Lifting tool

Abstract

A lift tool includes a foot portion, a shank portion, and a movable assembly including a housing, a movable platform, a lift actuator, a drop actuator, and a release actuator; the lifting tool is characterized in that the release actuator is spaced apart from both the raising actuator and the lowering actuator in order to prevent unintended actuation of the release actuator; the release actuator and the lowering actuator both extend from a common face of the housing, the release actuator is located above the lowering actuator relative to the foot, and the lowering actuator extends from the common face of the housing larger than the release actuator.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application of patent application number 202280063272.9 and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 271,632, filed October 25, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates generally to hand tools, and more specifically to spreaders or jacks. Background Technology

[0004] Conventional lifting and lowering tools, such as jacks, are known. Furthermore, this application relates to various improvements to lifting tools that can be used for the controlled lifting of objects such as doors, windows, frame sections, and pallets. The disclosure of this invention includes various improvements that can be used together or independently in various embodiments. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A lifting tool is disclosed, comprising: a foot configured to be supported on a surface; a rod extending from the foot; and a movable assembly including: a housing; a movable platform configured to support a load thereon; a lift actuator configured to incrementally move the movable assembly away from the foot along the rod; a lower actuator configured to incrementally move the movable assembly toward the foot along the rod; and a release actuator configured to disengage the movable assembly from the rod to allow free movement of the movable assembly along the rod.

[0006] The release actuator can be spaced apart from both the raise actuator and the lower actuator to prevent unintentional actuation of the release actuator.

[0007] Both the release actuator and the lowering actuator extend from the common surface of the housing. The release actuator is positioned above the lowering actuator relative to the foot, and the extension of the lowering actuator from the common surface of the housing is greater than that of the release actuator.

[0008] The movable platform can be connected to the housing via a flange; the movable component can be engaged with the rod via a locking plate that is selectively disengaged from the rod by actuation of the lowering actuator; and the locking plate can extend through the flange.

[0009] When the movable component is near the foot, the movable platform can extend over the rod away from the foot.

[0010] The movable platform may include supports or clamps.

[0011] The movable platform may extend from the housing and includes a flange that extends from the movable platform and surrounds the rod.

[0012] A portion of the housing may be located between the release actuator and the lowering actuator.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a lifting tool includes: a foot configured to be supported on a surface; a rod extending from the foot; and a movable assembly. The movable assembly includes: a housing; a movable platform shaped to support a load thereon, the movable platform extending from the housing and coupled to the housing via a flange; a raise actuator configured to incrementally move the movable assembly along the rod away from the foot; a lower actuator configured to incrementally move the movable assembly along the rod toward the foot; and a release actuator configured to disengage the movable assembly from the rod to allow free movement of the movable assembly along the rod. The movable assembly engages with the rod via a locking plate, the locking plate selectively disengaging from the rod by actuation of the lower actuator; and the locking plate extends through the flange.

[0014] According to another embodiment, a lifting tool includes: a foot configured to be supported on a surface; a rod extending from the foot; and a movable assembly. The movable assembly includes: a housing; a movable platform configured to support a load thereon; a raise actuator configured to incrementally move the movable assembly along the rod away from the foot; a lower actuator configured to incrementally move the movable assembly along the rod toward the foot; and a release actuator configured to disengage the movable assembly from the rod to allow free movement of the movable assembly along the rod. The release actuator is spaced apart from both the raise and lower actuators to prevent unintentional actuation of the release actuator.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a lifting tool includes: a foot configured to be supported on a surface; a rod extending from the foot; and a movable assembly. The movable assembly includes: a housing; a movable platform configured to support a load thereon, the movable platform extending from the housing and including a flange extending from the movable platform and surrounding the rod; a lift actuator configured to incrementally move the movable assembly along the rod away from the foot; a lower actuator configured to incrementally move the movable assembly along the rod toward the foot; and a release actuator configured to disengage the movable assembly from the rod to allow free movement of the movable assembly along the rod.

[0016] According to another embodiment, a lifting tool includes: a foot configured to be supported on a surface; a rod extending from the foot; and a movable assembly. The movable assembly includes: a housing; a movable platform configured to support a load thereon, the movable platform extending upward toward the rod away from the foot as the movable assembly approaches the foot; a lift actuator configured to incrementally move the movable assembly along the rod away from the foot; a lower actuator configured to incrementally move the movable assembly toward the foot along the rod; and a release actuator configured to disengage the movable assembly from the rod to allow free movement of the movable assembly along the rod.

[0017] These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the invention, as well as the functionality of the method of operation, the combination of structural elements and components, and the economy of manufacture, will become clearer upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of this specification, wherein the same reference numerals refer to corresponding components in the various figures. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural components shown herein are drawn to scale. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that structural features shown or described in any embodiment herein may be used in other embodiments. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Features of the lifting tool according to one or more embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. The drawings form part of this original disclosure, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 A side perspective view of the lifting tool according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1Bottom perspective view of the tool;

[0021] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A side perspective view of the tool, with the tool's housing removed;

[0022] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The tool reduces and releases the independent perspective of child components;

[0023] Figures 5A to 5C It shows Figure 4 Side sectional views of the sub-components in the neutral position, incrementally lowered position, and released position, respectively;

[0024] Figure 6 A side perspective view of the lifting tool according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0025] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A side perspective view of the tool, in which the tool's housing has been removed to highlight the tool's movable platform;

[0026] Figures 8A to 8B It shows Figure 6 A side perspective view of the tool, in which the tool housing has been removed to highlight the lowering actuator and the release actuator, respectively, in the incremental lowering and release positions.

[0027] Figure 9 A side view of the lifting tool according to the third embodiment is shown;

[0028] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 Side perspective view of the lifting tool;

[0029] Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment shows the internal mechanism when the tool is stationary, and how the actuator arm that pushes the tool downward will activate the rise;

[0030] Figure 12 It shows Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment shows the internal mechanism when the tool is actuated by lifting the actuator arm to activate the lowering;

[0031] Figure 13 It shows Figure 9 A side view of an embodiment, wherein one side of the housing is removed, shows the internal mechanism when the tool is actuated by pressing the release button to activate the release of the load carried by the tool;

[0032] Figure 14 A side perspective view of the lifting tool according to the fourth embodiment is shown;

[0033] Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 A side perspective view of the lifting tool, in which the cover of the tool's housing has been removed to view the interior;

[0034] Figure 16 It shows Figure 14 A side view of the lifting tool, with the cover of the tool's housing removed to view the interior;

[0035] Figures 17A to 17C It shows Figure 14 A side sectional view of a sub-assembly of the lifting tool, showing the incremental lowering actuator and the release actuator in the neutral position, the incremental lowering position and the release position, respectively.

[0036] Figure 18 An internal side view of a fifth embodiment of the lifting tool in the non-actuated position is shown;

[0037] Figure 19 The actuated position is shown. Figure 18 An internal side view of an embodiment of the lifting tool;

[0038] Figure 20 A front or rear sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a lifting tool in an unactuated position is shown;

[0039] Figure 21 The actuated position is shown. Figure 20 Front or rear sectional view of an embodiment of the lifting tool;

[0040] Figure 22 A side sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the lifting tool in the non-actuated position is shown;

[0041] Figure 23 The actuated position is shown. Figure 22 A side sectional view of an embodiment of the lifting tool;

[0042] Figure 24 An internal side view of an eighth embodiment of the lifting tool in the non-actuated position is shown;

[0043] Figure 25 The actuated position is shown. Figure 24 An internal side view of an embodiment of the lifting tool;

[0044] Figure 26 A side perspective view of a first embodiment of the coupling assembly illustrating embodiments of lifting tools and supports or clamps; and

[0045] Figure 27A side perspective view of a second embodiment of the coupling assembly of an embodiment of a lifting tool and a support or clamp is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figures 1 to 5C A lifting tool 100 according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the tool may include a foot 110 having a front foot 110a and a rear foot 110b fixedly mounted to a rod 120. A movable assembly 130 may be movably mounted to the rod 120 and includes a movable platform 140 received between the toes 150 of the front foot 110a. It is understood that the front foot 110a and the movable platform 140 may be placed together under an object to be raised, and by actuating the movable assembly 130, the movable platform 140 can raise the object above the foot 110. Similarly, by actuating the movable assembly 130, an object placed on the raised movable platform 150 can be lowered, thereby lowering the object to a desired position. Details of the foot 110 are discussed in more detail below, but as... Figure 1 As shown, the rear foot 110b can extend rearward from the front foot 110a, and its size can be designed to support the tool 100 and prevent the tool 100 from tipping backward when the tool 100 is upright without any load, especially when the movable component 130 is raised from the foot 110 (e.g., fully extended from the foot).

[0048] like Figure 1 As further shown, the movable component 130 includes a housing 160 and may include a lift actuator 170, such as a lever, actuated against the grip 180; a lower actuator 190, such as another lever; and a release actuator 200, which may be a third lever, as further described herein. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the lower actuator 190 and the release actuator 200 may be positioned in an ergonomic manner. For example, the lower actuator 190 may be actuated by the outstretched fingertips of a hand gripping the grip 180 (the force required to lower a raised load is less than the force required to raise it), while the lift actuator 170 may be actuated by multiple curled fingertips as the user's hand extends from the grip 180. As shown, the release actuator 200 may have low mechanical advantage and may be positioned to reduce the likelihood of accidental release when the movable component 130 is loaded from a raised object. In a non-limiting embodiment, operating the lowering actuator 190 lowers the movable platform by approximately 3 mm.

[0049] Although Figure 1The embodiments show that the lowering actuator 190 and the release actuator 200 are positioned so that they are easily operated with the fingers when the grip 180 is held in the hand, but in other embodiments, the lowering actuator 190 and the release actuator 200 may be positioned at the top of the housing 160 so that they can be operated with the thumb when the grip 180 is held in the hand.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the foot 110 may be formed from a base plate 210 fixed to the rod 120. In one embodiment, the foot 110 may be defined to begin at a position on the rod 120 where downward movement of the movable component 140 along the rod 120 is restricted (e.g., by a stop feature). Thus, in one embodiment, a portion of the rod 120 may form part of the foot.

