Shaftway survey tool for measuring position of droop

Abstract

The invention relates to a hoistway survey tool for measuring the position of a vertical line. A hoistway survey tool having: a first longitudinal member; a platform coupled to the first component; a second member coupled to a second end of the first member and having: a first leg; and a second leg orthogonal to the first leg, the second component configured to move toward and away from the first component, the second leg including a first slot, a first slider in the first slot, and a first scale, and in operation, the second component is configured to move toward and away from the first component. The tool identifies a position of the first droop in the hoistway relative to a first side wall of the hoistway when the bottom surface of the platform is positioned on the landing floor at the ledge of the doorway, the first component abuts against the front wall of the hoistway, and the first slider is aligned with the first droop.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments described herein relate to an elevator system, and more specifically to a hoistway survey tool for measuring the position of a drop line. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a hoistway in which an elevator system is to be installed, one or more wire drop lines are installed at the location where the elevator track or other equipment is to be installed eventually. The position of the drop line can be checked by a mechanic at each floor. The drop line is measured at each landing to ensure that the track is positioned correctly so that the elevator, once installed, will not hit the landing. Measuring the position of the drop line can require the mechanic to lean into the hoistway, which is otherwise mostly empty. This can result in an unstable position for the mechanic. SUMMARY

[0003] A hoistway survey tool is disclosed that includes a first member extending longitudinally along a first member axis from a first end to a second end, a platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, slidably coupled to the first member and extending away from the first member along a platform surface axis, a second member operatively coupled to the second end of the first member and including a first leg extending along a first leg axis from a third end to a first corner, and a second leg extending along a second leg axis that is orthogonal to the first leg axis from the first corner to a fourth end, wherein the second member is configured to move toward and away from the first member along the first leg axis, wherein the second leg includes a first slot extending along the second leg axis, a first slider in the first slot, and a first scale, and wherein the second member is configured for a first state in which the first leg axis is parallel to the platform surface axis and orthogonal to the first member axis, and the second leg axis is parallel to the first member axis and orthogonal to the platform surface axis, and in operation, when the bottom surface of the platform is positioned on a landing floor at a ledge of a doorway, the first member is against a front wall of the hoistway, and the first slider is aligned with a first drop line, the tool identifies a position of the first drop line in the hoistway relative to a first sidewall of the hoistway.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the second member has an L-shaped perimeter, and the first member and the second member together define a z-shaped shape.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the first slot is proximate the fourth end, and the second member includes a second slot extending along the second leg axis, wherein the second slot includes a second slider, and the first scale extends along the first slot and the second slot.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the second component is a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface; the third component is connected to the second end of the first component and extends along the first leg axis from an axially inner end at the second end of the first component to an axially outer end that abuts the bottom surface of the second component, wherein the second component is slidably connected to the third component such that the plate is configured to move relative to the third component along the second leg axis.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the third component has at least two holes spaced apart from each other along the first leg axis, the first leg of the second component has a third slot and a fourth slot extending along the first leg axis, and each of the third and fourth slots includes a knurled knob bolt extending into one of the holes, whereby the second component is configured to slide relative to the third component along the first leg axis and lock into place against the third component.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the first leg includes a second scale extending along the first leg axis, whereby in operation the tool is configured to further identify a position of the first drop line in the shaft relative to the front wall of the shaft when the bottom surface of the platform is positioned on the landing floor at the ledge of the doorway, the first component abuts the front wall of the shaft, and the first drop line is aligned with and in contact with one of the first or second sliders.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, each of the sliders has a top component disposed on the top surface of the second component along the second leg and a bottom component disposed on the bottom surface of the second component along the second leg; and both the top and bottom components of the sliders have a triangular shape with an apex oriented along the first leg axis.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, for each of the sliders, one of the top and bottom components has a connection slot and the other of the top and bottom components has a leg extending into the connection slot, the leg is flexible, and an end of the leg includes a boss extending outwardly such that when the leg is inserted into the connection slot, the boss is configured to securely lock the top and bottom components together.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the third component is configured to pivot toward the first component for storage of the tool, whereby the second component is configured for a second state in which the first leg axis is orthogonal to the platform surface axis and parallel to the first component axis, and the second leg axis is orthogonal to the first component axis and parallel to the platform surface axis.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the first component is a square bar having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, and the third component is configured to pivot toward the first side; the platform includes a square channel that slides on the first component, wherein the square channel has a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side that abut against the top, the bottom, and the first side and the second side of the first component, respectively; and the platform is connected to the second side of the square channel.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, wherein the tool includes a bearing between the square channel and the first component.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the platform is connected to a first corner of the square channel defined between the bottom and the second side of the square channel, and the platform includes a lip segment that extends away from a bottom face of the platform along a lip axis that is perpendicular to the first component axis and the platform surface axis, such that the platform has an L-shape, whereby: when the bottom face of the platform is positioned on the landing floor at a ledge of the doorway, the first component, the second component, and the third component of the tool are within the hoistway and the second side of the square channel abuts against a front wall of the hoistway, and the tool is configured to identify a location of a first drop line in the hoistway relative to the front wall and a first side wall of the hoistway; and when the top face of the platform is positioned on the landing floor at the ledge of the doorway, the first component, the second component, and the third component of the tool are within the hoistway and the lip segment of the platform abuts against the front wall of the hoistway, and the tool is configured to identify a location of another drop line in the hoistway relative to the front wall and a second side wall of the hoistway.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the third component is a square bar.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the second component is a transparent polymer.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the second end of the first component is connected to the third component via first and second brackets connected to the top and bottom faces of the first component.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the axially inner end of the third component defines a first through-hole, and the first and second brackets define a first pair of apertures positioned to align with the first through-hole when the third component is pivoted to lie against the first component, and a second pair of apertures positioned to align with the first through-hole when the third component is orthogonal to the first component; and the tool includes a removable pin configured to be positioned through the first through-hole and the first pair of apertures when the third component is pivoted to lie against the first component, and through the first through-hole and the second pair of apertures when the third component is orthogonal to the first component.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the slider is formed of a polymer.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the scale on the second component is defined by an opaque surface having graduated markings.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the above aspects of the tool, or as an alternative, the first and third components are formed of aluminum.

