Tiltable cart with movable load table

Abstract

A rolling load support apparatus comprising: a load support apparatus base; a plurality of rollers connected to the load support apparatus base; a load support platform base connected to and supported above the load support apparatus base; a load support platform located above the load support platform base; and a plurality of platform tilt mechanisms respectively engaged between the load support platform base and the load support platform, the tilt mechanisms being selectively operable to tilt the load support platform to a selected angle relative to the load support platform base.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 664,042, filed May 18, 2022, entitled "Flexible Movable Scissor Lift Device," published on December 22, 2022, with U.S. Publication No. 2022 / 0402735, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 213,039, filed June 21, 2021, entitled "Movable Scissor Lift Device." This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 583,489, filed September 18, 2023, entitled "Lift Device with Tilting Platform." The disclosures of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a rolling load support member, which may include a lifting mechanism, and more specifically, to a device that is movable and can be precisely and conveniently positioned for receiving and positioning heavy components or loads from or relative to a vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] Vehicle maintenance and repair sometimes require the removal and reinstallation of relatively large and heavy components, such as the transmission, drive axle, and motor, for repair or replacement. Access to these components may need to be from below the vehicle in a raised position.

[0004] Electric vehicles, such as cars, use very large rechargeable battery packs to power their propulsion motors. Vehicles that rely entirely on batteries are called electric vehicles (EVs), while those equipped with internal combustion engines are called hybrid vehicles. Although electric vehicle batteries typically have a long lifespan, they may eventually need to be replaced. Manufacturing defects and other factors can necessitate earlier replacement. Batteries used in electric vehicles can weigh anywhere from approximately 200 to 500 kilograms (400 to 1200 pounds), or even heavier for passenger cars, and are usually accessible from underneath the vehicle for replacement.

[0005] During vehicle maintenance, numerous mechanisms are used to movably support or raise and lower automotive components. These lifting mechanisms are typically movable to optimize their position beneath the component being manipulated and to facilitate the use of the same lifting mechanism for various automotive components. To maintain stability during component raising and lowering, the movable lifting mechanism needs to be parked in a fixed position and released from its parked state to move the component supported by the lifting mechanism. Raising and lowering automotive components beneath the vehicle is generally more convenient when the vehicle is supported by a two-post lift rather than a single-post lift. U.S. Patent No. 9,150,395 discloses an exemplary two-post lift device, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006] The battery pack or battery of an electric vehicle is typically a large, relatively flat assembly secured in a large, shallow recess or well on the underside of the vehicle by removable fasteners. The battery is electrically connected to the vehicle's motor and systems via detachable connectors. Removal involves supporting the battery from below while simultaneously removing the fasteners. The battery is then lowered, allowing the electrical connector components to detach. Installing a new battery is the reverse of the removal process. However, battery installation requires precise alignment of the mechanical fasteners and electrical connector components before the battery is lifted into the recess. Therefore, a highly flexible and mobile lifting device is needed to accurately position the battery under the vehicle before lifting it to the appropriate location.

[0007] While rolling load supports or lifting mechanisms are advantageous for removing and installing heavy automotive components (such as electric vehicle batteries) from and on lifted vehicles, existing supports or lifting mechanisms are limited in their ability to properly position heavy loads (such as vehicle batteries) for installation into the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need for a rolling workbench, table, trolley, or lifting platform that can be used to receive and move batteries or the like in a shop and to properly align the batteries or the like with the vehicle for installation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides embodiments of a rolling load support platform or lifting platform, which is particularly suitable for positioning large components under a vehicle to facilitate removal or installation of the components from the vehicle.

[0009] An embodiment of a lifting device includes: a horizontal base frame or lifting device base having front and rear frame ends and opposing transverse frame sides; a powered lifting mechanism mounted on the base frame and operable to raise and lower a load; a pair of rear wheels mounted laterally spaced at the rear frame ends; a pair of outriggers extending downward from the base frame adjacent to the front frame ends, the length of which is capable of contacting a support surface of the device; a front wheel unit including the front wheels; a lever or handle connected to the front end of the frame to enable movement of the device; and a tilt actuator engaged between the front wheel unit and the base frame, and selectively operable to tilt the front end of the frame to raise the outriggers out of contact with the support surface for movement of the device, and lower the outriggers to contact the support surface to stabilize the device for operation of the powered lifting mechanism.

[0010] In one embodiment of the device, the front wheel unit is connected to the front end of the frame so that the front wheel can pivot relative to the base frame about a substantially vertical steering axis. A tie rod can be connected to and engages with the front wheel unit via the front wheel unit. The tie rod can also engage with a tilt actuator in such a way that its operation allows raising and lowering the outriggers. Each outrigger may include an adjustable extension surface contact pad at its lower end.

[0011] In one embodiment of the device, the power lifting mechanism includes a lifting deck supporting a load to be lifted or lowered, a scissor link engaged between the deck and a base frame to raise and lower the deck respectively by extending and retracting the scissor link, and a linear lifting motor engaged with the scissor link to selectively extend and retract the scissor link to raise and lower the deck respectively. In one embodiment of the lifting mechanism, the lifting deck may further include multiple support arms extending outward from the deck and having outer ends, with load support pads erected from the outer ends of the arms, the support pads cooperating to support the load on the lifting mechanism.

[0012] The lifting deck can be engaged with the lifting mechanism in a manner that allows the deck to be selectively fixed in an angled position relative to the base frame. For this purpose, the lifting mechanism may include an inclined frame engaged with the lifting deck in a manner that allows the inclined frame to be selectively fixed relative to the lifting deck about its axis. In conjunction with the inclined frame, the lifting mechanism may include a load support platform that is pivotally engaged with the inclined frame in a manner that allows the platform to be selectively fixed relative to the inclined frame at an angle about its axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the inclined frame.

[0013] Outriggers can extend above the base frame to form a foredeck support, and a pair of laterally spaced aft deck supports can extend above the base frame near the rear of the frame. The foredeck and aft deck supports engage with the lift deck in their lowered positions, thereby supporting the lift deck.

[0014] One embodiment of the flexible movable lifting device includes a base frame having front and rear frame ends and opposing lateral frame sides; a lifting mechanism mounted on the base frame and operable to raise and lower a load; respective caster units located at each intersection of the frame ends and frame sides, these caster units cooperating to allow the base frame to move about a support surface of the device; and a floor braking mechanism fixed to the base frame, the floor braking mechanism including a brake pad that selectively extends in its braking position to engage with the support surface to fix the position of the device, and retracts to a release position to allow the device to move on the support surface. The floor brake can be locked in its braking position and released to retract the brake pad and disengage it from the support surface. The device may include a respective braking mechanism fixed to each frame side in a lateral alignment relationship. The device may include a steering handle engaged with the base frame to give the device selective movement and facilitate control of the direction of movement of the device.