[0051] exist Figure 1 In some embodiments, the fastener 220 may extend through the rod portion 120 and through a flange 230 extending from and fixed to the base plate 210 to secure the rod portion 120 to the base plate 210 of the foot portion 110. In some embodiments, the base plate 210 may be arched or bent upward toward the extension of the rod portion 120. Figure 2 As shown in the bottom perspective view, this angled configuration provides clearance for connection points 240, such as welded joints or other fasteners, between the rod 120 and the foot / substrate 210 as the rod 120 extends through the substrate 210. This configuration eliminates the need for additional finishing operations to make the weld or connection point flush with the bottom surface of the substrate 210.

[0052] In some embodiments, the foot 110 may be formed in a triangular configuration, wherein the toes 150 of the forefoot 110a are spread and meet at a common hindfoot 110b, as described and illustrated with reference to the embodiments below. It will be understood that employing at least three surface contact points (e.g., the triangular shape of the foot 110) provides a large coverage area for improved stability on uneven surfaces. Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the foot 110 may be formed in a generally H-shaped or X-shaped configuration, wherein the toe portion 150 of the forefoot 110a and the toe portion 250 of the hindfoot 110b together provide four surface contact points for the foot 110. Similarly, in some embodiments, the movable component 140 may have a generally triangular configuration, wherein the portion farther from the rod 120 is wider than the portion closer to the rod 120.

[0053] Figures 3 to 5CThe interior of the movable component 130 according to an embodiment is shown (e.g., housing 160 is omitted). Movement of the movable component 130 along the rod 120 can be understood with reference to these figures.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the lift actuator 170 pivots on a lift actuator cross pin 260, which is attached to the housing 160 of the movable assembly 130. Operation of the lift actuator 170 presses the lift plate 270 clamped on the rod portion 120 and moves the housing 160 upward. A locking plate 280 clamps onto the rod portion 120 to prevent the housing 160 from moving downward back along the rod portion 120. In the illustrated embodiment, as... Figure 4 As shown more clearly in the diagram, the end 280a of the locking plate 280 extends into a hole 140a formed in the extension 140b of the movable platform 140 fixed to the housing 160, and thus the movable platform 140 and the housing 160 maintain pressure on the locking plate 280.

[0055] It is understandable that, such as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the flange 140b of the movable platform may include a hole 140c configured to receive a fastener therein to secure the movable platform 140 to the housing 160. Other connection methods may be alternatives, but it will be understood in any case that in various embodiments, the flange 140b may be detachably coupled to the housing 160, allowing the movable platform 140 to be removed from the housing 160. In some embodiments, this detachability may be advantageous when rotating the movable platform 140 to raise it above the foot 110, or may allow for alternative mounting of different configurations of the movable platform 140 onto, for example, the housing 160.

[0056] exist Figure 3 as well as Figure 2 As can be further seen, in some embodiments, the foot 110 may include a hole 110c to facilitate securing the foot 110 to a support surface. Similarly, the movable platform 140 may include a hole 140d to facilitate securing the movable platform 140 to an object to be raised or lowered. As shown, in some embodiments, holes 110c and 140d may suitably be countersunk, such that flat-head fasteners (e.g., as opposed to pan-head fasteners) can be received in each hole in an appropriate orientation to minimize protrusion and maintain a flat configuration of the contact surfaces of the foot 110 and the movable platform 140.

[0057] exist Figure 4As can be seen more clearly in Figure 5, the lowering actuator cam 290 is actuated by the movement of the lowering actuator 190, and operates the locking plate 280 for controlled lowering (in the illustrated embodiment, lowering can be in increments of approximately 3 mm). The lowering actuator cam 290 and the locking plate 280 can be spring-biased against the housing 160 by the spring 300, and the lowering actuator 190 and the lowering actuator cam 290 can pivot on the housing at the lowering actuator pivot 310. Figure 3 As further shown, and described in more detail below, the release actuator 200 can pivot or actuate the release actuator cam 320, thereby operating both the retaining plate 330 and the locking plate 280, disengaging the retaining plate 330 and the locking plate 280 from the lever 120, and allowing the movable assembly 130 to move freely along the lever 120, which will completely release the load supported on the movable platform 140. As shown, the release actuator 200 can be spring-biased by the release actuator spring 335 (supported on the housing 160), such that the release of the release actuator 200 causes it to automatically move to the non-released position. It is understood that the spring 340 between the retaining plate 330 and the raising plate 270 will bias the relative relationship between the raising plate 270 and the retaining plate 330 to allow the movable assembly 130 to walk along the lever 120 and remain in the raised position. Similarly, the spring 300 between the locking plate 280 and the housing 160 prevents the load from being unintentionally reduced until it is moved incrementally by the lowering actuator 190 or released by the release actuator 200.

