Abstract:
An apparatus for lifting articles. The lifting apparatus may lack mechanization, may be used in conjunction with hoist means, and may operate on, among other things, the principles of leverage, gravity, and friction. The apparatus may include a frame disposable on an article to be lifted and at least two fulcrums distributed generally symmetrically about the frame. At least two lifting arms may be pivotally mounted to a corresponding fulcrum. A central exertion member includes a top surface having one sloped portion for each lifting arm. Upon application of upward force to the exertion member, the exertion member applies force to the upper ends of the lifting arms. The lifting arms then rotate around the corresponding fulcrum to contact the article for lifting.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to lifting apparatus, and more particularly, in conjunction with hoist means, devices for grasping, raising, moving, and releasing articles. 
   Various industries require lifting of relatively heavy articles such as steel cylinders, barrels, drums, paper rolls, boxes, crates, and articles of other shapes. By way of example, in the steel manufacturing industry, cylindrical spacers are used to build rolls for straightening steel. The spacers are made of steel and are stacked coaxially for storage on the mill floor, and may be on the order of, for example, 24 inches (61 cm) outer diameter and from 2 inches (5 cm) to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. In general, such spacers have been moved from place to place within a steel mill by use of a conventional grapple suspended from hoist means, such as a crane or a forklift. Other objects including coils, bars, and similar articles may be moved similarly. 
   In moving stacked cylindrical spacers, a forklift operator must get off the forklift, a crane operator must leave the crane, or another worker must be used, in order to mount the grapple on the top spacer on the stack. The grapple&#39;s individual hooks must be lodged between the spacers. Common means of providing room between spacers is to use hammers, chisels, and screwdrivers to pry the top spacer upward. Safety is compromised because of the chance of injuries such as back strain or crushed fingers while mounting the grapple on the spacer. Further, assembly of the straightener rolls is excessively time consuming, using both the capability of the workers and the equipment that could be used to perform other tasks. 
   Additional types of conventional grapples exist in addition to those that rely on hooks to support an object from the bottom. Where an object to be lifted provides a protrusion such as a flange at its upper edge, some conventional grapples have operated on the principle of grasping the protrusion or the object immediately under the protrusion. Others clamp onto the object directly, but may be inadequate in the amount of force applied, complex to fabricate, difficult to use, or any combination thereof. Further, some conventional grapples include means for automatically or semi-automatically latching the grapple hooks or grips in position, including either being retracted or engaged onto an article to be lifted. This latching means is often complicated, either in manufacture, use, or both, and may also be unreliable. 
   Accordingly, there exists a need for a lifter that is relatively safe for use by workers and can be quicker to use than a conventional grapple. The lifter should be reliable and simple to use. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a lifting apparatus may lack mechanization, may be used in conjunction with hoist means, and may operate on, among other things, the principles of leverage, gravity, and friction. Such an embodiment may include a frame disposable on an article to be lifted and at least two fulcrums distributed generally symmetrically about the frame. At least two lifting arms may be pivotally mounted to a corresponding fulcrum, with each lifting arm having a lower end extending lower than the fulcrum and an upper end extending above the fulcrum. A central exertion member includes a top surface having one sloped portion for each lifting arm, with the top surface of each sloped portion being downwardly inclined from the center of the exertion member and below the upper ends of the respective lifting arms. Upon application of upward force to the exertion member, the exertion member applies force to the upper ends of the lifting arms. The lower end of each lifting arm is adapted to not contact the article in a retracted position and to contact the article in an engaged position. The application of force by the exertion member to the lifting arms causes the lifting arms to rotate around the corresponding fulcrum from the retracted position to the engaged position. 
   In another embodiment according to the present invention, a lifting apparatus includes a frame disposable on a cylinder to be lifted, a lifting assembly, and first and second load bearing means. The frame has a generally central and substantially vertical axis, and includes a substantially planar and horizontally oriented base, vertical uprights, at least two fulcrums, and a ring. The base has an outside edge proximate to the cylinder&#39;s outside edge. The vertical uprights have a lower end mounted to and distributed in spaced relation about the base. The fulcrums are distributed generally symmetrically around the frame and extend outward with respect to the central axis. The ring is in a horizontal plane and is mounted to the upper end of the uprights, connecting adjacent uprights. First load bearing means are mounted to the frame and are adapted to receive lifting means. 