[0015] In one embodiment of the device, each caster unit includes a swivel caster whose height is adjustable to allow the device to remain level on uneven support surfaces. In one embodiment, the caster unit includes a caster plate pivotally engaged with a base frame to be pivotable about a generally vertical plate axis; and a plurality of swivel casters pivotally engaged with the caster plate in a spaced-apart relationship and in such a way that they are pivotable about their respective generally vertical axes of rotation. Such a caster unit may include a generally vertical caster unit axle engaged with the base frame in such a way that the vertical position of the axle can be selectively adjusted relative to the base frame; a triangular caster plate pivotally engaged with the caster unit axle to be pivotable about a generally vertical plate axis extending through the caster unit axle; and three swivel casters pivotally engaged with the caster plate in a spaced-apart triangular relationship and in such a way that they are pivotable about their respective generally vertical axes of rotation.

[0016] In one embodiment of the device, the lifting mechanism may include a substantially flat load deck adapted to support a load to be lifted by the device; a scissor link connecting the load deck to a base frame to raise or lower the load deck by extending or retracting the scissor link; and an actuator engaged with the scissor link in a manner that allows the scissor link to selectively extend and retract. The lifting mechanism may also include a substantially flat load platform supported on the load deck, allowing the load platform to move with limited range relative to the load deck, thereby adjusting the position of the load positioned on the load platform. The lifting mechanism may include an array of bearings engaged between the load deck and the load platform to facilitate movement of the load platform relative to the load deck. The load platform may have a limiting member that engages the load deck in a manner that restricts movement of the load platform relative to the load deck. In one embodiment of the lifting mechanism, the load platform may include a suspended limiting member that engages the outer periphery of the load deck, thereby restricting relative movement of the load platform.

[0017] An embodiment of the mobile lifting device includes: a base frame or lifting device base; a lifting deck or lifting deck frame located above the base frame; a lifting mechanism engaged between the lifting device base and the lifting deck frame, operable to raise and lower the lifting deck frame relative to the base frame; a load support platform located above the lifting deck frame; a plurality of platform tilting mechanisms positioned in a substantially horizontal array and engaged between the lifting deck frame and the load support platform, the lifting mechanisms being independently operable to tilt the load support platform relative to the lifting deck frame to a selected angle; and a plurality of caster units connected to the base frame and extending below the base frame, the caster units cooperating to allow the base frame to selectively move around a support surface of the device. The lifting deck frame may be substantially rectangular and include lifting deck corners; the load support platform may also be substantially rectangular and include load support platform corners, the load support platform being positioned such that the load support platform corners are adjacent to the lifting deck corners; and a corresponding lifting mechanism engaged between each lifting deck corner and the adjacent load support platform corner. Each platform tilting mechanism may include a respective helical jack mechanism engaged between the lifting deck corner and the load support platform corner.

[0018] Embodiments of the mobile lifting device may include a sloping deck positioned above a lifting deck frame, the sloping deck having a load support platform slidably positioned thereon, and sloping deck corners positioned above respective corners of the lifting deck, whereby a platform tilting mechanism engages the corresponding sloping deck corners, thereby enabling the load support platform to tilt relative to the lifting deck frame to a selected angle. The sloping deck may have a sliding bearing assembly on its upper surface, and the load support platform slidably engages the sliding bearing assembly on the sloping deck. The load support platform may have an outer periphery extending below the upper surface of the sloping deck, the engagement of this outer periphery with the sloping deck allowing the load support platform to slide with limited capacity relative to the sloping deck.

[0019] An embodiment of a rolling load support device includes: a load support device base supported on a plurality of rollers; a load support platform base located above the load support device base; a load support platform located above the load support platform base; and a plurality of platform tilting mechanisms positioned in a substantially horizontal array and respectively engaged between the load support platform base and the load support platform. Lifting mechanisms are selectively and independently operable to tilt the load support platform relative to the load support platform base at a selected angle. The plurality of rollers may include a plurality of caster units connected to and extending below the load support device base. The load support platform base may be generally rectangular and include load support platform corners. The load support platform may also be generally rectangular and include load support platform corners. The load support platform is positioned such that the load support platform corner is above a corresponding load support platform base corner, and a corresponding lifting mechanism engages between each load support platform base corner and its adjacent load support platform corner. Each platform tilting mechanism may include a respective helical jack mechanism engaged between load support platform base corners and load support platform corners.

[0020] Embodiments of the rolling load support device may include an inclined deck positioned above a load support platform base, on which the load support platform is slidably positioned. The inclined deck includes inclined platform corners located above corners of the load support platform base, whereby a platform tilting mechanism engages the respective inclined deck corners, thereby enabling the load support platform to tilt relative to the load support platform base to a selected angle. The inclined deck may have a sliding bearing assembly on its upper surface, on which the load support platform slidably engages. The load support platform may have an outer periphery extending below the upper surface of the inclined deck, whereby engagement of this outer periphery with the inclined deck allows the load support platform to slide with limited capacity relative to the inclined deck.

[0021] One embodiment of the mobile lifting device may include a steering handle engaged with a base frame to allow selective movement of the device about a support surface, and the steering handle and base frame may be configured such that the steering handle can be mounted on the base frame. The base frame may include a front member and a rear member positioned in a front-to-back relationship, and a pair of side members supported laterally and extending between the front and rear members. In such an embodiment, each side member may have an elongated channel extending therefrom, each channel having a stop member positioned near the front member of the base frame, and a corresponding slider slidably positioned therein. The steering handle may be a generally U-shaped steering handle formed by horizontally extending end members, from which a pair of steering handle arms extend and terminate at corresponding arm ends. Each arm end is connected to a corresponding slider. The steering handle can be manipulated to slide each slider toward the front member, thereby deploying the steering handle, and conversely, to slide each slider toward the rear member, thereby mounting the steering handle onto the base frame. A handle stop can be provided that extends along the front member of the base frame, and the steering handle can be releasably fixed to the handle stop to position the steering handle at a desired angle, thereby enabling the device to move about the support surface.

[0022] To facilitate the movement of the lifting device along a substantially straight path along the support surface of the device, the base frame includes a rear frame member having a pair of rear caster units located near the ends of the base frame, and another pair of laterally spaced caster locking seats located thereon. Each caster plate of the rear caster unit has a locking hole formed therethrough, and a corresponding caster locking pin is removably positioned between the corresponding locking seat and the locking hole aligned therewith.

[0023] This invention includes embodiments of a rolling load support device or rolling load platform, comprising: a load support device base or base frame; a plurality of rollers connected to and extending below the base frame, the rollers being adapted to support the base frame on a support surface and allow the rolling load support device to roll relative to the support surface; each of the rollers being height-adjustable relative to the base frame; a load deck connected to and supported above the base frame; and a load platform or load support stage supported on an array of bearings mounted on the load deck to facilitate movement of the load support device relative to the load deck, thereby adjusting the position of a load positioned on the load platform relative to the load deck. One embodiment of the rolling support device may include a restraining member located on the load support platform, the restraining member being capable of engaging the load deck to limit movement of the load support platform relative to the load deck. Embodiments of the rolling load support device may further include a lifting mechanism connecting the load deck to the base frame to enable raising or lowering the load deck relative to the base frame. Embodiments of such a lifting mechanism may include a scissor link connecting the load deck to the base frame, enabling the load deck to be raised or lowered by extending or retracting the scissor link, and an actuator engaging the scissor link, enabling selective extension and retraction of the scissor link.

