Patent ID: 12258250

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100is not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used with at least one embodiment of the disclosed Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all potential embodiments of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, components of a Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100. Thus, if there are a variety of additional components that can be added it is understood that each of these additional components can be added with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100. The present Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

FIG.1is a side view of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100disclosed herein. As shown, the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100is comprised of a base stand14having a pair of legs at the bottom with a body5affixed to the top. The base stand14is configured to support the unit when in transport or prior to engagement with the working end20of a lifting device (not shown). As one of ordinary skill will appreciate, the working end20of a lifting device21is not limited by this disclosure and may be configured as a hook, a cable, a chain, a loader bucket, or an excavator bucket which can engage with the upper portion of the lifter body5bin a configuration suitable for a particular application. (SeeFIGS.4D,5and6for additional disclosure and discussion herein.) Further, as one of ordinary skill will appreciate, the lifting device21that does the work of lifting the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100may be a chain or cable from a hydraulic crane, a helicopter, or the bucket of an excavator or loader, any of which could be lifting device21and suitable for a particular application. A pair of loading arms forming a x-type pattern are attached to the bottom of the lifter body5at lower connection5a. The first portion of the loading arms3extends horizontally away from the vertical lifter body5. The second portion of the loading arms4can be extended either horizontally or vertically at a pivotable joint6positioned at the second end of the first portion of the loading arm3. For transport, the second portions of both loading arms4are typically vertically positioned. (SeeFIG.5and the accompanying discussion herein) During use and loading/unloading, the second portions of the loading arms4are positioned horizontally. As shown, four support arms2, each having a first and a second end (2a,2b), respectively, are hingedly attached at a first end2ato the top of the lifter body at the upper connection5band hingedly attached at a second end2bto the first portion of each of the loading arms3at connection9having shoulder bolt12positioned therein allowing for pivot action. The location of connection9may vary but as shown and disclosed is typically at the midway point between the lifter body5and the joint6positioned at the second end3bof the loading arm first section3.

FIG.1Ais a top view of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100shown atFIG.1along with detailed call outs for enablement of the present disclosure. This view shows the x-like formation the pair of the loading arms3and4make in relation to the lifter body5and lifter base14. The particular configuration of Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100for use in lifting operations of irregular shaped or balanced loads comprises a lifter body5having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end configured for engagement with the working end20of a lifting device21(not shown), such as a chain (seeFIG.4D), cable (not shown), loader bucket or excavator bucket (not shown inFIG.4B) and the lower end configured as a base allowing independent support of the lifter body5. As shown the lifter base14is configured with horizontal legs14aand vertical legs14b, in one configuration, but could be configured in other configurations as required by a particular application. The horizontal legs14aare further comprised of a first horizontal leg14a-1and a second horizontal leg14a-2wherein the first horizontal leg14a-1is positioned at a first end (top) of the vertical leg14band the second horizontal leg14a-2is positioned at a second end (bottom) of the vertical leg14b. As shown inFIGS.3A-4D, the first horizontal leg14a-1is positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees (perpendicular) with the second horizontal leg14a-2to provide a better support for the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100. In another embodiment, dependent on a particular application, the first horizontal leg14a-1may be positioned at different angles (in the range of 0 to 360 degrees) with the second horizontal leg14a-2, without any limitation and/or restriction unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. As shown, there is a first, second, third and fourth loading arm, first section (3-1,3-2,3-3,3-4). As shown, the first end3aof the loading arm attaches to the lifter body5at lower connection5a. Each loading arm first section3also has a second end3bwhich is connected to the second loading arm section4via joint6having a shoulder bolt12positioned therein. As shown, there is a first, second, third and fourth loading arm, first section (3-1,3-2,3-3,3-4). Each loading arm second section4having a first end4aand a second end4b.