   The lifting assembly includes lifting arms, grippers, a central exertion member, and vertical posts. The lifting arms are distributed around the frame with each having an approximately vertical portion outside of the frame and pivotally mounted to a corresponding fulcrum. The lower end of the lifting arms extends lower than the base, and an approximately horizontal portion extends radially from a central end proximate to the axis and above the ring. The horizontal portions are mounted to the upper end of the respective vertical portions, and each includes a vertical slot. The grippers are mounted to the vertical portion of the lifting arms below the base, and have a gripping surface proximate to the cylinder. In a retracted position the gripping surface does not contact the cylinder and in an engaged position the gripping surface contacts with the cylinder. The central exertion member has a top surface with one sloped portion for each lifting arm. The top surface of each sloped portion is downwardly inclined from the central axis and proximate to the bottom of each lifting arm horizontal portion, proximate to the central axis. The vertical posts, for lifting the lifting assembly, are mounted to the top of the exertion member. One vertical post is mounted to each sloped portion of the exertion member and extends through and is slidably disposed in a corresponding slot in the horizontal portion of each lifting arm. Second load bearing means mounted to the vertical posts and adapted to receive lifting means. 
   When upward force is applied to the first load bearing means, the grippers are in a retracted position. When upward force is applied to the second load bearing means, the sloped top surfaces of the exertion member apply force to the lifting arms to cause the horizontal portion central end of each lifting arm to move upward and radially outward. The upper end of each vertical portion moves outward, rotating each vertical portion around the fulcrum and actuating the grippers to be in the engaged position. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of making a lifting apparatus includes assembling a frame disposable on an article to be lifted. At least two fulcrums are distributed generally symmetrically around the frame. A lifting arm is pivotally mounted to each fulcrum, with each lifting arm having a lower end extending lower than the fulcrum and an upper end extending above the fulcrum. The lower end of each lifting arm is adapted to not contact the article in a retracted position and to contact the article in an engaged position. A central exertion member is provided that includes a top surface having one sloped portion for each lifting arm. The top surface of each sloped portion is downwardly inclined from the center of the exertion member and is below the upper ends of the respective lifting arms to apply force to the upper ends of the lifting arms upon application of upward force to the exertion member. The upward force on the lifting arms causes the lifting arms to rotate around the corresponding fulcrum from the retracted position to the engaged position. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of lifting an article includes providing a lifting apparatus disposable on an article to be lifted. The lifting apparatus includes a frame including at least two fulcrums distributed generally symmetrically around the frame. First load bearing means are mounted to the frame. At least two lifting arms are each pivotally mounted to a corresponding fulcrum. Each lifting arm has a lower end extending lower than the fulcrum and an upper end extending above the fulcrum. The lower end of each lifting arm is adapted to not contact the article in a retracted position and to contact the article in an engaged position. A central exertion member includes a top surface including one sloped portion for each lifting arm. The top surface of each sloped portion is downwardly inclined from the center of the exertion member and is below the upper ends of the respective lifting arms to apply force to the upper ends of the lifting arms upon application of upward force to the exertion member. Second load bearing means are mounted to the exertion member. Upward force is applied to the first load bearing means to lift the lifting apparatus, which is placed into position on the article. The first load bearing means is released. Upward force is applied to the second load bearing means to cause the exertion member to apply force to the upper ends of the lifting arms causing each lifting arm to rotate around the corresponding fulcrum from the retracted position to the engaged position. Increased upward force is applied to the second load bearing means to lift the lifting apparatus and the article. 
   Features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of some embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a lifter according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the lifter of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged front perspective view of the upper portion of the lifter of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is front perspective view of a frame of the lifter of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a lifting assembly of the lifter of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the lifter of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the frame of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the lifting assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 9  is a top plan view of an exertion member of the lifting assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a central portion of the lifting assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The invention is an apparatus that may be used for lifting articles. In particular, the invention may be used for lifting heavy cylindrical spacers used to build rolls for straightening steel, but may be used for lifting any heavy cylindrical objects and other shapes as well. Reference herein is made specifically to cylindrical spacers, but it should be understood that the invention in its various embodiments may change in its shape and may be applied to other shapes of articles. As an example embodiment applied to a cylinder, when the device is placed on the end of an upright cylinder, the device has lifting arms with grippers that are spaced from the cylinder. The lifting arms are actuated by an upward force and rotate around a fulcrum, and the grippers are forced into contact with the cylinder. As upward force is further applied to increase the lateral force exerted by the grippers, the cylinder is lifted. One means for applying upward force, for example, is a forklift, and another is a crane. 