[0058] Figure 4 The retaining plate 330, locking plate 280, release actuator 200, and lowering actuator 190 are depicted independently, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, operating the release actuator 200 disengages the retaining plate 330 and locking plate 280 from the lever 120, thereby allowing the movable assembly 130 to move freely up or down along the lever 120 (the lever is omitted from the separate sub-assembly shown, but is understood to pass through the holes in the retaining plate 330 and locking plate 280). As shown, in some embodiments, the release actuator cam 320 may be received in the gap 340 between a pair of lowering actuator cams 290, such that the release actuator cam 320 can act directly on the retaining plate 280.

[0059] The reference depicts the Figure 4 The sub-components shown independently are cut off in a sectional view. Figures 5A to 5C This allows for a better understanding of the relative operation of the lowering actuator 190, the releasing actuator 200, the locking plate 280, and the holding plate 330. Figure 5AA sub-assembly that remains stationary on the rod 120 is shown. (As shown) Figure 5B As shown, pulling or otherwise rotating the lowering actuator 190 causes the lowering actuator cam 290 to press against the locking plate 280 and pull the lever 120 upward, thereby causing the movable assembly 130 to move downward toward the foot 110. The amount of movement is limited to the aforementioned increments when the retaining plate 330 remains engaged with the lever 120. However, as... Figure 5C As shown, actuating the release actuator 200, or rotating the release actuator 200 counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment (e.g., lifting it away from the lowering actuator 190), pushes the release actuator cam 320 downward. The release actuator cam 320 rests against the retaining plate 280, and due to the engagement between the retaining plate 330, the release operating lever cam 320, and the hole 350 in the release actuator cam 320 that allows the pivot 360 of the lowering actuator 190 to be unaffected by the movement of the release actuator cam 320, actuating the release actuator 200 causes both the retaining plate 330 and the lowering plate 280 to disengage, allowing the movable component 130 to move freely along the lever 120 without being restricted to incremental movement.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown in Figure 8, in another embodiment, the lifting tool 500 may be substantially similar to other lifting tools disclosed herein, except as mentioned above. As shown, the lifting tool 500 may include feet 510, which include features similar to those described with respect to feet 110, such as a front foot 510a similar to a front foot 110a. However, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, in some embodiments, the rear foot 510b may be integral, while the front foot 510a is spread out, such that the front foot 510a and the rear foot 510b form a tripod with three contact points on the support surface. As further shown, a rod 520 extends from the feet 510, and the rod 520 may be substantially similar to rod 120. The movable component 530 can be configured to move along the rod portion 520 and support the movable platform 540, which, when in the lowered position, is received between the toes 550 of the front legs 510a, and when raised together with the housing 560 of the movable component 530, the movable platform 540 can raise the load. As described in more detail below, raising the movable component 530 can be achieved by actuating a raising actuator 570, which can be pulled against a grip portion 580 formed with or extending from the housing 560. Similarly, lowering the movable component 530 can be achieved by actuating a lowering actuator 590, which can lower the movable component incrementally. Fully releasing the movable component 530 can be achieved by actuating a release actuator 600.

[0061] Go to Figure 7 , Figure 7 A portion of the movable assembly 530 after the housing 560 has been removed is depicted. It is understood that in some embodiments, the movable platform 540 is carried independently on the rod 520 and is coupled to the locking plate 610 (described in more detail below) via the housing 560. As shown, this movable platform 540 may extend from a movable platform flange 620, which may surround the rod 520. For example, a generally rectangular hole 630 may be formed in the movable platform flange 620. It is understood that if the connection between the housing 560 and the movable platform 540 fails in operation, the hole 630 and the angled connection between the rod 520 and the hole 630 allow the movable platform 540 to lock onto the rod 520, thereby preventing a sudden drop in load. Therefore, in some embodiments, if the movable platform 540 is separated from the housing 560 (e.g., due to failure of the housing 560 or failure of the fasteners connecting the movable platform 630 and / or flange 620 to the housing 560 (e.g., failure of the fasteners supporting the movable platform 630 and / or flange 620 to move with the movable component), the flange 620 can function as a locking plate 610.

[0062] While the movable component 530 may include a lift actuator generally similar to the lift actuator 170 described above, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the mechanism for lowering or releasing the actuator may differ from the mechanisms for lowering actuator 190 and releasing actuator 200. For example, as Figure 8A and Figure 8BAs shown, when the movable platform 540 is solely supported on the rod 520 and connected to the locking plate 610 via the housing 560, such as in the case of the lifting tool 500, the locking plate cross pin 640 or other support features can be connected to the housing 560 and maintain pressure on the locking plate 610. As further shown, a pin and spring connector 650 can be provided between the retaining plate 660 and the locking plate 610 to appropriately bias the locking plate 610 relative to the retaining plate 660 and provide a flexible connection between the retaining plate 660 and the locking plate 610. Thus, in embodiments including the pin and spring connector 650 located between the retaining plate 660 and the locking plate 610, the lowering actuator 590 is actuated by disengaging the locking plate 610 from the rod 520 while maintaining the retaining plate 660 acting on the rod 520. As described above, operating the lowering actuator 590 can lower the movable assembly 530 by approximately 3 mm. This amount is determined by the lowering actuator cam 670, which is coupled to the lowering actuator 590 and presses against the locking plate 610 to step the movable component toward the foot 510. It is understood that the approximately 3mm movement in the illustrated embodiment is based on the relative dimensions of the actuator arm, plate, and rod, and other incremental lowering amounts can be utilized by increasing or decreasing the throw of the cam on the lowering actuator. Similarly, the release actuator 600 is shaped to press against the retaining plate 660 and the locking plate 610 when actuated, so as to disengage them from the rod 520 and allow the movable component 530 to move freely along the rod 520.

