Abstract:
A portable vehicle lifting apparatus and method comprising a plurality of ramps having a lifting bar means pivotally connected between each ramp. The apparatus, via the lifting bar meas, raises and lowers a vehicle which has been loaded onto the ramps.

Description:
REFERENCE TO PENDING APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of Pending Application No. 09/062,862, filed Apr. 20, 1998, and entitled “Portable Vehicle Lift and Method”. 
    
    
     REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     This application is not referenced in any microfiche appendix. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a vehicle lifting apparatus and method, specifically, toward a vehicle lifting apparatus and method having a plurality of ramps upon which a vehicle can be placed and which are raised and lowered by a lifting means. 
     2. Prior Art 
     Vehicle lifting apparatus are exemplified in the disclosures of Munday, U.S. Pat. No. 1,527,901 of Feb. 1, 1924; Hunter U.S. Pat. No. 4,238,003 of Dec. 9, 1980; Fawdry U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,006 of Dec. 4, 1984 and Rober U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,150 of Jun. 24, 1997. Each of these prior art patents embody a vehicle lift apparatus in which a pair of pivotal ramps move between a generally horizontal position and an angled position. The pivoting mechanism is either a fulcrum type mechanism located approximately at the center of each ramp or a pivotal mechanism connected to a base at one end of each ramp. The lifting mechanisms of each apparatus have taken on different forms including pistons, pressurized fluids lifting devices and cylinder lifting devices. 
     The prior art discloses a number of problems and difficulties, the first of which is the complicated nature of the devices. Due to the intricate nature of these devices, great care is needed when during the installation and use of these devices. Another problem in the art is the lack of portability of the apparatus. The prior art patents disclose apparatus which are required to be secured to a floor or include bulky or heavy machinery. 
     The present invention is directed toward a vehicle lift apparatus and method which address the problems in the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed toward a vehicle lift apparatus and method which includes a plurality of ramps which are able to be moveable between a generally raised position and a generally lowered position. While in the lowered position, a vehicle can be loaded onto or off of the ramp set. The ramps are moved into the generally raised position by the use of a lifting bar means such as a floor jack, forklift jack or other suitable lifting means. The ramps are supported by support legs which pivot from each ramp. 
     Each ramp has a first end and a second end. Each first end can be pivotally connected to a base portion or can be free standing. When a base portion is utilized, the ramp is able to be pivotally movable between a generally horizontal position and a generally angled position. When the first end is free standing, it can provide access for vehicles to be loaded onto and off of each ramp. Each second end is free standing and can provide an access for vehicles to be loaded onto and off of each ramp. 
     Each ramp is further described as being either a single piece of material or comprises a plurality of interlocking parts. These variations are to accommodate the various sizes and weights of the known vehicles. For example, due to the weight of a forklift, a ramp made of a single piece of material would be better suited for lifting the forklift, as compared to a lightweight automobile which could be easily raised using a multi-component ramp set. 
     Transition ends can be connected to the ends of each ramp. These transition ends are tapered downward from the ramp to the ground and provide for a smooth transition from the ground to the ramp. 
     The lifting bar means is pivotally connected to both ramps. When a base portion is utilized, the lifting bar means is connected proximate to the second ends of the ramps. When a base portion is not utilized, lifting bar means is connected proximate to both ends of the ramps. 
     The lifting bar means has two general configurations, a intermediate offset configuration and a lifting rod configuration. The lifting bar means utilizing the intermediate offset configuration is pivotally connected to both ramps in a generally perpendicular manner and is movable between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. When the lifting bar is in a generally vertical position, the offset portion creates a recess between the bar and the ground. A lifting means, such as but not limited to a floor jack, can be placed within the recess and when activated lift the ramps via the lifting bar to a desired height. When the lifting bar is in a generally horizontal position, the offset portion is in contact with the ground, allowing vehicles to be loaded onto or off of the ramps without contact to the bar. 
     The lifting bar means utilizes the a lifting rod configuration has a lifting rod secured to it. This provides a means for a lifting means to move the lifting bar. The lifting means, such as but not limited to a forklift jack, can be placed in communication with the lifting rod and when activated lift the ramps via the lifting bar to a desired height. 
     The lifting bar provides additional benefits over the prior art. The lifting bar provided latitudinal support to the pair of ramps. By being connected to both ramps, the lifting bar prevents the ramps from moving independently of each other in a latitudinal manner. Further, the distance between the pair of ramps can be adjusted to accommodate the width of any vehicle. This is accomplished by adjusting the length of the lifting bar or by having multiple width connections on the lifting bar. 
     Additionally, the apparatus improves over the prior art in that it can be easily disassembled, allowing for easy transportability and storage. The apparatus can be broken down into three main parts, the base, the ramps, and the lifting bar. 
     Further, by having the lifting bar located near the rear portion of the ramps, there is no lifting machinery located directly underneath the vehicle. This will allow a person, such as a mechanic, to have complete access to the undercarriage of the vehicle. This is an advantage over prior art lifting devices. 