[0024] In one embodiment of the rolling load support device, the plurality of rollers may include at least one caster or at least one wheel. The rolling load support device may also include a floor braking mechanism fixed to the base frame. The floor braking mechanism may include a brake pad that selectively extends in a braking position to engage with a support surface to fix the position of the rolling load support device, and retracts to a release position to allow the device to move on the support surface. Such a floor braking mechanism may be fixed to opposite sides of the base frame in a laterally aligned relationship.

[0025] Various objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of illustration and example.

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the invention and illustrate its various purposes and features. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the mobile scissor lift device according to the present invention, showing its lifting deck in the raised position via a power lifting mechanism.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a slightly enlarged side view showing the lifting deck supporting the load in the raised position.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a slightly scaled-down side view, with parts of the lifting deck, scissor mechanism, and bottom frame removed to show components of the device's powered lifting mechanism.

[0030] Figure 4 The enlarged partial side view, with the lifting deck and lifting mechanism removed, shows the tilt actuator in an extended position, which lifts the lower end of the front outrigger from the support surface to enable the device to move.

[0031] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 4 The view shows the tilt actuator in a retracted state, allowing the lower end of the front outrigger to contact the support surface, thereby facilitating the lifting and lowering of the load through the device.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an improved embodiment of the lifting device, which has a first improved lifting deck, shown in its lowered position.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a side view of an improved embodiment in a lowered position.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the first improved lifting deck, showing the support blocks used with it to support irregularly shaped loads that will be manipulated by the device.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the second improved lift deck, which has load support arms extending beyond the perimeter of the deck, with load support pads standing upright from the outer ends of the arms.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a second improved lift deck, which has a tilting platform supported thereon so that the tilting platform can tilt relative to the lift deck.

[0037] Figure 11 It is similar to Figure 10 The view shows a second improved lift deck, in which the tilting platform is removed to show the tilting frame supported thereon, such that the tilting frame can pivot about a first axis relative to the lift deck, and that the tilting platform can pivot about a second axis relative to the tilting frame.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a left-side view of the second improved lift deck and tilting platform.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a front view of the rear end of the second improved lift deck and tilting platform.

[0040] Figure 14This is a simplified block diagram of the components of a lifting control system used to control the operation of a power lifting system.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible movable scissor lift device according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 16 This is a side view of a flexible scissor lift device.

[0043] Figure 17 This is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a height-adjustable swivel caster unit used on a lifting device.

[0044] Figure 18 This is an enlarged perspective view of the movable loading platform according to the present invention, shown as being separated from the loading deck of the lifting device.

[0045] Figure 19 This is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a latching floor brake used on a lifting device.

[0046] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile scissor lift device with an inclined load support platform according to the present invention, wherein the load support platform is shown in the raised position.

[0047] Figure 21 This is an enlarged perspective view of the lifting device, in which the load support platform is in the lowered position.

[0048] Figure 22 It is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the lifting deck assembly of the lifting device, in which the load support platform is separated from the inclined deck of the assembly.

[0049] Figure 23 This is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a mobile scissor lift, showing it in a lowered state and with a retractable steering handle in an extended state, allowing the lift to be steered.

[0050] Figure 24 This is an enlarged front perspective view of the lifting device in a slightly raised position, with the retractable steering handle in the retracted position.

[0051] Figure 25 This is a greatly enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of the caster unit of the movable lifting device according to the present invention.

[0052] Figure 26 This is a greatly enlarged perspective view of an exemplary jack screw mechanism for a load support platform for a tilting movable lifting device according to the present invention.

[0053] Figure 27It is an enlarged partial perspective view of the bottom frame of the lifting device, and shows details of the device's retractable or collapsible steering handle.

[0054] Figure 28 This is a left front perspective view of an embodiment of a tiltable handcart with a movable loading platform according to the present invention.

[0055] Figure 29 This is an exploded left rear perspective view of a tiltable trolley, with the loading platform assembly separated from the trolley to show the bearing assembly supporting the loading platform assembly.

[0056] Figure 30 This is an enlarged perspective view of a single caster unit that can be mounted on a tiltable trolley.

[0057] Figure 31 This is a left rear perspective view of an embodiment of a tiltable handcart that incorporates a three-wheel unit and a retractable floor brake. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the invention differently in virtually any suitable detailed configuration.

[0059] Referring more closely to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 generally indicates an embodiment of a mobile scissor lift according to the invention. The lift 1 typically includes a retractable and steerable movable base 4, a motorized or powered lifting assembly 6 supported by the base 4, and a lifting platform assembly 8 engaged with the lifting assembly 6, thereby enabling lifting. The retractable movable base 4 allows the lift 1 to selectively advance between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position, a portion of the base frictionally engages with the garage floor to prevent movement of the lift 1 relative to a supporting surface 12 (e.g., a shop floor), generally as follows: Figure 5 As shown, in the raised position, the lifting device 1 can roll freely relative to the supporting surface 12, approximately as follows: Figure 4 As shown. The lifting platform 8 supports a load of 10 ( Figure 2 The load 10 is raised or lowered by the operation of the lifting component 6.

[0060] The illustrated movable base 4 includes a base frame 16 formed by laterally spaced left and right side members 18 connected by longitudinally or longitudinally spaced front and rear end members 20. The base frame members 18 and 20 may be formed from elongated angular portions or similar portions, which are joined together by welding. The base frame 16 may include a lower wall 22 to support the hydraulic power and control assembly 24. Figure 14 The components are as follows.

[0061] The base frame 16 includes a pair of laterally spaced rear wheels 28 mounted at the rear end 30 of the base frame, near the junction of the rear end member 20 and the rear end member 18. The rear wheels 28 may be configured as casters capable of rotating about a vertical axis, or they may be fixed in direction. It is also conceivable that the rear wheels 28 may be equipped with brakes (not shown) that can be used during lifting or lowering of the lifting platform assembly 8 to achieve greater stability. Laterally spaced supports or legs 34 are connected to the side member 18 of the base frame 16 and extend downward therefrom, such that their lower ends 38 selectively contact the support surface 12. The lower ends 38 may be provided with surface contact pads 40. Figure 7 The surface contact pad 40 can be adjusted to extend or retract to contact the support surface 12, thereby positioning the lifting platform assembly 8 in a horizontal orientation. On the illustrated base frame 16, the upper ends 42 of the outriggers 34 extend upwards to form a foredeck support member that mates with an upright aft deck support member 44, which connects to the side frame member 18 near the rear 30 of the frame to support the lifting platform assembly 8 in its lower position. The foredeck support member 42 and the aft deck support member 44 also form a stop or lower height limit during the descent of the lifting platform assembly 8.