[0063] Figures 9 to 13 Another embodiment of the invention disclosed is shown, which is configured to use a common lifting actuator.

[0064] like Figure 9As shown, the lifting tool 1000 may include a trigger actuator 1010, which can be pushed downward from a neutral position to raise the movable platform 1020 of the movable component 1030 along the rod 1040, or the trigger actuator 1010 can be lifted upward from a neutral position to incrementally lower the movable component 1040 (and therefore the movable platform 1020) along the rod 1040. Similar to the movable components of other embodiments described herein, the movable component 1030 may include a housing 1050 to which the movable platform 1020 is coupled, and the trigger actuator 1010 extends from the housing 1050. In some embodiments, it is understood that a retaining grip extends from the housing 1050 and is configured to engage when the trigger actuator 1010 is pushed downward toward the retaining grip. Such a retaining grip can provide a more stable feel for the user and provides the option to squeeze the trigger downward rather than simply push it downward, regardless of whether the retaining grip is not utilized when the trigger actuator 1010 is lifted upward to incrementally lower the movable platform 1020.

[0065] As further described herein, a separate release actuator 1060 may be provided, and it may be necessary to press the release actuator 1060 to fully release the engagement of the movable component 1030 from the lever portion 1040. As shown, the entire release actuator 1060 may be spaced apart and separated from the trigger actuator 1010 to prevent unintentional full release, which could cause the load supported by the movable platform 1020 to fall. While in some embodiments the lifting tool 1000 may include a foot similar to foot 110, in embodiments the foot may differ as shown. Figure 9 As shown, the foot 1070 may include a front foot 1070a and a rear foot 1070b, wherein the front foot 1070a may be removably attached to the rear foot 1070b to allow for replacement and attachment of alternative substrate structures in order to change the shape of the foot.

[0066] like Figure 10As shown in the perspective view of the lifting tool 1000, in some embodiments, one or more of the movable component 1030 and the foot 1070 may have holes 1080 to allow the lifting tool 1000 to be rigidly attached to another object. In embodiments, holes 1080 may be added to the movable component 1030 or its movable platform 1020 to allow users to attach extensions or other customized attachments to suit their specific needs. In embodiments, the handle on the trigger actuator 1010 may be extendable to allow additional leverage when raising the movable component. For example, the outer handle 1010a may slide relative to the inner handle 1010b, thereby interlocking but being selectively released by the handle actuator 1010c.

[0067] Figure 11 An embodiment of the movable assembly 1030 is depicted in a cross-sectional view inside the housing 1050. As shown, a trigger actuator 1010 and a release actuator 1060 are depicted housed within the housing 1050. As illustrated, it can be understood that engagement of the trigger actuator 1010 with an internal lowering actuator 1090, engagement of the trigger actuator 1010 with a raising plate 1100, or engagement of the internal lowering actuator 1090 with a locking plate 1110 and / or a retaining plate 1120, alternately actuates the raising and lowering of the movable assembly 1030.

[0068] like Figure 12 As shown, when the trigger actuator 1010 is raised to actuate the lowering of the movable component 1030, the lowering mechanism link 1130 between the trigger actuator 1010 and the lowering actuator 1090 is also raised. This causes the lowering actuator 1090 to rotate, and the cam / contact point 1140 presses down on the locking plate 1110 and slightly raises the retaining plate 1120. This allows the locking plate 1110 to be pushed down along the lever 1040, thereby lowering the movable component 1030 incrementally, while the retaining plate 1120 is raised to clamp the lever 1120 and prevent the load from being fully released.

[0069] Figure 13 An embodiment of the actuation of the release actuator 1060 of the lifting tool 1000 is shown. As shown, pressing down on the release actuator 1060 disengages the retaining plate 1120 and locking plate 1110 from the rod 1040, thereby allowing the movable component 1050 to move freely along the rod 1040. It should be understood that when under load, or when not supported by the user, gravity will pull the movable component 1030 downward along the rod 1040.

[0070] Figures 14 to 17C Another embodiment of the lifting tool is shown, namely lifting tool 1500. For example... Figure 14As shown, the lifting tool 1500 includes a foot 1510 fixedly mounted to a lever 1520. It will be understood that the foot 1510 and lever 1520 may be substantially the same as the foot 110 and lever 120 described herein, or may be similar to the foot 510 and lever 520, or may be similar to the foot 1070 and lever 1040, or a combination thereof. A movable assembly 1530 may be movably mounted to the lever 1520 and includes a movable platform 1540 that can be received between the toes 1550 of the foot 1510.

[0071] Figure 15 Another perspective view of tool 1500 is shown, in which the cover portion 1560a of the housing 1560 of movable component 1530 (as shown) Figure 14 (As shown) is removed to reveal its interior. As shown, a lifting actuator 1570, such as a lever, can extend from the housing 1560 and can be actuated against a grip 1580, which is fixed to or formed into the housing 1560. In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting actuator 1570 is configured to be pushed in a downward direction to raise the movable platform 1540. It is understood that such a configuration allows a user to utilize their body weight applied through their hands or even feet to help raise the load on the movable platform 1540. Figure 15 As further shown, tool 1500 includes a lowering actuator 1590 (such as another lever) and a releasing actuator 1600, which may be the actuator button shown or another lever, as may be understood with reference to other embodiments described herein.

[0072] Understandably, the lift actuator 1570 acts on the lift plate 1670 to incrementally raise the movable platform 1540 along the lever 1520, similar to other embodiments described herein, although the lift plate 1670 is angled and strikes the housing 1560, such that downward movement of the lift actuator 1570 toward the foot 1510 raises the movable assembly 1530 away from the foot 1510. A spring 1675 is supported between the lift plate 1670 and the housing 1560 to act as a return bias for the lift operating lever 1570 and to assist in the incremental stepping movement of the lift plate 1670.

[0073] As described in more detail below, the lowering actuator 1590 and the releasing actuator 1600 can engage with the locking plate 1680. As shown, the locking plate 1680 includes an end portion 1680a that extends into a hole 1540a formed in an extension 1540b of the movable platform 1540, which is fixed to the housing 1560. This can be understood as similar to the construction of the locking plate 280 relative to the movable platform 140 of the tool 100, although in the opposite position when engaged with the lever portion 1520, as shown. Thus, it can be understood that, through this connection, the movable platform 1540 and the housing 1560 maintain pressure on the locking plate 1680.

[0074] refer to Figure 16 and Figures 17A to 17C The characteristics of the depressor 1590 and the release 1600, as well as their operation, can be understood. Specifically, as... Figure 16 As shown, the lowering actuator cam 1690 is actuated by movement of the lowering actuator 1590, pressing the locking plate 1680, thereby moving the locking plate 1680 and the lever portion 1520 relative to the retaining plate 1730 to allow controlled lowering of the movable assembly 1530 toward the foot 1510 (in the illustrated embodiment, this can be done in increments of approximately 3 mm). The locking plate 1680 may be spring-biased against a portion of the housing 1560 by a spring 1700. In one embodiment, this can further spring-bias the lowering actuator 1590, while in other embodiments, such as in the illustrated embodiment, a torsion spring on the lowering actuator 1590 (e.g., torsion spring 1760 described below) can bias the lowering actuator 1590 to an unactuated position. The spring 1700 between the locking plate 1680 and the housing 1560 prevents the load from being unintentionally lowered until it is moved incrementally by the lowering actuator 1590 or released by the release actuator 1600. While in some embodiments the lowering actuator 1590 and lowering actuator cam 1690 may pivot on the housing 1560, in the illustrated embodiment, the lowering actuator 1590 is connected to the release actuator 1600, which is carried by the housing 1560, as described below. As shown, the release actuator 1600 can actuate the release actuator cam 1720, causing both the retaining plate 1730 and the locking plate 1680 to disengage from the rod portion 1520, and allowing the movable assembly 1530 to move freely along the rod portion 1520, which will completely release the load supported on the movable platform 1540. Understandably, the spring 1740 between the retaining plate 1730 and the housing 1560 biases the retaining plate 1730 and the locking plate 1680 to allow the movable assembly 1530 to step down along the rod 1520 toward the foot 1510 and to hold the movable assembly 1530 in the raised position holding the rod 1520.

[0075] refer to Figures 17A to 17C The engagement of the lowering actuator 1590, the releasing actuator 1600, the locking plate 1680, and the retaining plate 1730 can be more easily understood. Figures 17A to 17C A sectional view depicting these parts is shown, showing the sub-components of these parts cut in half. Figure 17A A stationary subassembly is shown, thus holding the subassembly on the lever 1520 to prevent the movable assembly 1530 from moving relative to the lever 1520. As shown, a release actuator cam 1720 can pass through a hole 1750 in a lowering actuator 1590, such that the lowering actuator 1590 can be actuated without engaging with the release actuator cam 1720.

[0076] like Figure 17B As shown, pulling or otherwise rotating the lowering actuator 1590 causes the lowering actuator cam 1690 to press against the locking plate 1680, thereby pulling the lever 1520 upward and moving the movable component 1530 downward toward the foot 1510. The amount of movement is limited to the aforementioned increment while the retaining plate 1730 remains engaged with the lever 1520. It is understood that, in embodiments, a spring 1760 (e.g., a torsion spring in the illustrated embodiment, configured to be supported on the housing 1560 and in a recess in the lowering actuator 1590) can return the lowering actuator 1590 to its non-actuated position.

[0077] However, as Figure 17C As shown, the release actuator cam 1720 can be configured to engage with both the retaining plate 1730 and the lowering plate 1680, such that actuating or pressing the release actuator 1700 in the illustrated embodiment pushes the release actuator cam 1720 downward, which in turn pushes the retaining plate 1680. Due to the engagement between the retaining plate 1730, the release operating lever cam 1720, and the hole 1750 in the release actuator cam 1590, both the retaining plate 1730 and the lowering plate 1680 disengage from the lever portion 1520, allowing the movable component 1530 to move freely along the lever portion 1520, not limited to incremental movement. It is understood that, in embodiments, the spring 1770 (e.g., a torsion spring in the illustrated embodiment, configured to be supported on the housing 1560 and in a recess in the release actuator 1600) can return the release actuator 1600 and the release actuator cam 1720 to their non-actuated positions.

[0078] Figure 18A side sectional view of one embodiment of the lifting tool 2000 is shown, illustrating the internal mechanism within a housing 2010 of another embodiment, wherein a lowering trigger 2020, configured to be actuated by a user's thumb, is connected to a lowering plate 2030 via a connecting rod 2040 or other linkage. By rotating the trigger 2020 about a pivot 2050, pressing down on the lowering trigger 2020 lifts its inner end, thereby causing the lowering plate 2030 and the retaining plate 2070 to rotate together about a pin connector 2060. As the lowering plate 2030 rotates, the locking plate 2080 is pushed downward. Figure 19 The incremental decrease position is shown in the diagram.

[0079] like Figure 20 A front or rear sectional view of an embodiment of the lifting tool 2100 is shown. In some embodiments, a button mechanism may be configured to provide complete release of the lifting tool. In such an embodiment, one or more buttons 2110 may be held in the housing 2120 and the cover 2130. In an embodiment, a pin 2140 is used to maintain the alignment of the buttons 2110. As shown, a spring 2150 can return the buttons 2110 to their disengaged position upon release. As shown, pressing one or more buttons 2110 inward can engage a cam surface 2160 on the top of the lowering plate 2170 in the region directly above the pin 2180 that connects the lowering plate 2170 to the retaining plate 2190. As the cam surface 2160 advances, the lowering plate 2170, the retaining plate 2190, and the locking tab 2200 can be pushed downward until they disengage from the lever 2210, thereby allowing the movable components to move freely up and down along the lever. Figure 21 It shows Figure 20 The release location in the example.

[0080] Figure 22 An alternative mechanism for providing incremental lowering functionality is shown, as implemented in the embodiment of the lifting tool 2300. The lowering trigger 2310 can be activated by a user pressing down on it. In the illustrated embodiment, the lowering trigger cam surface 2320 contacts the lowering operating lever 2330, causing the lowering operating lever 2330 to pivot downwards about the lever's pivot point 2340. The cam surface 2350 on the lowering operating lever pushes downwards against the locking tab 2360. Figure 23 It shows Figure 22 The incremental reduction position in the embodiment.

[0081] Figure 24A cross-sectional view of the internal mechanism within the housing 2410 of an embodiment of the lifting tool 2400 is shown on another side, illustrating an alternative mechanism for providing incremental lowering functionality. As shown, a lowering trigger 2420 is connected to a lowering plate 2430 via a connecting rod 2440. When a user pushes the lowering trigger 2420 toward the lever 2450 (e.g., by rotating it about a pivot pin 2460), this movement lifts the outer end of the trigger 2420 and, via the connecting rod 2440, lifts the outer end of the lowering plate 2430. This movement causes the lowering plate 2430 to rotate together with the retaining plate 2480 about a pin connector 2470. As the lowering plate rotates, a locking tab 2490 is pushed downwards. Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 The incremental reduction position is described in the embodiment.

[0082] at last, Figure 26 An embodiment of a connector 2500 is shown between a support extension 2510 (e.g., a brace or clamp, including a brace configuration for a rod clamp as shown) and an embodiment of a lifting tool 2520 that is similar to or noticeably different from any of the embodiments disclosed above. It is understood that the lifting tool 2520 can be coupled to the support extension 2510 via the connector 2500, which interconnects the movement of movable components with the support extension 2510. Figure 26 In one embodiment, the connector 2500 may be a rod connector of a sleeve configured to engage with the housing 2530 of the lifting tool 2520, and thus, movement of the movable assembly 2540 carrying the housing 2530 pushes the rod connector 2500 (and the support extension 2510 connected thereto) along the rod portion 2550 of the lifting tool 2520. In another embodiment, when the connector 2500 supports the support extension 2510 on the movable assembly 2530 of the lifting tool 2520, the rod portion 2510a of the support extension 2510 may be parallel to the rod portion 2550 of the lifting tool 2520. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rod portion 2550 may extend behind (and be concealed by) the rod portion 2510a of the support extension 2510. It is understood that the support extension 2510 can be considered as part of the movable platform 2570 of the movable component 2540, and in various embodiments, it can be interpreted as the movable platform 2570 or the movable component 2540 extending toward the foot 2555 of the lifting tool 2520 above the rod 2550 when the movable component 2540 is positioned adjacent to the foot 2555 (e.g., at the lowest point where the movable component 2540 is lowered along the rod 2550).