Further, the loading arm3has a first section3and second section4wherein each section has a first end (a) and a second end (b). The first end3aof the first section of the loading arm is attached to the lifter body5. The second end3bof the first section of the loading arm is connected to the first end4aof the second section of the loading arm4. The second end4bof the second section of the loading arm is designed for attachment of the chain8with hooks, subject to engaging and lifting purposes, without limitation and restriction. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that other types of chain8and fasteners including hooks, shoulder bolts12, pins7and or pegs could be used for well-securing attachment of load or heavy object during transportation and for easy detachment or removal of load or heavy object when needed. Additionally, a pivot joint6is positioned between and connects the second end3bof the first section to the first end4aof the second section of the loading arm. One of ordinary skill will also appreciate that the pivot joint6allows the loading arm4to flex during loading of the second end4bof the second section of the loading arm and allows for secure attachment to a load, without any limitation and restriction.

Another aspect of the embodiment, a support arm2is configured with a first end2aand a second end2bwherein the first end2aof the support arm connects to the upper end5bof the lifter body. The second end2bof the support arm2attaches to the first section3of the loading arm at a position between the first end3aand the second end3bof the first section of the loading arm3. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that multi-armed lifting accessory100is configured of multiple loading arms-first section (3-1,3-2,3-3,3-4), loading arms-second section (4-1,4-2,4-3,4-4), and support arms (2-1,2-2,2-3,2-4) which provides balance, flexibility, and support for the device during lifting and transportation. Another benefit of having multiple loading arms is that multiple loading arms allows the multi-armed lifting accessory100to lift various size and irregular shape objects.

As shown inFIG.1A, each loading arm (3,4) lies in the horizontal plane. There is an angle of 33.5 degrees between the first loading arm (3-1,4-1) and the second loading arm (3-2,4-2). There is an angle of 146.5 degrees between the second loading arm (3-2,4-2) and the third loading arm (3-3,4-3). There is an angle of 33.5 degrees between the third loading arm (3-3,4-3) and the fourth loading arm (3-4,4-4). There is an angle of 146.5 degrees between the fourth loading arm (3-4,4-4) and the first loading arm (3-1,4-1). One of ordinary skill will appreciate that other angles and positions of each loading arm3in relation to the lifter body5may be used without any limitation and restriction, subject to the particular application of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100.

FIG.2Ais a side view of the arms2of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100having spring tube1cooperatively engaged therein as shown atFIG.1.FIG.2Bis a top view of the arms2of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100and spring tubes1as shown atFIG.2A.FIG.2Cis a cross section view of the support arm2of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100as disclosed atFIG.2AandFIG.2B. As shown, the first end of the support arm2ais configured with an aperture for pinned attachment and engagement to and with one of the pair of tabs5balso having an aperture positioned therein, located at the upper end of the lifter body5. A pin7is positioned therein to connect and secure the end of the support arm2ato the lifter body5.

One of ordinary skill will appreciate that support arm2could be connected to the upper portion of lifter body5through any number of securement devices allowing pivotable attachment, without limitation or restriction herein. As shown, the second end2bof the support arm is also configured with an aperture for pinned attachment and engagement to and connection with a pair of tabs positioned on the first section3of the loading arm. As shown inFIGS.2B and4A, the second end2bof the support arms are configured as a shoulder ball having an aperture therein for pinned pivotable attachment and securement to the first section of the loading arm3, which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the arts.

One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the spring tubes1and support arms2work together to provide a flexing action in support of loading arms3and4thereby allowing the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory to give as needed in response to the large, irregular shaped barge lids30which are prone to flexing thereby allowing firm but flexible engagement. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100could be used with other odd or irregular shaped loads which may flex including building materials and or large sheets of fabric. (not shown) One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100could also be used with other odd or irregular balanced loads which may require the spring-loaded or tensioned flexing provided by the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100during a lifting operation from a first location to a second location, wherein the load must transverse a particular elevation change between a first location and a second location. Using the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory with an excavator positioned on a dock to move a skid steer loader (not shown) from the dock to the hold of a barge located below the dock is but one example of a lifting operation which the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100could be used for.

FIG.3Bis a top view of the lifter body5of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100as disclosed atFIG.1and shown throughout including an angle call out (35.5 degrees) for the position of the arms (2,3).FIG.3Cis an end view of the lifter body5of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100as disclosed atFIG.1and shown throughout.