[0062] A tongue-shaped structure or tongue-shaped member 46 is centrally located at the front end 36 of the base frame 16, extending forward from the front end member 20 and supported on a steerable frame lifting assembly 48. The steerable frame lifting assembly 48 includes a wheel assembly 50 and a handle 54 mounted on the lower end of a jack 52, which will be described further below. Typically, the jack 52 can be operated to raise the tongue-shaped member 46, the base frame 16, and the wheel assembly 50 relative to the rear wheel 28, thereby tilting the base frame 16 around the rear wheel 28 and raising the lower end 38 of the outrigger 34 from the support surface 12 to facilitate operation of the lifting device 1. Conversely, the tongue-shaped member 46 and the base frame 16 can be retracted relative to the wheel assembly 50 to lower the outrigger 34 into contact or engagement with the support surface, thereby maintaining stability during operation of the powered lifting assembly 6, such as when raising and lowering the lifting platform assembly 8.

[0063] Reference Figure 1-5The tongue-shaped structure 46 shown includes a pair of laterally spaced lower tongue-shaped members 58 that extend forward from the front end member 20 and have riser members 60 extending upward from their ends. The riser members 60 are supported by transverse members 62 extending between the upper ends of the riser members 60.

[0064] Jack 52 is rotatably supported on jack base 63, which is connected to the front frame member 20 via a tie rod 64 connected to the lateral side of jack base 63. The upper end of jack 52 is connected to the middle of lateral member 62.

[0065] The wheel assembly 50 of the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of front wheels or rollers 65 rotatably mounted on a shaft 66. The shaft 66 is connected to the lower end of a wheel support shaft 67, which is connected to the bottom of a jack 52. The wheel support shaft 67 extends through and beneath a jack base 63 and is rotatable relative to the jack base 63 together with the jack 52. (See also...) Figure 4 ).

[0066] The jack 52 in the illustrated embodiment can be configured as a conventional hydraulic tank jack 52, having a piston mounted in a tank containing hydraulic fluid and extendable and retractable relative to the tank. A pump mounted outside the tank operably pumps hydraulic fluid from an external chamber of the tank into the bottom of a cylinder surrounding the piston to extend the piston relative to the tank and lift the tongue 46 and base frame 16 relative to the wheel assembly 50. A release valve is operable to allow hydraulic fluid to flow out of the cylinder and back into the tank, thereby selectively lowering the piston.

[0067] A handle or lever 54 is pivotally connected at its lower end to a jack 52, such that downward pivoting of the handle 54 engages or operates a pump to pump hydraulic fluid from a chamber into a cylinder housing a piston. The lower end of the handle is connected to the jack 52, allowing the front wheel 65 of the wheel assembly 50 to be manually rotated or steered about a substantially vertical steering axis. A cylinder release lever 70 may be provided on the handle 54, which can be operated to actuate a release valve to retract the piston.

[0068] When the piston of jack 52 extends, the base frame 16 tilts upward around the rear wheel 28 to raise the lower end 38 of the outrigger 34, disengaging it from contact with the support surface 12, thereby facilitating the movement of device 1 on surface 12. Normally, when the lifting platform assembly 8 is in the lowered position, the base frame 16 only rises to... Figure 4 The indicated movement position. Conversely, when the base frame 16 is in... Figure 5In the more stable parking position shown, the power lifting assembly 6 is activated only to raise or lower the lifting platform assembly 8, with the lower end 38 of the outrigger 34 contacting the support surface 12. This frame lifting assembly 48 is similar to components used on pallet jacks and sliding jacks. Further details of this jack unit can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,399,043 and 3,462,167, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0069] Reference Figure 1-3 The lifting deck assembly 8 shown includes a rectangular load-bearing platform or deck 76, which is formed into a shallow, downward-opening box-shaped structure by an upper deck 78, left and right side plates 80, and front and rear plates 82, and is welded together. The side plates 80 may be provided with tool channels 84 extending therefrom, for example, to receive mechanics' tools when working on a vehicle. It is conceivable that the end plates 82 may also be provided with such tool channels. The lower side of the upper deck 78 has multiple sets of laterally spaced upper scissor-type U-shaped clamps 86 (…). Figure 3 The set of upper scissor U-clamps 86 are connected to the upper deck 78 and are vertically aligned with multiple sets of lower scissor U-clamps 88, which are illustrated as being connected to the front end member 20 of the base frame 16, as will be described further below. The lower side of the deck 78 may also be provided with front and rear sets of height stop members 90, which are aligned with and engage with the upper ends of the front and rear deck supports 42 and 44. The height stop members 90 restrict the downward movement of the lifting deck assembly by engaging with the front and rear deck supports 42 and 44. The lower side of the upper deck 78 may also be provided with left and right upper scissor roller plates 92, as described below. The side members 18 of the base frame 16 may also be provided with similar lower scissor roller plates 94.

[0070] Layer 96 of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) or other low-friction polymers or materials ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 The upper deck 78 can be secured to the upper surface to facilitate the movement of heavy components or loads 10, such as a heavy battery pack on the surface, to align component 10 with the vehicle part to which it is attached, for example, aligning bolts or bolt holes on the component with bolt holes or bolts on the frame. The low-friction layer 96 also minimizes surface damage to the battery pack and other components, and protects the surface of deck 78 from chemical spills and abrasion or damage when heavy drivetrain components or the battery pack slide on the surface of the deck. The surface contact pad 40 can also be used for front-to-back and left-to-right adjustment of the orientation of the upper deck 78 and the component 10 supported thereon, so that the orientation of component 10 is aligned with the vehicle part to which it is attached.

[0071] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The power lifting assembly 6 supports the lifting platform assembly 8 on the movable jack assembly 4 and is operable to raise and lower the lifting platform assembly 8 and any load 10 placed on it relative to the movable jack assembly 4. The lifting assembly 6 includes left and right scissor mechanisms 100, which are supported on the left and right side members 18 of the base frame 16. Each illustrated scissor mechanism 100 includes multiple sets of scissor links 102 that are horizontally spaced and vertically connected. Each set of scissor links 102 consists of a link 104 and a link 106, which are pivotally connected in their middle. Each scissor link 102 has a connecting end scissor link 104 and a roller end scissor link 106. One end of the scissor link 104 is pivotally connected to one of the scissor U-shaped clamps 86 or 88, and the roller end scissor link 106 has a scissor roller disposed at one end thereon. Each upper connecting link 104 is pivotally connected at its opposite end to a corresponding lower connecting link 104. Similarly, each upper roller end link 106 is pivotally connected at its opposite end to a corresponding lower roller end link 106.

[0072] Lateral scissor-type spacers 110 extend between corresponding upper and lower links 104 and 106. Left and right linear motors 112, such as hydraulic cylinders, extend between the lateral spacers 110 between links such as roller end links 106. Extension of motor 112 causes extension of the scissor mechanism 100 to raise the lifting platform assembly 8, while retraction of motor 112 causes retraction of the scissor mechanism 100 to lower the assembly 8. As the scissor mechanism 100 rises or falls, rollers 108 located at the ends of roller end links 106 roll forward or backward along upper and lower roller plates 92 and 94, respectively.