[0022] A method of measuring a distance between a front wall and a side wall of a shaft and a drop line installed in the shaft with a tool having one or more of the above aspects is disclosed, the method comprising: positioning the second component in the first state; positioning the bottom face of the platform on the landing floor at a ledge of the shaft such that the first, second, and third components of the tool are within the shaft and the second side of the square channel is against the front wall of the shaft; adjusting the position of the slider, the second component against the third component, and the first component relative to the platform to measure a position of a first drop line relative to the first side wall and the front wall; flipping the tool such that the top face of the platform is positioned on the landing floor at the ledge of the shaft and such that the first, second, and third components of the tool are within the shaft and the lip segment of the platform is against the front wall of the shaft; and adjusting the position of the slider, the second component against the third component, and the first component relative to the platform to measure a position of another drop line relative to the second side wall and the front wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate similar elements.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system that can employ various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 shows a front view of a hoistway into which a dropline has been installed in preparation for installation of an elevator system;

[0026] Figure 3 shows a side view of a hoistway;

[0027] Figure 4A shows a hoistway survey tool for measuring the position of a dropline;

[0028] Figure 4B shows a hoistway survey tool in which the second component is closer to the first component depending on the hoistway configuration;

[0029] Figure 4C shows a hoistway survey tool in which the second component is further from the first component depending on the hoistway configuration;

[0030] Figure 5A is a bottom view of a first component of a sliding marker utilized with the survey tool;

[0031] Figure 5B is a bottom view of a second component of a sliding marker utilized with the survey tool;

[0032] Figure 6A is a front view of a first component of a sliding marker utilized with the survey tool;

[0033] Figure 6B is a side view of a first component of a sliding marker utilized with the survey tool;

[0034] Figure 7A is a front view of a second component of a sliding marker utilized with the survey tool;

[0035] Figure 7B is a side view of a second component of a sliding marker utilized with the survey tool;

[0036] Figure 8A shows a tool for measuring the position of a dropline on the right side of a hoistway;

[0037] Figure 8B shows a tool for measuring the position of a dropline on the left side of a hoistway; and

[0038] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a method of measuring the position of a dropline utilizing the tool of Figure 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 including an elevator car 103, a counterweight 105, a tension member 107, a guide rail (or rail system) 109, a machine (or machine system) 111, a position reference system 113, and an electronic elevator controller (controller) 115. The elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105 are connected to each other by the tension member 107. The tension member 107 can include or be configured as, for example, a rope, a steel cable, and / or a coated steel belt. The counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of the elevator car 103 and to facilitate movement of the elevator car 103 within an elevator shaft (or hoistway) 117 and along the guide rail 109 relative to the counterweight 105 simultaneously and in opposite directions.

[0040] The tension member 107 engages the machine 111, which is part of the superstructure of the elevator system 101. The machine 111 is configured to control movement between the elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105. The position reference system 113 can be mounted on a fixed portion at the top of the elevator shaft 117, such as on a support or guide rail, and can be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of the elevator car 103 within the elevator shaft 117. In other embodiments, the position reference system 113 can be mounted directly to a moving member of the machine 111, or can be located in other positions and / or configurations as known in the art. The position reference system 113 can be any device or mechanism for monitoring the position of the elevator car and / or counterweight as known in the art. For example, and without limitation, the position reference system 113 can be an encoder, a sensor, or other system, and can include speed sensing, absolute position sensing, etc., as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0041] As shown, the controller 115 can be located in a controller room 121 of the elevator shaft 117 and is configured to control the operation of the elevator system 101, and in particular the elevator car 103. It will be appreciated that the controller 115 need not be in the controller room 121, but can be in the hoistway or other location in the elevator system. For example, the controller 115 can provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car 103. The controller 115 can also be configured to receive position signals from the position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. As the elevator car 103 moves up or down within the elevator shaft 117 along the guide rail 109, the elevator car 103 can be stopped at one or more landings 125 as controlled by the controller 115. Although the controller 115 is shown in the controller room 121, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the controller 115 can be located and / or configured elsewhere or in other locations within the elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the controller can be located remotely or in the cloud.

[0042] The machine 111 can include a motor or similar driving mechanism. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the machine 111 is configured to include an electric drive motor. The power supply for the motor can be any power source (including a power grid) that is supplied to the motor in combination with other components. The machine 111 can include a traction sheave that exerts a force on the tension member 107 to move the elevator car 103 within the elevator shaft 117.

[0043] Although shown and described as having a roped system including the tension member 107, elevator systems that employ other methods and mechanisms to move an elevator car within a hoistway can employ embodiments of the disclosure. For example, embodiments can be employed in a ropeless elevator system that uses a linear motor to impart motion to the elevator car. Embodiments can also be employed in a ropeless elevator system that uses a hydraulic lift to impart motion to the elevator car. Figure 1 The non-limiting examples presented are for purposes of illustration and explanation only.

[0044] Turning to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , when the hoistway 117 is prepared for installation of the elevator system 101 Figure 1 , at least one drop line 150 is installed as a guide for installing, for example, the track 109 Figure 1 or other fixtures. As a non-limiting implementation, four drop lines 150A-150D are shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 and are used to install the track 109. Of the four drop lines, two drop lines (e.g., organized into pairs, namely a first pair 150P1 and a second pair 150P2) are located on either side of the doorway opening 180, extending from the top 117A to the bottom 117B of the hoistway 117. The drop lines are backed off from the ledge 175 of the doorway opening 180 such that, in the first pair of drop lines 150P1, one line 150A approaches the front wall 117C and the first side wall 117D, and one line 150B approaches the back wall 118 and the first side wall 117D of the hoistway. In the second pair of drop lines 150P2, one line 150C approaches the front wall 117C and the second side wall 117E, and one line 150D approaches the back wall 118 and the second side wall 117E.

[0045] The drop lines are dropped by a machine (not shown) such that the placement of each line in the pairs 150P1, 150P2 is known relative to one another. That is, it is known that if the first line 150A, 150C in each pair 150P1, 150P2 is in the correct position, then the second line 150B, 150D in each pair 150P1, 150P2 will be in the correct position.

[0046] To confirm that the drop lines 150 are in the correct position, at each of the floors 125 in the building, the user can measure the distance between the front drop lines 150A, 150C and the front wall 117C of the hoistway and the adjacent first and second side walls 117D, 117E (left and right side walls) of the hoistway 117. For example, the first drop line 150A can have a distance DIA to the first side wall 117D and a distance DIB to the front wall 117C. The second drop line 150B can have a distance D2A to the first side wall 117D and a distance D2B to the front wall 117C, which is confirmed by measuring the placement of the first drop line 150A. The third drop line 150C can have a distance D3A to the second side wall 117E and a distance D3B to the front wall 117C. The fourth drop line 150D can have a distance D4A to the second side wall 117E and a distance D4B to the front wall 117C, which is confirmed by measuring the placement of the third drop line 150C.