     The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus embodying simple effective means for lifting a vehicle. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which does not require the use of complicated machinery. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which can be easily portable and storable. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in the generally horizontal position; 
     FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the present invention in the generally horizontal position; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention in a generally angled position; 
     FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the present invention being lifted by the means of a lifting device; 
     FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the present invention in a generally horizontal position; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 along line  5 — 5 ; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 along line  6 — 6 ; 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top view of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 is a view of the pivoting rear leg; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention showing a two lift bar configuration; 
     FIG. 9A is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the present invention in a generally angled position; 
     FIG. 9B is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the present invention in a generally lowered position; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view of the present invention showing the lifting bar in an intermediate offset configuration; 
     FIG. 11 is a detailed rear view of the rear housing assembly of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the present invention showing the lifting bar in an intermediate offset configuration; 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective rear view of the present invention showing lifting bar utilizing a lifting rod configuration; 
     FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the rear housing assembly of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the present invention showing the lifting rod configuration in an intermediate offset configuration; and 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the lifting bar of FIG. 15 along line  16 — 16 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the figures, a vehicle lifting apparatus  10  according to the present invention is shown. The vehicle lifting apparatus  10  generally comprises of a plurality of ramps  14  and a lifting bar means  32  pivotally connected to said ramps  14 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-4, ramp  14  is pivotally mounted to base  20  and is able to move between an angled position as shown in FIG. 2 to a generally horizontal position as shown in FIG.  4 . Ramp  14  is able to be raised or lowered into the desired position by means of a floor jack  40  being engaged with lifting bar  32 . 
     Ramp  14  comprises a first end  16  and a rear end  18 . To provide for a more smooth transition from the ground onto ramp  14 , transition ramp end  19  can be attached to rear  18 . Transition ramp end  19 , having a first end  19 A and a second end  19 B, is tapered in a downward fashion from first end  19 A to second end  19 B. While the description of the preferred embodiment describes ramp  14  as a single continuous piece of material, it is understood that ramp  14  can consist of a plurality of interlocking parts which can be easily disassembled for portability and storage. 
     Base unit  20  is generally shown in FIGS. 5-7. Base unit  20  comprises a front panel  22 , a back panel  23 , a bottom panel  24 , two side panels  27 , retaining wall  28 , support ledge  25 , having as an angled ledge section  26  proximate to back panel  23 . Ramp  14  rests upon support ledge  25  and is secured to base  20  by means of pin  21 . Angled ledge  26  allows ramp  14  to pivot into an angled position while remaining secured to said base unit  20 . 
     As shown in FIG. 8, support leg  50  comprises pivot end  51  and a securing end  52 . Pivot end  51  is pivotally mounted to tube  35  and is secured by securing means  38 . Support leg  50  is in a generally retracted state located within ramp  14  when ramp  14  is in a generally angled position. When ramp  14  is raised to a generally horizontal position, support leg  50  pivots into a generally vertical position with support end  52  being in contact with the ground. 
     As shown in FIGS. 9-9B, an alternative embodiment of the vehicle lifting apparatus  10  is shown. In this embodiment, ramps  14  are pivotally connected to a plurality of lifting bars  32  and are able to be moved between a generally lowered position to a generally raised position. Ramps  14  are able to be raised or lowered into the desired position by a lifting means such as a floor jack or fork lift jack. By not utilizing base units  20  in this embodiment, a vehicle is able to be driven onto said ramps and off of said ramps without the necessity to reverse the direction of the vehicle. 
     With respect to the lifting bar, it accomplishes its purpose of lifting and lowering ramps  14  by providing various lifting means, such as floor jacks, forklift jacks, and other suitable lifting means with a structure which can transfer its lifting ability to the ramps  14  simultaneously, or near simultaneously. Two general embodiments of the lifting bar includes an intermediate offset configuration and a lifting rod configuration. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the lifting bar embodiment utilizing the intermediate offset configuration comprises of ends  33 , generally located on a central axis and an intermediate portion  34  which is generally offset from center axis. End portion  33  is pivotally received within tube  35 . This allows lift bar  32  to be pivotally moveable as to allow intermediate middle portion  34  to be in contact with the ground as well as any generally upright position. 
     In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13-16, lifting bar  62  utilizing the lifting rod configuration comprises ends  63 , generally located on a central axis. End portion  63  is pivotally received within tube  65 . Attached to support lifting bar  62  is lift rod  72  which is generally located approximately 10-20° off of center. This allows lifting means  40  to engage and lift support lifting bar  62 . Securing pin  67  secures support lifting bar  62  in a non-rotational position. 
     Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. 
     The claims and the specification describe the invention presented and the terms that are employed in the claims draw their meaning from the use of such terms in the specification. The same terms employed in the prior art may be broader in meaning than specifically employed herein. Whenever there is a question between the broader definition of such terms used in the prior art and the more specific use of the terms herein, the more specific meaning is meant. 
     While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in the details of construction and the arrangement of components without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be limited only by the scope of the attached claim or claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled.