Additional and integrated lighting and camera accessories for hydraulic jacks

Abstract

Additional and integrated lighting and camera accessories for hydraulic jacks are disclosed. The illumination system includes at least one illumination element operable to emit a light beam. The lighting system is operable to illuminate a lifting point of the vehicle so that a lifting operation of the vehicle may be safely performed. A light beam of the illumination system is adjustable and operable to emit light at a plurality of angles. The lighting system also includes a camera operable to transmit video images to the electronic device.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 610,015, filed on December 14, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to additional and integrated lighting and camera accessories for hydraulic jacks, particularly floor jacks. Background Art

[0004] Traditional floor jacks typically include a saddle located on a mounting bracket of a lifting arm. The saddle is positioned below a suitable lifting point on a vehicle, and the lifting arm is actuated to lift the vehicle to a given height. Such floor jacks are commonly used to lift vehicles to suspend the vehicle's tires / wheels and / or provide access to the underside of the vehicle's body (when used in combination with a jack support stand).

[0005] The floor jack must be correctly positioned below the lifting points of the vehicle to ensure that any lifting operation is performed safely. To correctly position the floor jack below the lifting points of the vehicle, the operator must be able to find and identify these lifting points. However, unfortunately, even in a well - lit garage (where some ambient light reaches the underside of the vehicle), the large shadow cast by the vehicle's body may obscure or block these lifting points of the vehicle. Thus, an operator using a traditional floor jack may not be able to correctly identify the lifting points of the vehicle. Therefore, it would be advantageous for a floor jack to include an integrated or detachable lighting or camera accessory to assist in correctly positioning the floor jack and illuminating the underside of the vehicle's body. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Disclosed is a lighting system for a floor jack as shown in and described with reference to the accompanying drawings of the present disclosure and as claimed.

[0007] Specifically, an exemplary lighting system for a floor jack is disclosed. The lighting system includes at least one lighting element operable to emit a light beam. The lighting system further includes a battery electrically connected to the lighting element and operable to power the lighting element. The lighting system also includes a switch electrically connected to the battery and operable to operate between a first position and a second position. In this example, the light beam is adjustable.

[0008] In one example, the lighting element is connected to the lifting arm of the floor jack. In another example, the lighting element includes a housing associated with the lifting arm, wherein the housing includes a lens and at least one light - emitting diode (LED) lamp located within the housing. In another example, the lighting element projects the light beam toward at least one end of the lifting arm.

[0009] In another example, the lighting element is detachable, and the lighting element can be connected to the floor jack at multiple positions. In another example, the lighting system includes at least one camera element and a communication circuit. In this example, the camera element is operable to record at least one video image, and the communication circuit is operable to transmit the video image to an electronic device.

[0010] A floor jack is also disclosed. The vehicle jack includes a body and a lifting arm pivotally connected to the body. The vehicle jack further includes at least one lighting element operable to emit a light beam toward a portion of the floor jack. The vehicle jack further includes a battery electrically connected to the lighting element, the battery being operable to power the lighting element. The vehicle jack further includes a switch electrically connected to the battery and operable between a first position and a second position. In this example, the light beam is adjustable.

[0011] In one example, the at least one lighting element includes a housing connected to a portion of the floor jack, the housing including a lens and at least one light emitting diode lamp located within the housing. In another example, the at least one lighting element includes a first lighting element connected to the floor jack at a first position and a second lighting element connected to the floor jack at a second position, where the first position is different from the second position.

[0012] In another example, the first lighting element is connected to the body at a position adjacent to the front axle. In another example, the first lighting element is connected to the lifting arm. In another example, the first lighting element is connected to a saddle jack, where the saddle jack is pivotally connected to the lifting arm.

[0013] In another example, the first lighting element is connected to a support element, and the support element is connected to the body. In another example, the support element is pivotable to adjust the light beam. In another example, the first light beam of the first lighting element overlaps the second light beam of the second lighting element. In another example, the first lighting element and the second lighting element are fixed at opposite positions on the circumference of a jack saddle, where the jack saddle is pivotally connected to the lifting arm. In another example, the vehicle jack includes a bridging member connected to the body, the bridging member being operable to move between an upper extended position and a lower retracted position, where the lighting element is connected to the bridging member.

[0014] Also disclosed is an exemplary floor jack. The floor jack includes a body and a lifting arm pivotally connected to the body, the lifting arm being operable to move between a raised configuration and a lowered position. The floor jack further includes at least one lighting element connected to a portion of the floor jack and operable to emit a light beam toward an end of the lifting arm. The floor jack also includes a battery electrically connected to the lighting element, the battery being operable to power the lighting element. The floor jack further includes a switch electrically connected to the battery and operable between a first position and a second position. In this example, the light beam is adjustable.

[0015] In one example, the lighting element includes a housing integrated with the lifting arm, the housing being operable to receive at least one light-emitting diode lamp. In another example, the floor jack further includes a communication circuit and at least one camera element integrated with the lighting element. In this example, the camera element is operable to record video images, and the communication circuit is operable to transmit the video images to a mobile electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A perspective view of a floor jack in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, the floor jack including a lighting element connected to a lifting arm in a raised position.

[0017] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the floor jack is shown, illustrating the lifting arm in a raised configuration and exemplary internal components of the floor jack.

[0018] Figure 3 Shown is a partial detailed perspective view of a floor jack in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 detailing the lighting element connected to the lifting arm.

[0019] Figure 4 Shown is a side view of a floor jack in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 illustrating the lifting arm in a lowered position and showing the light beam of the lighting element.

[0020] Figure 5 Shown is a side view of a floor jack in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 depicting the lifting arm in a raised position and showing the light beam of the lighting element.

[0021] Figure 6 A partial detailed perspective view of a floor jack in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, the floor jack including a lighting element connected to a support element above a front axle between a pair of front wheels.

[0022] Figure 7Shows a side view of a Figure 6 floor jack according to one aspect of the present disclosure, depicting the lifting arm in the lowered position and showing the light beam of the lighting element.

[0023] Figure 8 Shows a side view of a Figure 6 floor jack according to one aspect of the present disclosure, depicting the lifting arm in the raised position and including a second lighting element and showing the light beam of the lighting element.

[0024] Figure 9 Shows a partial detail perspective view of a floor jack according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the floor jack including an integrated lighting element and a camera element disposed at the center of the jack saddle.

[0025] Figure 10 Shows a side view of a Figure 9 floor jack according to one aspect of the present disclosure, depicting the lifting arm in the lowered position and showing the light beam of the lighting element and the field of view of the camera.

[0026] Figure 11 Shows a partial detail perspective view of a floor jack according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the floor jack including two lighting elements connected to two opposite sides of the jack saddle.

[0027] Figure 12 Shows a perspective view of a bridge jack according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the bridge jack including a combined lighting element and a camera element integrated into the bridging member.

[0028] Figure 13 Shows a detachable lighting element according to one aspect of the present disclosure, which includes a fixture for attaching the detachable lighting element to the floor jack.

[0029] Figure 14 Shows a flexible lighting element according to one aspect of the present disclosure, which can be attached to the floor jack.

[0030] The above summary and the following detailed description of certain features of the present application can be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For purposes of illustration, certain features are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements shown in the drawings. Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Any feature of any drawing can be cited and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, the drawings provided herein are intended to illustrate features of embodiments of the present disclosure. These features are considered to be applicable to various applications including one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are not meant to include all conventional features known to a person of ordinary skill in the art that are necessary for practicing the embodiments disclosed herein. Detailed Description

[0032] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a floor jack 1 is shown, which includes a lighting element 30 connected to a lifting arm 2. The lighting element 30 is operable to emit a light beam 31 onto a work area or a vehicle. The light beam 31 can be adjusted based on the positioning of the light beam 31 relative to the floor jack 1, the brightness level of the light emitted from the lighting element 30, and / or the number of lighting elements 30 connected to the floor jack 1 that are selectively operated during use. The floor jack 1 includes a body 3 and a lifting arm 2 pivotally connected to the body 3 at a second link pivot 14b and a lower lifting arm pivot 16a. It should be understood that the lighting element 30 discussed herein in connection with the floor jack 1 can also be connected and / or integrated with other types of jacks and / or lifting devices, such as bottle jacks, ratchet jacks, scissor jacks, etc. The present disclosure also contemplates a plurality of lighting elements connected to the floor jack 1, for example, as Figure 1 shown, a lighting element 60 connected to a handle 5.

[0033] Figure 2A partial cross-sectional view of a floor jack 1 in a raised configuration is shown. As shown, a handle 5 is operable to actuate at least one jack cylinder 7 to raise a lifting arm 2 by repeatedly pumping the handle 5 up and down (i.e., rotating the handle 5 about a handle pivot 6). Such pumping of the jack cylinder 7 builds up a pressure of a hydraulic fluid that is transmitted via a fluid conduit 8 from a low-pressure reservoir 9 through one or more check valves 10 to one or more reservoirs 11. As the pressure builds and more hydraulic fluid is transmitted to the reservoirs 11, a plunger 12 is driven outwardly, away from the handle 5. As shown, the plunger 12 is pivotally connected to at least one link 13 via a first link pivot 14a. The link 13 is pivotally connected to at least one rocker arm 15 via a second link pivot 14b. The rocker arm 15 is fixed to or integral with the lifting arm 2. The lifting arm 2 is pivotally connected to and pivots about a lower lifting arm pivot 16a. When the plunger 12 is driven outwardly, the plunger 12 acts on (i.e., pulls) the link 13, which in turn causes the rocker arm 15 and the lifting arm 2 to rotate about the lower lifting arm pivot 16a. In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting arm 2 is connected to a mounting bracket 17 via an upper lifting arm pivot 16b. A lever 18 (which may be a radius arm in some embodiments) is pinned between a body 3 of the floor jack 1 and the mounting bracket 17 and helps to prevent rotation of the mounting bracket 17. As shown, one end of the lever 18 is connected to the body 3 of the floor jack 1 via a first lever pivot 19a and the other end of the lever 18 is connected to the mounting bracket 17 via a second lever pivot 19b. When the lifting arm 2 is raised, the lever 18 rotates about the first lever pivot 19a and the second lever pivot 19b to provide support for any load applied to the saddle jack 20 and the mounting bracket 17. When the pressure is released from the reservoirs 11, the plunger 12 retracts and the lifting arm 2 lowers.

[0034] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the floor jack 1 includes a front wheel 23 and a rear wheel 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the front wheel 23 is mounted on an axle 22 (see Figure 3 ), and the rear wheel 24 is a caster. In alternative embodiments, the front wheel 23 and the rear wheel 24 may be mounted to respective front and rear axles. In some embodiments, the floor jack 1 includes a crawler or a fuel tank pedal. In other embodiments, the floor jack 1 includes a track or a pedal and the front wheel 23 or the rear wheel 24.

[0035] As Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the lighting element 30 is integrated with the lifting arm 2. In an alternative embodiment, the lighting element 30 may be connected or attached to the lifting arm 2. For example, the lighting element 30 may be removable from the lifting arm 2 for repair or maintenance of the lighting element 30. More specifically, the lifting arm 2 may include a housing 36 or socket (not shown) configured to receive the lighting element 30, and the lighting element 30 may be removable by a user. The user may remove the lighting element 30 by actuating a switch (such as a button) or manually pulling the lighting element 30 out of the socket or housing 36.

[0036] Referring Figure 3 , the lighting element 30 may include one or more LEDs that are electrically connected to a battery (not shown), which is also disposed within the lifting arm 2. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates all types of LEDs suitable for illuminating a work area, including but not limited to dual in-line packages, surface mounted diodes, and chips on board. Due to the low power consumption of LEDs, it is advantageous to use LEDs instead of alternative lighting methods. Therefore, a smaller (and more cost-effective) battery may be used while still providing sufficient battery life to meet commercial requirements. The lighting element 30 may also be equipped with an on / off switch or button, a timer, or may turn off after a period of inactivity. The lighting element 30 may also be equipped with an inertial measurement unit or accelerometer that may turn on the lighting element 30 based on user interaction (such as a tap action in a specific area) or based on the movement of the floor jack 1. In one embodiment, the lighting element 30 may be voice-activated. In an alternative embodiment, the floor jack 1 may include a motion sensor, where detected movement near the floor jack 1 may activate the lighting element 30.

[0037] In one embodiment, the battery consists of a battery compartment and a removable disposable battery cell (such as an AAA or AA battery). In another embodiment, the battery is an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery and includes a circuit and a charging port (such as a micro USB or USB-C port) for charging the battery. The charging port is operable to receive a charging cable connected to a power source for transmitting current through the circuit to charge the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery may also be charged by solar energy, inductive charging methods, or by using a generator element mechanically attached to a moving part of the floor jack 1.