[0047] In practice, the front lines (one line in each pair 150P1, 150P2) have the same distance to the front wall 117C, and the back lines have the same distance to the back wall 118 as each other. Depending on the desired hoistway configuration, the counterweight can be on the left or right side. The pairs on the counterweight side will be further from the adjacent side wall. That is, the third and fourth drop lines should have the same distance to the front wall as the first and second drop lines. The third and fourth drop lines can be further from the side wall, such that D3A and D4A are greater than DIA and D2A. The goal is for DIA and D2A to be the same as each other, and DIB and D2B will be different from each other. Similarly, the goal is for D3A and D4A to be the same as each other, and D3B and D4B will be different from each other. As indicated, the relative position of the back drop lines (or wires) 150B, 150D will be known by confirming the position of the front lines 150A, 150C.

[0048] Turning to FIG. 4, a tool 200 for measuring the position of the front drop lines 150A, 150C relative to the front wall and side walls 117 is shown. The tool 200 includes a first member 210 extending longitudinally along a first member axis Al from a first end 220 to a second end 230. The tool 200 includes a platform 240 having a top surface 250 and a bottom surface 260. The platform 240 is slidably coupled to the first member 210 and extends perpendicularly away from the first member 210 along a platform surface axis A2.

[0049] The tool 200 includes a second component 270 operatively coupled to the second end 230 of the first component 210. The second component 270 includes a first leg 280 extending from a third end 290 to a first corner 300 along a first leg axis LA1. The second component 270 includes a second leg 310 extending away from the first component 210 from the first corner 300 to a fourth end 320 along a second leg axis LA2 that is orthogonal to the first leg axis LA1. It will be appreciated that the element 280 (leg), element 320 (end), and element 310 (leg) are all elements of the same (second) component 270. That is, these elements are elements of a unitary structure. The slider 340 (discussed below) is the only element that can move relative to the second component 270 along the LA2 axis (discussed below).

[0050] The second component 270 is configured to move along the first leg axis LA1. That is, the second component 270 is configured to move toward and away from the second end 230 of the first component 210.

[0051] The second leg 310 of the second component 270 includes a first slot 330 extending along the second leg axis LA2. A first slider 340 (otherwise referred to as a marker or a positioner) is in the first slot 330, and a first scale 350 extends along an outer edge 310A of the second component 270.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first slot 330 is proximate the fourth end 320 of the second component 270. The second component 270 includes a second slot 360 extending along the second leg axis LA2. As shown, the slots 330, 360 are collinear along the second leg axis LA2, and the second slot 360 is adjacent to the first slot 330, but this configuration is not intended to be limiting as to the configuration choices for the slots 330, 360, which can be, for example, angularly disposed from one another. The second slot 360 includes a second slider 370, and the first scale 350 extends along the first and second slots 360. The second slider 370 is used to measure the position of the third line relative to its side wall. The second slider 370 in its slot 360 is further from the fourth end 320 of the tool 200 than the first slider 340 in its slot 330, because the first line is closer to its side wall than the third line 150C, because the third line 150C must pass over the weight 105 (see Figure 8A and Figure 8B ).

[0053] The second component 270 is configured for in a first state shown in phantom in FIG. 4. In the first state, the first leg axis LA1 is parallel to the platform surface axis A2 and orthogonal to the first component axis Al, and the second leg axis LA2 is parallel to the first component axis Al and orthogonal to the platform axis A2.

[0054] As seen in FIG. 4, the second component 270 has an L-shaped perimeter, and more particularly an outer perimeter edge 275. When the second component 270 is in the first state, the first and second components together define a z-shaped form.

[0055] As Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 4, the second component 270 is a plate having a top face 376 and a bottom face 378. The second component 270 defines a lateral component segment 379 along the inner perimeter edge 276 of the second component 270 between the first leg 280 and the second leg 310, which is triangular in shape to provide rigidity and support to the second leg 310, for example.

[0056] The third component 380 is connected to the second end 230 of the first component 210 and extends along the first leg axis LA1 from an axial inner end 382 at the second end 230 of the first component 210 to an axial outer end 384 that abuts the bottom face 378 of the second component 270. The second component 270 is slidably connected to the third component 380 such that the second component is configured to move relative to the third component 380 along the first leg axis LA1. This movement is to accommodate different positioning of the front drop line in different shafts relative to the front shaft wall. In some cases, the second component 270 will be closer to the first component 210 Figure 4B ), and in some cases, the second component 270 will be further from the first component 210 Figure 4C ), and in each case, this adjustment is made between the second component 270 and the third component 380. However, the position of the second component 270 relative to the first component 210 is fixed for any particular shaft.