FIG.4Ais a perspective view of one embodiment of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100as shown throughout with the first loading arms3and the second loading arms4extend vertically therein.

FIG.4Bis a perspective view of one embodiment of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100as shown throughout with the loading arms3connects to the support arms2via joint3b. Further, the upper portion of the lifter body is configured as a T-connector5d(shown in hidden lines). The working end20of the lifting device (shown in hidden lines) is opened to grasp the T-connector5d, as demonstrated inFIG.4B. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the upper portion of the lifter body may have other configurations, without limitation or restriction, subject to the particular application of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100and the working end20used to engage the lifter body5.

FIG.4Cis a perspective view of one embodiment of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100as shown throughout with the attachment of the chain8at the end of the lifting arm second section4. The working end20(configured as a bucket) of the lifting device21(not shown) is closed for lifting close and lifted the multi-armed lifting accessory100up.

FIG.4Dis another perspective view of one embodiment of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory as shown throughout. The multi-armed lifting accessory100is lifting a barge lid13(shown in hidden lines) up. The upper portion of the lifter body is connected to a chain, without limitation and restriction.

FIG.5is a perspective view of one embodiment of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100as shown throughout with the first loading arms3and second loading arms4positioned vertically wherein the first end4aof each second loading arms meets each other at a point above the lifter body5. During transportation, the second loading arms4could be folded vertically which give the embodiment a tidy appearance, saved space and easy for transportation. With the unique structure, the multi-armed lifting accessory100, when folded, conveniently fits into a truck (shown in hidden lines), SUV, UTV, or even in a loader bucket without taking too much space.

FIG.6is detailed perspective view of the joint (pivotable connection6) for the attachment of the loading arm first section3to the support arms2and the joint3bfor the attachment of the spring tubes1and the support arms2of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100as shown throughout.

FIG.7is a perspective view of a Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100illustrating a low profile embodiment with loading arms (3,4) collapsed configured and without a base14for improved use in confined spaces.FIG.7Ais an end view of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100embodiment ofFIG.7.FIG.7Bis a side view Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100ofFIG.7. As shown, the upper portion of the lifting body5is configured with an interior void5eso that a pin16may be positioned therein for engagement with a hook or clevis, not shown but understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Applicant testing suggests this configuration with an interior void5eimproves connection with working devices such as cranes for use with lifting suitable objects. Accordingly, the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100disclosed atFIGS.7-10is intended to be operated the same way as the embodiment disclosed atFIGS.1-6so further discussion related to operation is not required.

FIG.8is a perspective view illustrating another low profile embodiment configured without a base for improved use in confined spaces. As shown, the Mult-armed lifting accessory is configured to allow a hoist or crane to engage with the clevis pin19or bar enclosed in the top end of the main body5e. As shown, the Mult-armed lifting accessory100has the second section of its loading arms (4-1,4-2,4-3,4-4) collapsed. As shown, this embodiment is configured to allow a hoist or crane (not shown) to engage with the clevis pin19or bar (not shown but understood) enclosed in the interior void5elocated in the upper portion of the main body5. This configuration lowers the profile (vertical working height) of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100because the working end of the lifting device is connected at a lower vertical height than the configurations shown inFIGS.1-6. Further, the connection point for the lifting device21illustrated by pin15located within interior void Se is protected by the walls5falso reducing the horizontal profile.

FIG.9Aa front view of the low profile embodiment illustrating the loader arms (3,4) fully extended.FIG.9Bis a side view of the low profile embodiment ofFIGS.8-9illustrating the loader arms fully extended with loading chains8extended toward the load to be lifted.

FIG.10is a perspective view of the lifter body assembly5of the low profile embodiment.FIG.10Ais a front view of the lifter body assembly5of the low profile embodiment of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100.FIG.10Bis a side view of the lifter body assembly5of the low profile embodiment the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100.FIG.10Cis a sectional view of the middle upper portion of the lifter body assembly of the low profile embodiment of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory ofFIG.10A. As shown the recess located in the top.

FIG.10Dis a sectional view of the upper portion of the lifter body assembly of the low profile embodiment of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory ofFIG.10A.