   The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited by materials or dimensions listed herein, but may be carried out using any materials and dimensions that allow the construction and operation of the present invention. Materials and dimensions depend on the particular application. 
   In the Figures herein, unique features receive unique reference numerals, while features that are the same in more than one drawing receive the same reference numerals throughout. For clarity of illustration reference numerals for some features may be omitted where there are like or similar features that are labeled with reference numerals. Further, certain terms of orientation are used, such as “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” and “vertical.” These terms are generally for convenience of reference, and should be so understood unless a particular embodiment requires otherwise. 
   Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a lifting apparatus or lifter  20  according to the present invention. In this embodiment the lifter  20  is applied to lift a cylinder  21 , which may specifically be, for example, a cylindrical steel spacer for building rolls for straightening steel. The lifter  20  comprises a frame  22  and a lifting assembly  23 . Perspective views of the frame  22  and lifting assembly  23  are also shown individually in  FIGS. 4 and 5  respectively. The frame  22  has a substantially planar and horizontally oriented base  30  that may be, for example, annular in shape. Uprights  32  are welded to the base  30 , and horizontal members  34  are welded to the top of the uprights  32 . The horizontal members  34  may form a ring  42 ; the ring  42  may be any shape as appropriate for the application, and may be round in addition to being formed by connected linear horizontal members  34 . 
   An upper lifting eye  36  is operatively connected to the horizontal members  34 . The lower ends of the vertical members  38  are attached to the horizontal members  34 . The upper ends of the vertical members  38  are connected to a horizontal element  40 , which is attached to the upper lifting eye  36 . Alternatively a chain, cable, or the like may be used in place of the upper lifting eye  36  and associated parts  38 ,  40 . Centering guide members  44  cause the lifter  20  to be centered on the cylinder  21 . Fulcrums  46  extend outward horizontally from and may be attached to the base  30  or other suitable location, such as to the uprights  32 . The fulcrums  46  are distributed generally symmetrically around the frame  22 . The frame  22  of this embodiment of a lifter  20  has no moving parts. Unless otherwise indicated herein, when a reference is made to connecting, mounting, attaching, or welding, a fixed relationship should be understood to be made between the applicable parts, including but not limited to welding, using more than one bolt, or the like. 
   The lifting assembly  23  may include lifting arms  50 , an exertion member  52 , grippers  54 , and a lower lifting eye  56 . The lifting arms  50  include an approximately vertical portion  58  welded to an approximately horizontal portion  60 , and are radially positioned around the frame  22  in three locations. At the center of the circle defined by the frame  22  the exertion member  52  is welded to vertical posts  62 . In this embodiment the vertical posts  62  extend upward to connect to horizontal parts  64  that are mounted to the lower lifting eye  56 . Alternatively, a chain, cable, or the like may be used in place of the lower lifting eye  56 . The vertical posts  62  may pass through slots  66  in the horizontal portion  60  of the lifting arms  50 . The lifter  20  may be fabricated from steel, although other metals and materials may be used depending on the application and as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
   At each location where the vertical portion  58  of the lifting arms  50  is proximate to the circular base  30 , a pivotal connection is made to a fulcrum  46 . The lifting arms  50  have a lower end extending below the fulcrum  46  and an upper end extending above the fulcrum  46 . This pivotal connection  70  may be a bolted attachment or the like, and allows the lifting arm to rotate around a single bolt  72 . The lifting arms  50  may have grippers  54  at or proximate to their lowest point. 
   Upward force  76  may be applied to the upper lifting eye  36  using hoist means, in this case shown to be a forklift  80 . The upper lifting eye  36  may be used to carry the entire apparatus  20 , and when the force  76  is applied to the upper lifting eye  36  the grippers  54  are in a retracted position. In the retracted position shown the grippers  54  do not contact the cylinder  22  and the lifter  20  may be placed in position on top of the cylinder  22 . The grippers  54  are in the retracted position because the weight of the lifting assembly within the ring  42  is great enough that the exertion member  52  is in a low position when upward force is not being applied to it. In the retracted position the grippers  54  in different embodiments may contact the article to be lifted, but the force applied in the retracted position would not be great enough to lift the article. 