[0073] refer to Figure 14 The hydraulic control system or component 24 shown includes a hydraulic oil tank or container 118, a hydraulic pump 120, a hydraulic valve 122, and a hydraulic cylinder or linear motor 112. The pump 120 is driven by a hydraulic pump motor 124, which is controlled by a hydraulic control unit 126. Figure 6 and Figure 14 The system 24 is controlled by a valve 122 to pump hydraulic fluid from tank 118 under the control of control unit 125. Control unit 126 includes an up / down switch 128 to selectively raise or lower the lifting platform assembly 8. System 24 may include a limit switch 130. Figure 7 and Figure 14 The valve 122 is actuated near the desired upper and lower limits of the desired stroke of the lifting platform assembly 8. System 24 can be configured such that, in order to lower assembly 8, valve 122 is actuated in such a way that fluid can be discharged from cylinder 112 via pump 120 back into tank 119. Alternatively, motor 124, pump 120, and valve 122 can force fluid from cylinder 112 back into tank 118.

[0074] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 A modified embodiment 140 of the mobile scissor lift device 1 is shown. The illustrated device 140 includes an improved lifting platform assembly 142, each having a pair of separate tool channels 144 on each of a pair of side members 146 of the assembly 142. The assembly 142 includes a plurality of tethering rings 148 that can be removably screwed into threaded holes formed in the side members 146. The rings 148 allow the load 10 to be secured to the assembly 142 during its raising and lowering and during operation of the device 140. The device 140 may be provided with packing eye bolts 149 that secure the lifting platform assembly 142 in a lowered state when positioned in a packing crate (not shown). The eye bolts 149 can be screwed through the upper plate 150 into the upper end of the fore and aft deck support members 151, similar to the upper end 42 of the outriggers 34 and the aft support member 44 of the device 1. The eye bolt 149 can also be used to help lift the device 140 from such a packing crate, and can be removed to make the device 140 usable.

[0075] The illustrated device 140 includes a simplified tongue-shaped structure 152. The tongue-shaped structure 152 includes a pair of tongue-shaped members 154 that extend at an angle from the front base frame member 156 to the jack unit 158, which may be substantially similar to the jack unit 48. In other respects, the improved device 140 is substantially similar to device 1. Figure 8 An assembly 8 is shown with multiple pad blocks 160 of different sizes. For example, the blocks 160 can be used to support an irregularly shaped load 10 on a deck 150 in a desired direction during lifting or lowering of the load 10.

[0076] Figure 6 and Figure 7The illustrated embodiment of the mobile scissor lift 140 also includes an improved handle 234 adapted to facilitate movement and steering of the scissor lift 140. The handle 234 includes a rod 236 and a handle 238. The lower end 240 of the handle 234 is pivotally connected to a jack unit 48 to operate a pump included therein. The upper section or portion 242 of the handle 234 is bent at an acute angle relative to the lower section or portion 240, 18 degrees in the illustrated embodiment, with the upper portion 242 tilted away from the upper deck 150 and the base frame 16 when the lower portion 240 of the handle 234 is extended vertically. It is foreseeable that the angle between the upper portion 242 of the handle 234 and the lower portion 240 of the handle 234 can be between 15 and 20 degrees, providing the user with improved steering and operability of the improved device 140. The handle 238 is formed by left- and right-curved handles 243 and 244, each handle extending outward from the upper end of the handle 234 and curving downward and inward to contact the upper part 242 of the handle 234 and spaced apart below its upper end.

[0077] Figure 9 An improved lifting platform assembly 164 is shown, comprising a plurality of angled load support arm assemblies 162. Each assembly 162 includes an outwardly extending arm 166, each arm having a load contact pad 168 on a contact pad post 170 erected from one end of the arm 166. The arm 166 may be telescopic to adjust its length. Furthermore, the length of the post 170 is adjustable to adjust the vertical position of the contact pad 168 thereon. The arm assemblies 162 may be provided to support loads 10 that are longer or wider than those in the platform assembly 164. The respective lengths of the arms 166 and the posts 170 may be adjusted to support loads 10 with irregular shapes in a desired direction.

[0078] Figures 10 to 13 An embodiment of a lifting platform assembly 180 is shown, which is similar to lifting platform assemblies 142 and 164, but modified to accommodate the addition of a tilting platform 182 to the lifting deck 184. The tilting platform 182 can tilt within a limited range of angles in the front-to-back or left-to-right directions, or combinations thereof. The tilting capability of the tilting platform 182 allows it to engage loads 10 with irregular lower shapes without dropping a portion of the load 10 during loading or requiring manual lifting of a portion of the assembly to unload the load. The tilting capability of the tilting platform 182 also allows the user to reorient the load 10 to align it with fasteners on the load and frame, such as bolts and bolt holes. The illustrated platform assembly 180 includes a tilting frame 186 pivotally mounted on the front and rear ends 188 of the lifting deck 184 for tilting the frame 186 about the longitudinal or front-to-back axis 190 of the assembly 180. Figure 11Lateral tilting. The tilting platform 182 is pivotally mounted on the tilting frame 186 so that the tilting platform 182 can tilt back and forth about the lateral or left-right axis 192.

[0079] More specifically, the tilting frame 186 shown is cruciform and formed by an elongated longitudinal tilting frame member 194 having a pair of tilting frame arms 196 extending laterally from their opposite sides. End brackets 197, mounted on the outer ends of the longitudinal member 194, are pivotally connected to front and rear tilting frame end brackets 198, which are fixed to the front and rear ends 188 of the lift deck 184, allowing the tilting frame 186 to tilt relative to the lift deck 184 about a longitudinal axis 190. The outer ends of the arms 196 have upwardly extending brackets 200, and downwardly extending brackets 201 on the side members 202 of the tilting platform 182 are pivotally connected to the brackets 200, allowing the tilting platform 182 to tilt relative to the tilting frame 186 about a transverse axis 192.

[0080] To fix the tilt angle of the tilting frame 186 relative to the lift deck 184, a tilt adjustment assembly or tilting assembly 204 engages between one of the side members 204 of the lift deck 184 and the side brackets 200 of the tilting frame 186. Similarly, to fix the end tilt angle of the tilting platform 182 relative to the tilting frame 186, an end tilt adjustment assembly or end tilting assembly 208 engages between the end brackets 198 of the lift deck 184 and the end brackets 197 of the longitudinal members 194 of the tilting frame 186. The tilt assembly 204 and the end tilt assembly 208 are substantially similar in structure and operation. Each of the tilt assemblies 204 and 208 includes a relatively fixed base U-shaped clamp 210 and a relatively movable tilting U-shaped clamp 212. The tilt assembly 204 includes a base U-shaped clamp 210 fixed to the side member 206 of the lift deck 184 and a tilting U-shaped clamp 212 fixed to the side bracket 200 of the arm 196 of the tilting frame 186. A screw 214 extends through a tilting pin 216 of U-shaped clamps 210 and 212 and is rotatable to move the tilting U-shaped clamp 212 toward or away from the base U-shaped clamp 210. Similarly, the end tilting assembly 208 includes a base U-shaped clamp 210 fixed to an end bracket 197 of the tilting frame 186 and an end member 218 fixed to the tilting stage 182. Figure 10 The inclined U-shaped clamp 212. The screw 214 extends through the inclined pin 216 of the U-shaped clamps 210 and 212 and can be rotated to move the inclined U-shaped clamp 212 toward or away from the base U-shaped clamp 210. It is foreseeable that other configurations of the tilting mechanism can be used to adjustably tilt the tilting table 182 relative to the lifting deck 184.