[0038] Figure 4 and Figure 5Shows the light beam 31 of the lighting element 30 integrated into the lifting arm 2. One or more lenses can be used to project the light generated by one or more LEDs into the light beam 31. A wider beam angle outputs a light beam 31 with reduced light intensity but illuminates a wider area. In contrast, for the same light beam 31, a narrower beam angle outputs a higher intensity. The lamp element 30 is positioned near the second link pivot 14b and the lower lifting arm pivot 16a of the lifting arm 2 and is tilted to illuminate the jack saddle 20. By positioning the lighting element 30 near the second link pivot 14b and the lower lifting arm pivot 16a, the beam angle γ of the light beam 31 is projected wide enough to illuminate the jack saddle 20 and the surrounding area. Additionally, since the lighting element 30 is integrated and connected to the lifting arm 2, the light beam 31 will shift according to the positioning of the lifting arm 2. For example, as Figure 4 shown, when the lifting arm 2 is in the lowered position, the light beam 31 mainly points forward to the jack saddle 20 and slightly upward. When the lifting arm 2 is in the lowered position, the light beam 31 may be the best choice to illuminate the bottom of the vehicle body and / or the suitable lifting points of the vehicle. Additionally, as Figure 5 shown, for example, when the lifting arm 2 is raised, the light beam 31 continuously illuminates the saddle jack 20, and the light beam 31 points further upward in the vertical direction. When the lifting arm 2 is in the raised configuration, the light beam 31 may be suitable for illuminating the working area (e.g., wheel well, etc.). In Figure 4 and Figure 5 the illustrated embodiments, the direction of the light beam 31 is adjustable such that it can be related to the positioning of the lifting arm 2.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the light beam 31 of the lighting element 30 can be adjusted by physically repositioning the lighting element 30 relative to the lifting arm 2. In such an embodiment, the light beam 31 of the lighting element 30 is not emitted at a constant angle relative to the lifting arm 2. Instead, the lighting element 30 is capable of operating to emit the light beam 31 at multiple angles regardless of the position of the lifting arm 2 between the lowered position and the raised configuration. For example, hinges and linkages of the lighting element 30 connected to the lifting arm 2 can be used to adjust the light beam 31 between multiple angles. In such an example, when the lifting arm 2 travels in the upward or downward direction, the user can adjust the angle of the light beam 31 and maintain constant illumination on the target area. In other embodiments, the lighting element 30 can be connected to a rotating housing or bracket, thereby allowing the user to adjust the light beam 31 at multiple angles.

[0040] For example, when the lifting arm 2 is in the lowered position, the lighting element 30 on the lifting arm 2 can emit a light beam 31 in a target area below the vehicle. Subsequently, as the lifting arm 2 moves towards the raised configuration, the lighting element 30 is automatically or manually adjusted to tilt downward or upward relative to the moving lifting arm 2 to keep the target working area illuminated. In addition, the lighting element 30 can be adjusted by the user to illuminate a fixed point, such as a desired working area. Depending on the light beam 31, when the lifting arm 2 travels in the upward or downward direction, the lighting element 30 in the lifting arm 2 may have a non-optimized aiming point.

[0041] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment is shown that includes a lighting element 30 positioned adjacent to the front axle 22 of the floor jack 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting element 30 is mounted on a support element 32. The support element 32 can be connected to the body 3 of the floor jack 1 near and above the axle 22 between the front wheels 23. The support element 32 can be detached from the body 3 to allow the user to maintain the lighting element 30 by providing access for replacing the battery or replacing the lighting element 30. The support element 32 can also pivot relative to the body 3, allowing the user to adjust the lighting element 30 to illuminate a desired working area. The support element 32 can be manually adjusted by the user physically moving the support element 32, or the support element 32 can be remotely electrically adjusted using a remote control. The lighting element 30 can likewise be one or more LEDs and its function is as described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 3 the embodiments shown. It should be understood that Figure 6 the embodiments shown are exemplary and the lighting element 30 can be connected to any part of the floor jack 1 using the support element 32. The support element 32 can be a bracket or other type of fastening device capable of connecting the lighting element 30 to a part of the floor jack 1. For example, the lighting element 30 can be connected to one side of the floor jack 1 using the support element 32. In addition, the support element can include a pivoting feature that enables the user to manually or electronically aim the lighting element 30 at a target working area (e.g., a lifting point). One advantage of such an embodiment is that the direction of the light beam 31 of the lighting element 30 can be maintained and / or adjusted independently of the position of the lifting arm 2. Another advantage is that the support element 32 can be connected above the front axle 22 between the front wheels 23 to allow for a wider beam angle, thereby illuminating the working area of the vehicle or the underside of the vehicle body. In an alternative embodiment, the support element 32 can be connected to the jack saddle 20 or another part of the floor jack 1 to illuminate a desired working area of the user.