[0057] To enable movement of the second component 270 relative to the third component 380, the third component 380 has at least two holes 390A, 390B (collectively, 390) spaced apart from one another along the first leg axis LA1. The first leg 280 of the second component 270 has a third slot 400A and a fourth slot 400B (collectively, 400) extending along the first leg axis LA1. The slots 400 are collinear with one another and adjacent to one another along the first leg axis LA1, such that the third slot 400A is closer to the first corner 300. Each of the third and fourth slots 400 includes a knurled knob bolt 410A, 410B (i.e., a first bolt 410A and a second bolt 410B, collectively labeled 410) that extends into one of the threaded holes 390. The knob can be threaded to enable securing the position of the knurled knob bolts 410A, 410B. With this configuration, the second component 270 is configured to slide along the first leg axis LA1 relative to the third component 380 and lock into place against the third component 380.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first leg 280 includes a second scale 420 extending along the first leg axis LA1. Both scales 350, 420 are along the outer peripheral edge 275 of the second component 270.

[0059] Turning to Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B , each of the sliders 340, 370 has a top (or first) component 450 disposed on the top surface 386 of the second component 270 along the second leg 310 and a bottom (or second) component 460 disposed against the bottom surface 388 of the second component 270 (i.e., along the second leg 310). Both the top and bottom components 450, 460 of the sliders 340, 370 have a triangular shape with an apex 470 oriented along the first leg axis LA1 as the depth direction D1 for the sliders 340, 370.

[0060] The components 450, 460 of the sliders 340, 370 have a top surface 345A and a bottom surface 345B. The bottom surface 345B can be substantially planar and the top surface 345A can be shaped the same as one another and can be arcuate and shaped to have a top peak 345C for grasping by a user. In this way, the sliders have the same appearance and user usability from the top or bottom of the tool 200.

[0061] For each of the sliders 340, 370, one of the top and bottom pieces 450, 460 has first and second connection slots 480A, 480B (collectively, 480) that extend along the height direction H1 for the slider 340, 370 and are spaced apart from each other along the second leg axis LA2 that is the width direction W1 for the slider 340, 370. The other of the top and bottom pieces has first and second legs 490A, 490B (collectively, 490) that have a complementary location relative to the slots 480, the first and second legs 490A, 490B extending from the bottom surface 345B and into the connection slots 480. The legs 490 are flexible, and the ends 500 of the legs include first and second tabs 510A, 510B (collectively, 510) that extend outward. When the legs 490 are inserted into the connection slots 480, the tabs 510 securely lock the top and bottom pieces 450, 460 together. The slots 480 have a width W2 (FIG. 4), for example, along the first leg axis LA1, and the legs 490 have a depth in the same direction that is sized to allow a sliding fit in the slots 480. This enables the sliders 340, 370 to slide while preventing the sliders from rotating in the slots 480. First and second peg protrusions 482A, 482B (collectively, 482) extend below the bottom surface 345B of the slider where the legs 490 are formed and outside of the legs 490 in the width direction to provide additional rotational resistance for the sliders 340, 370 in the slots 480.

[0062] A central aperture 485 can be defined in the height direction of one of the top and bottom pieces 450, 460, extending from the bottom surface 345B between the slots 480 that extend in the same direction as indicated. A central tab 486 can extend along the height direction of the other of the top and bottom pieces 450, 460, extending from the bottom surface 345B between the legs 490 that extend in the same direction as indicated in the width direction. The tab 486 fits into the aperture 485 to provide additional stability in the slots 480. The tab 486 can be cylindrical or conical in shape, narrowing away from the bottom surface 345B of the other of the top and bottom pieces 450, 460. The aperture 485 can have a complementary shape and can be sized to provide a friction fit.

[0063] Turning back to Figure 4AIn one embodiment, the third component 380 is configured to pivot toward the first component 210 for storage of the tool 200. Thereby, the second component 270 is configured for a second state in which the first leg axis LA1 is orthogonal to the platform surface axis A2 and parallel to the first component axis Al. At the same time, the second leg axis LA2 is orthogonal to the first component axis Al and parallel to the platform axis A2.

[0064] In one embodiment, the first component 210 is a square bar having a top 520, a bottom 530, a first side 540, and a second side 550. The third component 380 is configured to pivot toward the first side 540. The platform 240 includes a square channel 560 that slides on the first component 210. The square channel 560 has a top 570, a bottom 580, a first side 590, and a second side 600 that abut against the top 520, the bottom 530, and the first and second sides 540, 550 of the first component 210, respectively. The platform 240 is connected to the second side 600 of the square channel 560. First and second bearings 610A, 610B (generally, 610) are between the first component 210 and the square channel 560 and enable sliding motion of the platform 240 relative to the first component 210. As shown, the bearings are between the top and bottom sides of the first component 210 and the square channel 560, but this is not intended to limit the location of the bearings 610. There are also bearings on the left and right sides of the component 210.