[0081] Reference Figure 15-19An embodiment of a flexible, movable scissor lift device 250 is shown. Device 250 is functionally similar to device 1; however, device 250 incorporates numerous improvements that provide highly precise movement of the device and its components to facilitate the lifting of the load 10 ( Figure 2 For example, the battery cell (not shown) of an electric vehicle is used for vehicle maintenance.

[0082] The illustrated device 250 includes a rectangular base frame 254 formed by elongated front and rear end members 258 and left and right lateral or side members 260, which are welded together to form base corner joints or intersections 262. Caster units 265 are secured to the base frame 254 at each corner joint 262. The caster units 265 cooperate to support the base frame 265 above a support surface 267, such as the concrete floor of a vehicle maintenance facility. A steering handle 270 is connected to the front end member 258 of the base frame 254 to control the direction of movement of the device 250 about the floor 267. Conversely, the steering handle 270 can be pivotally connected to the base frame 254.

[0083] Device 250 includes a motorized lifting mechanism 275, which supports, lifts, and lowers the load 10 ( Figure 2 Examples of applications include battery cells for electric vehicles, used for vehicle maintenance. Typically, the lifting mechanism 275 includes a load platform assembly 277, a scissor link 280, and a lifting actuator 282. The scissor link 280 connects the load platform assembly 275 to the base frame 254, while the lifting actuator 282 extends and retracts the scissor link 280, thereby raising and lowering the load 10 supported by the load platform assembly 275.

[0084] The scissor linkage 280 is essentially similar in construction and operation to the scissor mechanism 100. Figure 1 Actuator 282 can be similar to a hydraulic actuator or hydraulic cylinder 112. Figure 1 ), and can be made by similar Figure 14 The hydraulic component 24, schematically shown, controls the extension and retraction of the scissor link 280, thereby raising and lowering the load platform assembly 275. The hydraulic control component 24 can be housed within a hydraulic housing 284. Figure 15 The control unit 24 may include a hydraulically controlled suspension console or unit 287, which is connected to the control unit 24 via a control cable (not shown) and has an up / down switch 128 thereon. Figure 14 The illustrated control suspension console 287 includes one or more magnets to hold it in a recessed area of ​​the steering handle 270.

[0085] The valve of the hydraulic actuator 282 is normally closed unless the hydraulic cylinder actively extends or retracts. Therefore, when the load platform assembly 277 and the load 10 thereon are lifted, the actuator 282 holds the platform assembly 277 in place. To more aggressively limit undesirable lowering of the load platform assembly 277, such as due to a failure of the actuator 282, the illustrated scissor linkage mechanism 280 includes a latching mechanism 286. Figure 15 The latching mechanism 290 engages with the same components as the actuator 282 in the scissor linkage mechanism 280. The latching mechanism 290 includes a pawl and a ratchet mechanism (not shown in detail), wherein the pawl straddles spaced-apart stop members during actuator 282 extension. If actuator 282 fails, platform assembly 277 will lower to the maximum distance between two adjacent stop members. To lower the platform without obstruction from latching mechanism 290, it is necessary to raise platform assembly 277 until the pawl engages the next stop member, causing the pawl to retract. At this point, platform assembly 277 can be lowered without interference from the pawl. A ratchet latching device operating in a similar manner is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,745,259, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0086] refer to Figure 17 The illustrated device 250 is provided with a swivel caster unit 265 for movement. Typically, the swivel caster assembly 290 includes a caster 292 mounted on and rotating on a caster axle 294, the caster axle 294 extending through the end of a swivel fork 296, the swivel fork 296 being rotatably mounted on a swivel mounting shaft 298, and a typically vertical swivel shaft 300 extending through the swivel mounting shaft 298. Due to displacement between the swivel shaft 300 and the swivel shaft 294, friction between the caster 292 and the surface 267 tends to cause the caster fork 296 to follow the direction of travel of the structure in which it is located, with the swivel shaft 294 forming the axis of rotation for the caster 292. However, any change in the direction of movement of this structure will cause the caster 290 to pivot about its point of contact with the floor, which can cause the structure using the casters to produce an undesirable sudden forward tilt or "swing" in an undesirable direction. To overcome this tendency, so-called zero-swing caster units have been developed. Zero-swing caster units, also known as three-wheeled caster units or theater casters, derive their name from their application in moving theater scenery. A typical zero-swing caster unit consists of three casters mounted on a caster plate that is rotatably mounted on the structure using it. The free rotation of the caster plate, combined with the free pivoting of the individual casters on the plate, overcomes the tendency of the structure to tilt when attempting to change the direction of movement.

[0087] The illustrated caster unit 265 is a zero-swing type caster assembly and includes a triangular caster plate 303 that rotatably engages with a caster unit shaft 307, which extends perpendicularly to the caster plate 303 along a caster axis 308. The caster plate 303 has three rotating caster assemblies 290 mounted thereon in a triangular pattern, for example at the corners of the triangular caster plate 303. The illustrated caster unit 265 is height-adjustable to allow the device 250 to be leveled, as irregularities may exist in the support surface 267. The illustrated caster unit shaft 307 is a threaded jack screw that passes through a caster height adjustment gear unit 310, which has a gear mechanism (not shown) that allows rotation of the handle wheel or crank 312 to rotate the shaft 307 via a nut (not shown) within the gear unit 310, thereby vertically moving the caster plate 303 relative to the base frame 254. The gear unit 310, together with the swivel caster assembly 290, is fixed to the base frame 254 at one corner 262. In the illustrated device 250, the handle wheel 312 has an axle that passes through the upright flange of a side member 260. In the illustrated device 250, components of the front caster unit 265 are mounted on the front side of the front end member 258 of the base frame 254 on a suitable bracket. Conversely, the base frame 254 can be alternatively configured such that the caster unit 265 can be mounted inside the base frame 254.

[0088] For stability and safety, it is desirable to secure the position of the device 250 during the raising and lowering of the load 10. While some caster assemblies are equipped with individual brakes to secure their position, it is impractical to set and release all twelve caster assemblies 290 mounted on the device 250. Therefore, the illustrated device 250 is provided with a pair of floor locks or braking units 315 extending downwards from each side member 260. (Reference) Figure 19 Each floor braking unit 315 includes a brake pad 317 on an axle, which can be lowered to resiliently frictionally contact a support surface 267 to fix the position of the device 250 relative to the surface 267. The illustrated braking unit 315 includes a mounting plate 319 that can be fixed to or connected to a side member 260. Unit 315 has a set or brake pedal 321 that locks the brake pad 317 in contact with the surface 267. Braking unit 315 has a release pedal 323 that can be operated to release and retract the brake pad 317. The floor braking unit 315 is functionally similar to the floor engagement "outrigger" disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,655,466, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] Reference Figure 18The load platform assembly 277 shown includes a flat load deck 325 on which a load platform or slide plate 327 is slidably positioned. The slide plate 327 may also be referred to as a load support platform 327. Structurally, the load deck 325 is substantially similar to the lifting deck assembly 78. Figure 1 ) and 142 ( Figure 6 The load deck 325 includes a rectangular load deck frame 330 formed by laterally spaced side frame members or plates 332, which are connected to end frame members or plates 334 spaced aft and rear. An upper deck 336 is connected to the top surfaces of the load deck frame members 332 and 334. The illustrated load deck 325 is provided with tool channels or discs 338 attached to the side frame members 332. Furthermore, the side frame members 332 and end members 334 may be provided with handles 340 for stabilizing the device 250 during use. The upper surface of the illustrated deck plate 336 may be covered with a polymer or plastic plate 342 on which a row of regularly spaced ball bearings 344 are provided.

[0090] The load platform 327 is constructed in a manner similar to the load deck 325 and includes a load platform frame 345 formed by side frame members or plates 348, which are connected to end frame members or plates 350. The frame 345 is enclosed by a load platform plate 352, which is covered by a polymer or plastic plate 355. A row of regularly spaced rubber or elastic buffers or pads 357 are provided on the plate 355. Handles 360 may be provided on the side members 348 and the end members 350.

[0091] The dimensions of the load platform 327 are such that the length and width of the load platform frame 346 are greater than the length and width of the load platform frame 330, thereby partially overlapping the load platform 327 with the load deck 325. The load platform 327 does not need to be connected to the load deck 325 and can be temporarily placed on it when needed. When a load placed on the load platform 327 is placed on the load deck 325, the load platform 352 is supported on ball bearings 344, allowing the load platform 327 to move relative to the load deck 325. The movement of the load platform 327 is limited by the contact between the overhanging side and end frame members 348 and 350 and the outer periphery 362 of the load deck 325, which is formed by the side and end frame members 346 and 348. When the handle 360 ​​of the load platform 327 is used to position the load platform 327 carrying the load 10, the handle 340 of the load deck 325 can be used for the stabilizing device 250.

[0092] The mobility of the load platform 327 relative to the load deck 325, combined with the ease of movement of the base frame 254 provided by the caster unit 265, together provides precise positioning of the load supported on the device 250. The load deck 325, minus the movable load platform 327, can be connected to the load support assembly 162 (…). Figure 9 It can be used together, or it can be used with tilting stage 182, such as Figure 10-13 As shown.

[0093] Figure 20-22 A flexible, mobile scissor lift device 400 is shown, comprising a base frame 404 having a lift deck or lift frame 406 situated thereon. A lifting mechanism 408, such as a scissor lift mechanism, is connected between the base frame 404 and the lift frame 406 and is operable to selectively raise and lower the lift frame 406 relative to it, for example, to replace a battery cell (not shown) of an electric vehicle or other parts of the vehicle. The lift device 400 includes a load support assembly 410 supported above, which can be selectively tilted relative to the lift frame 406, as described below, to match the posture or possible shape of the automotive part to be replaced.

[0094] refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 The base frame 404 shown is roughly similar to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The base frame 254 shown includes a left side member and a right side member 414, as well as a front end member and a rear end member 416, which are joined at their ends to form a rectangular base frame 404. The base frame 404 is supported on a support surface 12. Figure 4 The base frame 404 is mounted on a caster unit 418 at a corner, allowing movement thereon. The illustrated caster unit 418 may be a three-wheeled unit, somewhat similar to caster unit 265. Figure 15-17 However, compared to the height-adjustable caster unit 265, the illustrated caster unit 418 is fixed in height. The base frame 404 has a steering handle 420 connected thereto, located at its center near the front member 416. The illustrated steering handle 420 is L-shaped and pivotally connected to a transverse member 422, which extends between the side members 414 and is spaced apart from the front member 416. The side members 414 of the base frame 404 may have a floor brake unit 424 extending below them, which can be deployed to secure the position of the lifting device 400, or retracted to allow the lifting device 400 to move around the support surface 12.

[0095] The scissor lift mechanism 408 includes laterally spaced scissor links 426 engaged between a base frame 404 and a lifting frame 406. One or more linear actuators 428, such as hydraulic actuators, engage with components of the scissor link mechanism 426, whereby the link 426 extends or retracts in response to the extension or retraction of the actuators 428, thereby raising or lowering the lifting frame 406. The lifting mechanism 408 may be substantially similar to the lifting mechanism 275. Figure 15 ).

[0096] Reference Figure 25 Each illustrated caster unit 418 includes a triangular caster plate 432 having three rotatable caster members or casters 434 pivotally mounted to its underside near the truncated region of the plate 432. A rotatable caster bearing unit 436 rotatably connects the caster plate 432 to a caster mounting plate 438. Each caster unit 418 is secured to a corresponding corner of the base frame 404 by fastening the caster mounting plate 438 thereto. The caster plate 432 may have a corresponding caster locking pin receiving hole 440 adjacent to the triangular side of the plate 432 to receive a caster plate lock or caster locking pin 442 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 23 A pair of laterally spaced tubular caster locking pin seats 444 (e.g.) Figure 23 In an alternative embodiment, the caster locking pin seat mounted on the rear base frame member 516 can be secured to the rear surface of the rear base frame member 462. When the caster locking pin 442 extends between the caster pin seat 444 and the caster pin hole 440, it prevents the corresponding caster plate 432 from rotating. When the caster plates 432 of both rear caster units 418 are prevented from rotating, it facilitates the movement of the lifting device 400 along a straight line or path.

[0097] The lifting frame 406 has a load support assembly 410 located thereon. (Reference) Figure 22 The load support assembly 410 shown includes a rectangular, tiltable load deck or inclined deck 448 located above the lifting frame 406, and has a load support platform 450 resting thereon. The inclined deck 448 may have a plurality of bearing members or assemblies 452 arranged thereon, which allow the load support platform 450 to move horizontally on the inclined deck 448 for precise positioning of the load support platform 450. The load support platform 450 may have a handle 454 provided on its overhanging peripheral side 456 to facilitate relative movement of the load support platform 450 relative to the inclined deck 448. The engagement of the peripheral side 456 with the peripheral surface 458 of the inclined deck 448 limits the degree of relative movement of the load support platform 450 relative to the inclined deck 448. When the load support platform 450 moves relative to the inclined deck 448, a handle 460 may be provided on the lifting frame 406 to stabilize the device 400.