[0042] Referring to Figure 7, shows the light beam 31 of the lighting element 30 above the front axle (not shown) that is typically installed between the front wheels 23 of the floor jack 1. The light beam 31 does not move in response to the movement of the lifting arm 2. The light beam 31 is stationary relative to the movement of the lifting arm 2. The light beam 31 continuously shines upward, illuminating the working area and / or the vehicle located above the floor jack 1. Additionally, the lighting element 30 can be mounted to or connected to the front axle and positioned to emit the light beam 31 in a direction that is substantially horizontal and parallel to the body 3 of the floor jack 1. The lighting element 30 can be adjusted manually or electronically to a wider range of beam angles. In an alternative embodiment, the lighting element 30 located above the front axle 22 between the front wheels 23 can be adjusted electronically or manually by the user. The user can adjust the lighting element 30 to emit the light beam 31 in a specified target working area, thereby providing the user with a better illuminated working area.

[0043] Figure 7 and Figure 8 shows the beam angles α and β of the lighting element 30 when the lifting arm 2 is in the raised configuration. The beam angle α and the beam angle β can be approximately 45°. The present disclosure contemplates that the beam angle itself is adjustable, ranging from at least about 0° to at least about 180°. The present disclosure also contemplates that the direction of the beam angle can be adjustable, ranging from at least about 0° to at least about 180°. For example, as Figure 7 shown, the beam angle α can continuously illuminate at approximately 45° and can be adjusted to a larger beam angle, such as a beam angle δ of approximately 90°. In an alternative embodiment, the beam angles discussed in this paragraph can be larger or smaller. It should be understood that the adjustable beam angle discussed in this paragraph can be incorporated into any other embodiment included in the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 shows an exemplary embodiment that combines the front axle 22 lighting element 30 and the lifting arm 2 lighting element 30. In such an embodiment, the corresponding light beams 31 can overlap, providing optimal lighting for the surrounding working area. For example, the front axle 22 lighting element 30 illuminates the bottom of the vehicle body and the lifting points (not shown), and the lifting arm 2 lighting element 30 illuminates the jack saddle 20 and the surrounding area. The combination of the two lighting elements 30 can provide the user with ideal lighting to find the lifting points of the vehicle, correctly position the jack saddle 20, and safely raise the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, more integrated or connected lighting elements 30 can be associated with the floor jack 1. The user can choose to use all the lighting elements 30 during operation, or select which lighting elements 30 to use according to the needs of the user and the target working area.

[0045] Figure 9An alternative embodiment is shown that includes a combined lighting element 30 and a camera element 33 integrated and disposed at the center of the jack saddle 20. The lighting element 30 can likewise be one or more LEDs, and its function is as described in the above embodiment. The lighting element 30 is positioned to provide sufficient illumination for the camera 33. The camera 33 is connected to a communication circuit that is operable to transmit video images captured by the camera 33 to a portable electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a computer, etc.). The communication circuit can communicate with the portable electronic device through any suitable frequency (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). It should be understood that this embodiment can optionally be combined with any front lighting element 30 associated with the front axle 22 or the lifting arm as described above. In an alternative embodiment, the lighting element 30 can be located at the center of the jack saddle 20 without the presence of the camera 33. Additionally, the camera 33 can be located at other positions on the floor jack 1, e.g., the front axle 22, the lifting arm 2, the handle 5 (not shown), the jack body 3, or any other position on the floor jack 1. The camera 33 can be a gooseneck camera. The camera 33 can be integrated into the floor jack 1 or can be detachable from the floor jack 1. Additionally, the camera 33 can be mounted at various positions on the floor jack 1 by using a clamp or some other type of fastening device that connects the camera 33 to the floor jack 1. Finally, the user can change the position of the camera 33 either electronically or manually, whether it is integrated with the floor jack 1 or detachable from the floor jack 1. As discussed in more detail below, Figure 9 A flexible lighting element 70 connected to the floor jack 1 by a support element 32 is also shown.