FIG.10Eis a detailed end view of the upper portion of the lifter body assembly of the low profile embodiment of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory shown inFIG.10A.

FIG.10Fis a detailed side view of the upper portion of the lifter body assembly of the low profile embodiment of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory shown inFIGS.10B and10A.

FIG.10Gis a top view of the lower end of the lifter body assembly ofFIG.10A.

FIG.11is a perspective view illustrating a low profile embodiment configured without a base14with only two arms (3,4) versus the four arms disclosed inFIGS.1-10herein. The embodiment atFIG.11has been found to allow improved operation in confined spaces, as suitable for loads to be lifted. As shown, the Mult-armed lifting accessory100is configured to allow a hoist or crane to engage with the clevis pin or bar19enclosed in the head piece configured with the interior void5e. As shown, the Mult-armed lifting accessory100is configured to allow a hoist or crane (not shown) to engage with the clevis pin or bar19, which may be removable, enclosed in the upper portion of the main body which is recessed5e.FIG.11Ais a side view illustrating a low profile embodiment configured without a base and with only two loading arms (3-1,3-2) for improved use in confined spaces. As will be understood, the embodiment disclosed inFIGS.11-13has a similar configuration as the embodiments disclosed atFIGS.1-6as related to the support arms (2-1,2-2) and the loading arms having a first section (3-1,3-2) and a second section (4-1,4-2). Accordingly, the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100disclosed atFIGS.11-13is intended to be operated the same way as the embodiment disclosed atFIGS.1-6so further discussion is not required.FIG.11Bis a front view illustrating a low profile embodiment configured without a base and with only two arms for improved use in confined spaces.FIG.12is a perspective view illustrating a low profile embodiment configured without a base with arms extended with chains as shown atFIGS.11-11B.FIG.12Ais a side view illustrating a low profile embodiment configured without a base14with arms (3,4) extended with chains13as shown atFIGS.11-11B.FIG.12Bis a front view illustrating a low profile embodiment configured without a base with arms (3,4) extended with chains13as shown atFIGS.11-11B.FIG.13illustrates the low profile embodiment configured without a base and with only two arms engaged with a barge lid. As shown, the chains from each arm are intended to be connected to opposite corners of the barge lid. In confined space operation, this configuration has been found to be sufficient to secure the barge lid for either engagement or removal.

It is contemplated that in the illustrative embodiment shown in the enclosed figures the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100may be constructed of, but not limited to, any metal or combination of metals including bronze, steel and aluminum; plastics or carbon fiber including Kevlar®, foam-blown polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, other polymers, other thermoplastics, carbon rubber, blown rubber polymers, composite materials, natural materials (e.g., rubber, leather, etc.), elastomers, combinations thereof, and/or any other material with suitable characteristics (e.g., compressive strength, stability, elasticity, density). This particular embodiment of a Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100was fabricated from steel using various laser cutting, welding, securement and machining technologies which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100could be constructed by any method known to those in the art including via casting, forging, and machining or stamping and punching, without restriction or limitation. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100disclosed herein is designed, fabricated and configured to work with any type of bucket which can engage the head of the lifter body5and or any type of cable or chain which be engaged with or wrapped around the lifter body5as shown but is in no way limited to working only with particular buckets, cables or chains shown herein.

Having described the preferred embodiments, other features of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, as will numerous modifications and alterations in the embodiments as illustrated herein, all of which may be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100disclosed herein. Accordingly, the methods and embodiments pictured and described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the present disclosure extends to all method and/or structures for providing increased functionality, comfort, longevity, enjoyment and aesthetics in the use and access of Multi-Armed Lifting Accessories100. Furthermore, the methods and embodiments pictured and described herein are no way limiting to the scope of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100and method of use unless so stated in the following claims.

It should be noted that the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100is not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar apparatuses and methods for providing the various benefits and/or features of a Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100. It is understood that the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100as disclosed herein extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of the individual features mentioned, evident from the text and/or drawings, and/or inherently disclosed. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100and/or components thereof. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100and/or components thereof and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the same. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

While the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory100has been described in connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including but not limited to: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.