[0065] In one embodiment, the platform 240 is connected to a first corner 620 of the square channel 560 that is defined between the bottom 580 and the second side 600 of the square channel 560. The platform 240 includes a lip section 630 that extends away from the bottom face 260 of the platform 240 along a lip axis LPA that is perpendicular to the first component axis Al and the platform surface axis A2. As shown in FIG. 4, the platform 240 has an L-shape across its entire span along the first component axis Al.

[0066] In one embodiment, the second end 230 of the first component 210 is connected to the third component 380 via first and second brackets 640A, 640B (generally, 640). The brackets 640 are connected to the top 520 and the bottom 530 of the first component 210.

[0067] The axial inner end 382 of the third component 380 defines a first through hole 660. The first bracket and the second bracket 640 define a first pair of orifices 670, which are positioned aligned with the first through hole 660 when the third component 380 is pivoted against the first component 210 (i.e., in the second state). The first bracket and the second bracket 640 define a second pair of orifices 680, which are positioned aligned with the first through hole 660 when the third component 380 is orthogonal to the first component 210 (i.e., in the first state).

[0068] Tool 200 includes a removable pin 690 configured to be positioned through a first through-hole 660 and a first pair of orifices 670 when the third component 380 is pivoted against the first component 210. The removable pin 690 is configured to be positioned through the first through-hole 660 and the second pair of orifices 680 when the third component 380 is orthogonal to the first component 210.

[0069] In one embodiment, platform 240 may be an 18-inch square, first component 210 may be 60 inches long, and the first leg 280 and second leg 310 of second component 270 may be 21 inches long. Third component 380 may be sized to provide a range of movement of two to three feet relative to the end 230 of the connection with the first component 210, provided the outer edge of the second leg 310 is aligned with the first component 210. These dimensions are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiment.

[0070] In one embodiment, the third component 380 is a square rod. In one embodiment, the first and third components are formed of aluminum. In one embodiment, the second component 270 is a transparent polymer. In one embodiment, the scale on the second component 270 is defined by an opaque surface with graduated markings. In one embodiment, the sliders 340 and 370 are formed of polymer.

[0071] like Figure 8A As shown, using this configuration, the bottom surface 260 of platform 240 can be positioned on the floor 125 at the ledge 175 of doorway 180 (the top surface 250 is on...). Figure 8A(See top view). Meanwhile, the first, second, and third components of tool 200 are located within shaft 117, and the second side 600 of the square channel 560 (FIG. 4) abuts against the front wall 117C of shaft 117. Tool 200 is configured to identify the position of the first drop line 150A within shaft 117 relative to the front wall 117C and the first side wall 117D of shaft 117. That is, the tool is configured to measure, for example, D1A and D1B of the first drop line 150A. This measurement may require adjusting the positions of sliders 340 and 370, the second component 270 abutting against the third component 380, and the position of the first component 210 relative to the platform 240. Furthermore, the second component 270 is in a first state to obtain this measurement. The position of the second component 270 is adjusted against the third component 380 by loosening bolts 410A and 410B to move the second component 270 toward or away from the first component 210, and then tightening bolts 410A and 410B.

[0072] like Figure 8B As shown, tool 200 can be flipped to measure a similar position of the third drop line 150C (i.e., measuring the position of the second drop line after measuring the position of the first drop line). That is, the top surface 250 of platform 240 is positioned on the floor 125 at the ledge of doorway 180 (the bottom surface 260 is on...). Figure 8B (See top view). Meanwhile, the first, second, and third components of tool 200 are within the shaft 117, and the lip segment 630 of platform 240 (FIG. 4) abuts against the front wall 117C of shaft 117. In this position, tool 200 is configured to identify the position of the third drop line 150C within the shaft relative to the front wall 117C and the second side wall 117E of shaft 117. That is, the tool is configured to measure, for example, D3A and D3B of the third drop line 150C. As indicated, it may be necessary to adjust the positions of sliders 340, 370, the second component 270 abutting against the third component 380, and the position of the first component 210 relative to platform 240 to obtain this measurement. Furthermore, the second component 270 obtains this measurement in a first state. The position of the second component 270 is adjusted against the third component 380 by loosening bolts 410A and 410B, moving the second component 270 toward or away from the first component 210, and then tightening bolts 410A and 410B. For illustrative purposes, in Figure 8A and Figure 8B middle, Figure 8B The vertical line ratio in Figure 8Athe second component 270 of the tool 200 is adjusted against the third component 380. It will be appreciated that in a typical installation, when the tool is flipped between measuring the drop line proximate one sidewall and measuring the drop line proximate the other sidewall, the drop line will have the same distance to the front wall. That is, no such adjustment of the second component 270 should be required when measuring the front drop line on either side of the ledge 175.

[0073] Turning to Figure 9 , the flowchart illustrates a method of measuring the location of a drop line 150 in the hoistway 117. As shown in block 1010, the method includes positioning the second component 270 in the first state. As shown in block 1020, the method includes positioning the bottom face 260 of the platform 240 on the landing floor 125 at the ledge of the doorway 180 such that the first component, the second component, and the third component of the tool 200 are within the hoistway 117 and the second side 600 of the square channel 560 is against the front wall 117C of the hoistway 117. As shown in block 1030, the method includes adjusting the position of the sliders 340, 370, the second component 270 against the third component 380, and the first component 210 relative to the platform 240 to measure the location of the first drop line 150A relative to the first sidewall 117D and the front wall 117C.

[0074] As shown in block 1040, the method includes flipping the tool 200 such that the top face 250 of the platform 240 is positioned on the landing floor 125 at the ledge of the doorway 180 and such that the first component, the second component, and the third component of the tool 200 are within the hoistway 117 and the lip segment 630 of the platform 240 is against the front wall 117C of the hoistway 117. As shown in block 1050, the method includes adjusting the position of the sliders 340, 370, the second component 270 against the third component 380, and the first component 210 relative to the platform 240 to measure the location of the third drop line 150C (e.g., the other drop line) relative to the second sidewall 117E and the front wall 117C.

[0075] It will be appreciated that in an elevator hoistway having both a front entrance and a rear entrance, a rear line proximate the rear wall can also be measured, or in place of a front line.

[0076] Embodiments provide a hoistway survey tool. The tool reaches into a hoistway and can be positioned closer to the drop line than a user (e.g., mechanic). The user can kneel on the tool on the side of the hoistway and slide the tool over to measure the drop line on either side without leaning over the hoistway. The tool allows the user to measure from the drop line to the front and sides of the hoistway at the same time. As compared to a process where the user leans into the hoistway to check the drop line, the disclosed tool optimizes the survey time at each landing, is safer, and provides more accurate measurements.

[0077] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The use of the term "about" is intended to include errors associated with the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of submission. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A hoistway survey tool comprising: a first component extending longitudinally along a first component axis from a first end to a second end; a platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, slidably coupled to the first component and extending away from the first component along a platform surface axis; a second component operatively coupled to the second end of the first component and comprising a first leg extending along a first leg axis from a third end to a first corner and a second leg extending along a second leg axis orthogonal to the first leg axis from the first corner to a fourth end, wherein the second component is configured to move along the first leg axis toward and away from the first component, wherein the second leg comprises a first slot extending along the second leg axis, a first slider in the first slot, and a first scale, and wherein the second component is configured for a first state in which the first leg axis is parallel to the platform surface axis and orthogonal to the first component axis and the second leg axis is parallel to the first component axis and orthogonal to the platform surface axis, and in operation, when the bottom surface of the platform is positioned on a landing floor at a jamb of a doorway, the first component is against a front wall of a hoistway, and the first slider is aligned with a first drop line, the tool identifies a position of the first drop line in the hoistway relative to a first sidewall of the hoistway.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein, the second component has an L-shaped perimeter and the first component and the second component together define a z-shaped form.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein, the first slot is proximate the fourth end and the second component comprises a second slot extending along the second leg axis, wherein the second slot comprises a second slider and the first scale extends along the first slot and the second slot.

4. The tool of claim 3, wherein: the second component is a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface; a third component is connected to the second end of the first component and extends along the first leg axis from an axially inner end at the second end of the first component to an axially outer end against the bottom surface of the second component, wherein the second component is slidably connected to the third component such that the plate is configured to move along the second leg axis relative to the third component.

5. The tool of claim 4, wherein: the third component has at least two apertures spaced apart from each other along the first leg axis, the first leg of the second component has a third slot and a fourth slot extending along the first leg axis, and each of the third slot and the fourth slot comprises a knurled knob bolt extending into one of the apertures, thereby the second component is configured to slide along the first leg axis relative to the third component and lock into place against the third component.