[0046] Figure 10 An exemplary light beam 31 of the lighting element 30 and a camera field of view 35 of the camera element 33 are shown, where the combined lighting element 30 and the camera element 33 are integrated in the jack saddle 20. In this embodiment, the lighting element 30 is configured to project the light beam 31 upward at an angle suitable for illuminating the bottom of the vehicle body. The camera 33 is positioned such that the field of view 35 points upward. This embodiment allows the user to view the illuminated bottom of the vehicle body without having to bend down and place their head under the vehicle. For example, when the video from the camera 33 is transmitted to a portable electronic device, the user can identify the lifting points and precisely position the jack saddle 20 below the lifting points before engaging and lifting the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the combined lighting element 30 and the camera element 33 can be located at various other positions on the floor jack 1, e.g., the front axle (not shown), the lifting arm 2, the jack body 3, etc.

[0047] Figure 11An alternative embodiment of the dual lighting element 30 mounted around the periphery of the jack saddle 20 is shown. The dual lighting element 30 can likewise be one or more LEDs, and its function is as described in the above embodiments. It should be understood that the dual lighting embodiment can optionally be combined with any one of the above-described lighting element 30 and camera 33 embodiments. Additionally, the dual lighting element 30 includes a first lamp shade 37 and a second lamp shade 38. During use, the user can select to emit light from both the first lamp shade 37 and the second lamp shade 38, from only the first lamp shade 37, or from only the second lamp shade 38. The selection to use the dual lighting element 30 can be done remotely by the user or by pressing a button or switch (not shown) located on the floor jack 1. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, the dual lighting element 30 can rotate around the outer periphery of the jack saddle 20 to provide the user with the ability to illuminate a desired work area.

[0048] Figure 12 An alternative embodiment of the combined lighting element 30 and camera 33 used in conjunction with the bridge jack 50 is shown. The lighting element 30 can be one or more LEDs, and its function is as described above. Likewise, the function of the camera 33 can be similar to that of the embodiments referred to Figure 8 and Figure 9 described. The camera 33 used in this embodiment uses a wide-angle or fish-eye lens such that the field of view 35 of the camera (see Figure 10 ) is wide enough to capture the relevant work on the underside of the vehicle body and multiple lifting points. The camera 33 can be located between the two lighting elements 30. The camera 33 and the lighting element 30 are substantially located at the midpoint of the bridge member 51. In an alternative embodiment, the camera 33 and the lighting element 30 can be located at different positions on the bridge member 51 or the bridge jack 50. The bridge jack 50 can also include the previously disclosed lighting element 30. For example, in addition to the lighting elements located on the front axle 22 and / or the lifting arm 2, the bridge jack 50 can also include the combined lighting element 30 and camera 33 located on the bridge member 51.

[0049] Figure 13 An example of a detachable lighting element 60 is shown. The example shown includes a clamp 61, an LED light panel 62, and an integrated battery 63. The battery 63 can be disposable or rechargeable, as described in more detail above. The detachable lighting element 60 also includes a switch 64 for turning the lighting element 60 on / off and / or switching between different lighting modes. The detachable lighting element 60 can have different lighting modes with different brightness levels. The lighting element 60 can be clamped to the lifting arm 2, the handle 5 (see Figure 1 ), or any other suitable part of the floor jack 1 to illuminate the work area. The detachable lighting element 60 can also be remotely controlled by the user. In addition to the previously disclosed lighting element 30, the detachable lighting element 60 can also be used.

[0050] Figure 14 shows another detachable lighting element - a flexible lighting element 70. The flexible lighting element 70 includes a base 71, and the base 71 includes a battery (not shown), which is connected to a flexible arm 72 having an LED (not shown) and a protective lens 73. The battery can be disposable or rechargeable, as described in more detail above. The flexible lighting element 70 further includes a switch 74 for turning on / off the lighting element 70 and / or switching between different lighting modes. The flexible lighting element 70 can have different lighting modes with different brightness levels. The flexible lighting element 70 can be attached to the floor jack 1 by gluing the bottom, velcro, suction, a bracket assembly, a clamp, a magnet, or any combination thereof. The flexible arm 72 enables the user to manipulate the direction of the lens 73 to emit light, so as to better illuminate the floor jack 1, one or more lifting points, or the target working area. The flexible lighting element 70 can also optionally include the camera 33 as described above.