[0083] Similarly, such as Figure 27As shown, the movable platform connector 2560 can slide on or otherwise secure to the movable platform 2570 of the lifting tool 2520, and thus, movement of the movable component 2540 can similarly raise or lower the support extension 2510. This configuration can be used to raise and lower larger objects such as cabinets, which can be secured in a way that balances the cabinet relative to the lifting tool by means of the brace or clamp configuration of the support extension 2510, and the cabinet can be secured by means of the support extension 2510's support or clamp configuration (e.g., supported inside the cabinet, or clamped to the surface of the cabinet).

[0084] In the various embodiments disclosed herein, it will be understood that a spaced arrangement separating the lowering actuator and its release actuator, and / or an ergonomic engagement of the release actuator that differs from the ergonomic engagement of the lowering actuator, can prevent unintentional use of the release actuator that could cause a load on a movable platform to fall, resulting in damage to the load or injury to the user. For example, where the lowering actuator is an operating lever, the release actuator can be a button. Other arrangements that facilitate this configuration will be understood. For example, where the raising actuator and / or lowering actuator are engaged by the user's palm or index finger, the release actuator can be configured or positioned to be actuated by the user's thumb. In some such embodiments, one or more side buttons can be configured to fully release the load. In some such embodiments, full release can be achieved by pressing one or more buttons into the housing, which disengages both the retaining plate and the locking plate, thereby allowing the housing assembly to move freely up and down along the lever. In some embodiments, it may be necessary to actuate a pair of buttons to release both the retaining plate and the locking plate, or the pair of buttons may be redundant (e.g., only one button needs to be pressed), but both are provided for either left-hand or right-hand engagement. It is understood that requiring both buttons to be pressed can provide improved safety in preventing accidental complete release of the load.

[0085] In another embodiment, a safety interlock device can be incorporated into the lifting arm. When a load is present on the movable platform, the interlock device is pressed downward against the platform. This engages a link that limits how far the lowering actuator can be pressed, thus allowing only incremental lowering. Once the load is removed through incremental lowering, the interlock device and the link associated with the lowering actuator disengage, allowing the lowering actuator to be further pressed down to a fully released mode, in which the housing assembly can move freely up and down along the rod.

[0086] In various embodiments, the lifting tools described herein may be formed from metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, or any other suitable material or combination of these materials. It is understood that the components described herein may take different constructions or configurations, including but not limited to one or more composed of different material choices. For example, the various components described herein may each be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to fabric, plastic, metal, rubber, elastomer, or one or more of any other suitable material choice, such as aluminum (e.g., machined aluminum), iron (e.g., steel), ceramic, or any other suitable material. Additionally, portions of the tool utilizing the teachings above may be formed from molded plastic, metal, or combinations thereof (e.g., plastic having metal supports or fasteners that join portions together). In some embodiments, structural and functional components may be formed from metal or hard plastic, while the outermost gripping component, positioned to engage with the palm of the holding hand to provide a comfortable gripping surface, may be made from a suitable molded plastic material or elastomer material, and may be generally formed as a suitable molded plastic material of two materials coated with a layer of elastomer material (such as a rubber-based material). In some embodiments, material selection may vary by component. In various embodiments, some components may be integrally formed together, while other components may be assembled by any suitable mechanism, including but not limited to fastening, welding, snap-fitting, friction fitting, adhesive bonding or other suitable fixation.

Claims

1. A lifting tool (1500), comprising: The feet (1510) are configured to be supported on the surface; The rod (1520) extends from the foot; as well as The movable component (1530) includes: Casing (1560); The mobile platform (1540) is configured to support a load on it; A lift actuator (1570) is configured to move the movable component incrementally away from the foot along the rod. The lowering actuator (1590) is configured to move the movable component incrementally along the rod toward the foot; and The release actuator (1600) is configured to disengage the movable component from the rod portion to allow the movable component to move freely along the rod portion; The release actuator is spaced apart from the raising and lowering actuators to prevent unintentional actuation of the release actuator; and The release actuator and the lowering actuator both extend from the common surface of the housing. The release actuator is located above the lowering actuator relative to the foot, and the extension of the lowering actuator from the common surface of the housing is greater than that of the release actuator.

2. The lifting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The movable platform is connected to the housing via a flange; The movable component engages with the rod via a locking plate that selectively disengages from the rod, and is actuated by the lowering actuator. and The locking plate extends through the flange.

3. The lifting tool according to claim 1, wherein, When the movable component is near the foot, the movable platform extends over the rod away from the foot.

4. The lifting tool according to claim 3, wherein, The movable platform includes supports or clamps.

5. The lifting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The movable platform extends from the housing and includes a flange that extends from the movable platform and surrounds the rod.

6. The lifting tool according to claim 1, wherein, A portion of the housing lies between the release actuator and the lowering actuator.

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