6. The tool of claim 5, wherein, the first leg comprises a second scale extending along the first leg axis, thereby, in operation, the tool is configured to further identify a position of the first drop line in the hoistway relative to the front wall of the hoistway when the floor surface of the landing is positioned on the landing floor at the ledge of the doorway, the first component is against the front wall of the hoistway, and the first drop line is aligned with and in contact with one of the first slider or the second slider.

7. The tool of claim 6, wherein: each of the sliders has a top component disposed on the top surface of the second component along the second leg and a bottom component disposed on the bottom surface of the second component along the second leg; and the top component and the bottom component of the sliders both have a triangular shape with an apex oriented along the first leg axis.

8. The tool of claim 7, wherein, for each of the sliders, one of the top component and the bottom component has a connection slot and the other of the top component and the bottom component has a leg extending into the connection slot, the leg is flexible, and an end of the leg comprises a boss extending outwardly such that when the leg is inserted into the connection slot, the boss is configured to securely lock the top component and the bottom component together.

9. The tool of claim 8, wherein, the third component is configured to pivot toward the first component for storage of the tool, thereby, the second component is configured for use in a second state in which the first leg axis is orthogonal to the landing surface axis and parallel to the first component axis, and the second leg axis is orthogonal to the first component axis and parallel to the landing surface axis.

10. The tool of claim 9, wherein: the first component is a square bar having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, and the third component is configured to pivot toward the first side; the landing comprises a square channel that slides on the first component, wherein the square channel has a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, the top, the bottom, the first side, and the second side of the square channel abut against the top, the bottom, and the first side and the second side of the first component, respectively; and the landing is connected to the second side of the square channel.

11. The tool of claim 10, comprising a bearing between the square channel and the first component.

12. The tool of claim 10, wherein, the landing is connected to a first corner of the square channel, the first corner of the square channel is defined between the bottom and the second side of the square channel, and the first corner of the square channel is defined between the bottom and the second side of the square channel, and The platform includes a lip segment that extends away from the bottom face of the platform along a lip axis that is perpendicular to the first component axis and the platform surface axis, such that the platform has an L-shape, Thereby: when the top face of the platform is positioned on the landing floor at the ledge of the doorway, the first component, the second component, and the third component of the tool are within the hoistway and the lip segment of the platform is against the front wall of the hoistway, and the tool is configured to identify a position of another drop line in the hoistway relative to the front wall and a second side wall of the hoistway. And when the top face of the platform is positioned on the landing floor at the ledge of the doorway, the first component, the second component, and the third component of the tool are within the hoistway and the lip segment of the platform is against the front wall of the hoistway, and the tool is configured to identify a position of another drop line in the hoistway relative to the front wall and a second side wall of the hoistway.

13. The tool of claim 10, wherein, The third component is a square rod.

14. The tool of claim 1, wherein, The second component is a transparent polymer.

15. The tool of claim 10, wherein, The second end of the first component is connected to the third component via first and second brackets that are connected to the top and bottom faces of the first component.

16. The tool of claim 15, wherein: the axially inner end of the third component defines a first through-hole, and the first and second brackets define first and second pairs of apertures, the first pair of apertures being positioned to align with the first through-hole when the third component is pivoted against the first component, and the second pair of apertures being positioned to align with the first through-hole when the third component is orthogonal to the first component; and the tool includes a removable pin that is configured to be positioned through the first through-hole and the first pair of apertures when the third component is pivoted against the first component, and through the first through-hole and the second pair of apertures when the third component is orthogonal to the first component.

17. The tool of claim 10, wherein, The slider is formed of a polymer.

18. The tool of claim 10, wherein, The scale on the second component is defined by an opaque surface having graduated markings.

19. The tool of claim 10, wherein, The first and third components are formed of aluminum.

20. A method of measuring a distance between a front wall and a side wall of a hoistway and a drop line installed in the hoistway using the tool of claim 12, the method comprising: positioning the second component in the first state; positioning the bottom face of the platform on the landing floor at the ledge of the doorway, such that the first component, the second component, and the third component of the tool are within the hoistway, and the second side of the square channel is against the front wall of the hoistway; adjusting the position of the slider, the position of the second component against the third component, and the position of the first component relative to the platform to measure a position of the first drop line relative to the first side wall and the front wall; turning the tool so that the top surface of the platform is positioned on the landing floor at the ledge of the doorway and so that the first, second, and third components of the tool are within the hoistway and the lip segment of the platform is against the front wall of the hoistway; and adjusting the position of the slider, the second component against the third component, and the first component relative to the platform to measure the position of the other drop line relative to the second side wall and the front wall.

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