[0051] In one embodiment, the flexible lighting element 70 can be fixed to any part of the floor jack 1 by using a support element 32 (e.g., a bracket). For example, the flexible lighting element 70 can be fixed to a part of the floor jack 1, such as the body 3, by using the support element 32, as shown in Figure 9 . Once fixed to the floor jack 1, the operator can adjust the direction of the light beam 31 by bending the flexible arm 72. In addition, the maintenance and adjustment of the direction of the light beam 31 of the lighting element 70 are independent of the angle / position of the lifting arm 2.

[0052] It should be understood that all the above lighting element embodiments can be battery-powered or hard-wired to a power source. In addition, the lighting element can project white light, or can be configured to project other colors (e.g., red, green, blue, etc.). In such an embodiment, the lighting element includes a switch to enable the user to selectively change the brightness and / or color temperature or color of the light. It is further understood that the lighting element can be configured to project light of any color or a series of colors on the visible spectrum. In addition, the lighting element can include UV light to detect leaks.

[0053] The present disclosure is described in sufficient, clear, concise, and accurate terms so that any person skilled in the art can practice it. It should be understood that the above preferred aspects of the present disclosure can be modified without departing from the spirit of the scope of the present disclosure set forth in the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific aspects shown or described, but the present application will include all aspects falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A lighting system for a floor jack, comprising: at least one lighting element operable to emit a light beam; a battery electrically connected to the lighting element and operable to power the lighting element; as well as a switch electrically connected to the battery and operable between a first position and a second position, Wherein, the light beam is adjustable.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The lighting element is connected to the lifting arm of the floor jack.

3. The lighting system according to claim 2, wherein: The lighting element includes a housing associated with the lift arm, wherein the housing includes a lens and at least one light emitting diode lamp located within the housing.

4. The lighting system according to claim 3, wherein: The lighting element projects the light beam toward at least one end of the lifting arm.

5. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The lighting element is removable, wherein the lighting element can be connected to the floor jack in a plurality of positions.

6. The lighting system of claim 1, further comprising at least one camera element and communication circuitry, wherein the camera element is operable to record at least one video image and the communication circuitry is operable to transmit the video image to an electronic device.

7. A floor jack comprising: main body; a lifting arm pivotably connected to the body; at least one lighting element operable to emit a light beam toward a portion of the floor jack; a battery electrically connected to the lighting element and operable to power the lighting element; as well as a switch electrically connected to the battery and operable between a first position and a second position, Wherein, the light beam is adjustable.

8. The floor jack according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one lighting element includes a housing coupled to a portion of the floor jack, wherein the housing includes a lens and at least one light emitting diode light positioned within the housing.

9. The floor jack according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one lighting element includes a first lighting element connected to the floor jack in a first position and a second lighting element connected to the floor jack in a second position, wherein the first position is different from the second position.

10. The floor jack according to claim 9, wherein: The first lighting element is connected to the body adjacent the front axle.

11. The floor jack according to claim 9, wherein: The first lighting element is connected to the lift arm.

12. The floor jack according to claim 9, wherein: The first lighting element is connected to a jack saddle that is pivotably connected to the lift arm.

13. The floor jack according to claim 10, wherein: The first lighting element is connected to a support element, and the support element is connected to the body.

14. The floor jack according to claim 13, wherein: The support element is pivotable to adjust the positioning of the light beam.

15. The floor jack according to claim 9, wherein: The first light beam of the first lighting element overlaps with the second light beam of the second lighting element.

16. The floor jack according to claim 12, wherein: The first lighting element and the second lighting element are fixed at relative positions on a circumference of a jack saddle, wherein the jack saddle is pivotably connected to the lifting arm.

17. The floor jack of claim 9, further comprising a bridge connected to the body, the bridge operable to move between an upper extended position and a lower retracted position, wherein the lighting element is connected to the bridge.

18. A floor jack comprising: main body; a lift arm pivotally connected to the body and operable to move between a raised configuration and a lowered position; at least one lighting element connected to a portion of the floor jack and operable to emit a light beam toward an end of the lift arm; a battery electrically connected to the lighting element and operable to power the lighting element; as well as a switch electrically connected to the battery and operable between a first position and a second position, Wherein, the light beam is adjustable.

19. The floor jack according to claim 18, wherein: The lighting element includes a housing integral with the lift arm, the housing being operable to receive at least one light emitting diode lamp.

20. The floor jack of claim 18, further comprising communications circuitry and at least one camera element integrated with the lighting element, wherein the camera element is operable to record video images and the communications circuitry is operable to transmit the video images to a mobile electronic device.

Images