wheelbarrow (not illustrated) can be wheeled on to the support means and suitably positioned on plates 12 A, 12B and 12C in direction X. Once suitably positioned, the wheelbarrow is then locked or retained in position, that is, by brackets 50 and clamp 51. The motor, via the control means, is actuated such that the plates 12A, 12B, 12C are lifted vertically from a first position at ground level to a second elevated position. In this preferred embodiment, on reaching the second elevated position, the wheelbarrow's contents or load will then be automatically tipped into the skip due to the interaction of the arms 13, extending from the support means 12 and the curved guide members 22 located at either side of the body 11. That is, the arms 13 on coming into contact with the guide members 22, will cause the support means 12 to pivot such that the supporting surface thereof is substantially vertical thereby tipping the wheelbarrow's contents into the skip. Once tipping is complete, the motor can be reversed such that the support means 12 is returned to a substantially horizontal position and lowered to ground level where the wheelbarrow can be removed therefrom, that is, by removing the wheelbarrow's wheel and legs from clamp 51 and brackets 50 respectively such that the wheelbarrow cam be subsequently refilled. As illustrated, the pillar 11 is provided with wheels 21 and handle 40 on either side thereof to assist with moving the lifting apparatus 10 from one location to another. In the context of the present invention, it is to be understood that the phrase, "means for releasably retaining" covers any arrangement or shape or configuration that will prevent the wheelbarrow or like load-carrying vehicle from falling off the support means, that is, during the tipping action, and is not limited to brackets or clamps. It is also to be understood that a like load-carrying vehicle is to include any wheeled vehicle that is used to transport a load from one location to another.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A lifting apparatus which, in use, is located adjacent a walled container, the lifting apparatus including: a body portion; support means which, in use, can support a wheelbarrow or like load- carrying vehicle; and mechanical means for vertically lifting the support means from a first position to a second elevated position such that on reaching the second elevated position the wheelbarrow's or like load-carrying vehicle's load can be tipped into the walled container characterised in that the support means is provided with means which, in use, can releasably retain a wheelbarrow or like load-carrying vehicle thereon. 2. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the height of the body portion is adjustable. 3. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the body portion of the lifting apparatus is telescopic. 4. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the lifting apparatus is further provided with attachment means such that the lifting apparatus can be releasably attached to a side of the walled container. 5. A lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means is moveable from a first substantially horizontal position to a second substantially vertical position. 6. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support means is pivotally attached to the lifting apparatus such that it can move from a first substantially horizontal position to a second substantially vertical position. 7. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the lifting apparatus further includes means for releasably locking the support means in the second substantially vertical position. 8. A lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means includes a first plate adapted to receive the front wheel of a wheelbarrow and two side plates adapted to support the legs of the wheelbarrow. 9. A lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the lifting apparatus further includes means for guiding or urging the support means from its first substantially horizontal position to its second substantially vertical position such that the wheelbarrow's or like vehicle's load being supported thereby is automatically tipped into the walled container. 0. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the means for guiding or urging the support means from its first substantially horizontal position to its second substantially vertical position include at least one curved extending guide member attached to the support means and a protruding stop member provided on the body of the lifting apparatus which, in use, cooperate with one another. 1 1. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the means for guiding or urging the support means from its first substantially horizontal position to its second substantially vertical position include at least one arm extending from the support means and at least one curved guide member provided on the body of the lifting apparatus which, in use, cooperate with one another. 12. A lifting apparatus a claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting apparatus is provided with at least one wheel. 13. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one wheel can be lowered from a storage position to a ground engaging position.

Inventors: OUTTEN DENNIS MALCOLM, OUTTEN, DENNIS, MALCOLM
Applicants: OUTTEN DENNIS MALCOLM, OUTTEN, DENNIS, MALCOLM
Application year: 2001
Main classification: B66F9
IPC codes: B65G67, B66F9