     FIGS. 2 and 3  show the lifting arms  50  being actuated and the cylinder  22  being lifted. When an upward force  78  is applied and the lower lifting eye  56  is moved upward, the exertion member  52  moves upward to contact the central ends of the horizontal portion  60  of the lifting arms  50 . The exertion member  52  is shaped so as to be sloped downward from the center of the lifter  20  at each location where contacting the lifting arms  50 , and the lifting arms  50  are forced outward as permitted by the slots  66  in the horizontal portion  60  of the lifting arms  50 . As shown, the contact between the lifting arm  50  and the exertion member  52  is sliding engagement although other types of contact such are rolling engagement could be used, for example, with the addition of wheels to the upper ends of the lifting arm  50 . When the upper part of each lifting arm  50  is forced outward, the lower part, with the respective gripper  54 , is forced inward until the grippers  54  contact the cylinder  21  and thereby are in an engaged position. In one embodiment the grippers  54  are made of flat stock steel which is a mild steel, with dimensions of ¼-inch by 2¼ inch by 2-inch (0.6 cm by 5.7 cm by 5.1 cm) and with horizontal teeth cut ¼-inch (0.6 cm) deep and spaced at ¼-inch (0.6 cm) intervals. The dimensions, material, and teeth may vary depending on the application. For example, stainless steel may be used and would be more durable than flat stock. 
   The cylinder  21  is subjected to opposing forces exerted by the grippers  54  towards the substantially vertical central axis of the cylinder. As the force increases the cylinder  22  is lifted. The force on the cylinder  22  increases with the length of the vertical portions  58  above the fulcrums  46 , because this increases the moment arm and leverage around each fulcrum  46 . 
     FIGS. 4 and 5  respectively show the frame  22  and the lifting assembly  23 . In the embodiment of the lifter  20  that is shown, the only connection points between the frame  22  and the lifting assembly  23  are at the bolted connections  70  at the fulcrums  46  ( FIG. 4 ). To assemble this embodiment of the lifter  20 , some parts must be left detached so that the lifting assembly  23  may be inserted into the frame  22 . For example, the vertical members  38  may be mounted to the horizontal members  34  after inserting the lifting assembly  23  into and around the frame  22 . 
     FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8  are respectively top views of the lifter  20 , the frame  22 , and the lifting assembly  23 . In  FIGS. 6 and 8  three lifting arms  50  are shown in the lifting assembly  23 . The exertion member  52  has a top surface with one sloped portion for each lifting arm  50 .  FIG. 9  shows the exertion member  52 , having three sloped top surfaces  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c  as necessary to force the three lifting arms  50  outward. The top surface of each sloped portion  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c  is downwardly inclined from the center of the exertion member  52 , and is below the upper ends of respective lifting arms  50 . Different configurations are possible that are still within the scope of the present invention. For example, the lifter in another embodiment could have only two lifting arms that exert directly opposing forces, and the exertion member would have only two sloped surfaces. Any shape object that has a surface on which the base  30  may rest and having sides that grippers can contact may be lifted. 
   An exploded view of the upper portion of the lifting assembly according to an embodiment of a lifter  20  is shown in  FIG. 10 . The bottom ends of the vertical posts  62  are mounted to the exertion member  52 . The vertical posts  62  pass though the slots  66  in the horizontal portions  60  of the lifting arms  50 , and are mounted to the horizontal parts  64  that are in turn mounted to the lower lifting eye  56 . When upward force  78  is applied to the lower lifting eye  56  the horizontal portion  60  of the lifting arms  50  slides around the vertical posts  62 , and as previously described the horizontal portions  60  are forced upward and outward, the upper ends of the vertical portions  58  are forced outward, and the grippers  54  are actuated to the engaged position. 
   Specific embodiments of an invention are described herein. One of ordinary skill in the structural engineering arts will recognize that the invention has other applications in other environments. In fact, many embodiments and implementations are possible. For example, as previously noted the lifter of the present invention may vary in shape and dimension and may be applied to other types and shapes of articles than cylindrical spacers. In addition, the recitation “means for” is intended to evoke a means-plus-function reading of an element in a claim, whereas, any elements that do not specifically use the recitation “means for,” are not intended to be read as means-plus-function elements, even if they otherwise include the word “means.” The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described.