[0098] To tilt the load support assembly 410 relative to the lifting frame 406, a plurality of tilting mechanisms 464, including screw jack units, are installed and engage with the corner 466 of the lifting frame 406 and the corner 468 of the tilting deck 448. (Reference) Figure 26 Each screw jack unit includes a screw jack 470 extending through a retaining nut (not shown) within a unit 464, thereby extending and retracting the screw jack 470 by rotation. A crank handle 472 engages with a gear (not shown) within the screw jack unit 464, which in turn engages with the screw jack 470, thereby rotating the screw jack 470 by rotation of the crank handle 472. A spherical bearing 474 is provided at the upper end of the illustrated screw jack 470, which engages with a bearing member or socket 478 located below the inclined deck 448. Figure 26 The complementary surfaces of the crank handle 472. The coordinated operation of the crank handle 472 allows the load support assembly 410 to tilt forward and backward, side to side, or at combinations thereof. Whenever the vertical position of any screw jack 470 changes, it may be necessary to adjust other screw jack units 464 to prevent undesirable tilting of the load support assembly 410.

[0099] In other respects, the lifting device 400 is substantially similar to the lifting device 250 described above, and has the same components as the lifting device 250. It is foreseeable that the scissor lift 400 can also be configured as a rolling load support device or a rolling worktable without the lifting mechanism 408. The base frame 404 can also be referred to as the load support platform device base, and can be formed as multiple legs supporting the load support platform base corresponding to the lifting frame 406 above it. The load support platform 450 can be positioned above the load support platform base 406 by means of a screw jack unit 464, which extends between the corner of the load support platform base 406 and the inclined deck 448 on which the load support platform 450 is slidably mounted.

[0100] Figure 23 and Figure 24A movable lifting device 500 is shown, comprising a base frame 504, a lifting frame 506, and a scissor-lift mechanism 508 engaged between the base frame 504 and the lifting frame 506. The scissor-lift mechanism 508 is selectively operable to raise and lower the lifting frame 506 relative to the base frame 504. The base frame 504, the lifting frame 506, and the scissor-lift mechanism 508 may be substantially similar to the corresponding components of the lifting device 400. The base frame 504 may be formed by side members 514, which are respectively connected to a front member 516 and a rear member 517 to form a rectangular base frame 504. A caster unit 518 may be provided at the joint between the side members 514 and the end members 516 and 517 to allow the device 500 to move on the support surface 12. Figure 4 The lifting device 500 has a steering handle 520 to enable movement of the device and facilitate its directional control. The illustrated steering handle 520 is optionally mounted on the base frame 504. Once the lifting device 500 is positioned under the raised vehicle to be serviced, the steering handle 520 is retracted to remove it from the obstruction for personal maintenance and to further reduce the likelihood of the handle 520 posing a tripping hazard to personnel near the device 500. The steering handle 520 can then be extended to facilitate the movement of the device 500 and any automotive components on it to other locations.

[0101] The illustrated steering handle 520 is generally U-shaped and formed by an end member 524 having a pair of handle arms 526 extending parallel to each other from its ends. The steering handle 520 may have a handle support 528 extending between the handle arms 526 and spaced a short distance from the end member 524. Each side member 514 has an outwardly opening elongated guide channel member 532 located thereon and extending along its front end. Each guide channel member 532 has a slider 534 located therein and slidable along it. The distal end of a front member 516 extends through the front end of each guide channel member 532 and serves as a sliding support 536 to prevent the slider 534 from sliding off the front end of the guide channel member 532. The ends 538 of the handle arms 526 are pivotally connected to the sliders 534. A lower handle support bracket 540 is fixed to the front member 516. The lower handle support bracket 540 is typically U-shaped, with its long axis extending laterally through the surface of the front end member 516 and opening outwards or forwards. The dimensions and construction of the lowered handle support bracket 540 are adapted to accommodate a handle bracket 528 (or other parts of the handle, such as the handle end member 524, if not including the handle bracket 528) at its open end to support the handle 520 in the lowered and retracted positions.

[0102] A raised handle retaining bracket 541 is formed on and extends through the upper end of the front end member 516. In the illustrated embodiment, the raised handle retaining bracket 541 includes an inclined flange plate 542 that extends upward and forward from the front end member 516 and is angled. The outer ends of the angled flange plate 542 are provided with spaced-apart pairs of retaining tabs 544, which align with the arms 526 to receive them when the handle 520 is withdrawn from the guide channel member 532 and pivoted upward to the raised position. The retaining tabs 544 have aligned holes that removably receive retaining pins 546, which pass through holes (not shown) formed through the handle arms 526 to secure the handle 520 in the raised position, which is at a set angle relative to the base frame 504 to facilitate use of the steering handle.

[0103] To deploy the steering handle 520, the handle 520 is gripped and slid outward relative to the guide channel member 532 to slide the slider 536 upward toward the sliding support 536. The handle 520 is tilted upward to position the handle arm 526 between the sets of retaining tabs 544. A retaining pin 546 passes through the retaining tabs 544 and the handle arm 526 to hold the steering handle 520 in place. Figure 23 The handle 520, thus deployed, can be used to advance and operate the device 500 along the support surface 12. To retract the steering handle 520, the retaining pin 546 is removed from the retaining tab 544 and the handle arm 526. The handle 520 is pivoted downward and manipulated to push rearward, thereby pushing the slider away from the sliding support 536 until the handle bracket 528 engages the handle support bracket 540 to support the handle 520 as shown. Figure 24 The lowered, retracted, or stowed position is shown. The handle support bracket 540 may have a means to prevent the handle 520 from accidentally separating from it, for example, the means may be a raised lip or the like (not shown).

[0104] refer to Figure 27In the illustrated embodiment, each guide channel member 532 includes a rear wall 551, outwardly projecting upper and lower legs 552, and upper and lower flanges 554 projecting downward from the outer ends of each leg 552, respectively. The inner ends of the flanges 554 are spaced apart to form a track groove 556 therebetween, which leads to a main channel 558 formed in the guide channel member 532. A slider 534 is wider than the track groove 556 and is fitted within the main channel 558 to allow the guide block to slide within the channel 558 of the guide channel member 532. A handle pivot pin 563 is connected to the end 538 of each handle arm 526 opposite to the end member 524, projects inwardly from the end member 524, and is rotatably connected within or to the corresponding slider 534 to allow the handle 520 to pivot relative to the slider 534 and the guide channel member 532. Spring 565 can be fixed around each handle pivot pin 563. One end of spring 565 is connected to slider 534 and the other end is connected to handle arm 526 to properly bias and rotate handle 520 to the raised position when handle 520 is retracted from the lowered and stored position.

[0105] Figure 28-31 An embodiment of a tiltable trolley, rolling table, or rolling load support device 600 according to the present invention is shown, having a load table 605 that is laterally movable or sliding. The load table 605 may also be referred to as a load support platform 605. The illustrated trolley 600 includes a generally rectangular base or trolley frame 610 formed by upright front and rear corner members 612, which are connected at their lower ends by a lower side member 614 and a lower end member 616, and at their upper ends by an upper side member 618 and an upper end member 620. The lower side member 614 and the lower end member 616 may have a lower horizontal wall 623 connected thereto to form a lower shelf assembly 625. Similarly, the illustrated upper side member 618 and the upper end member 620 have an upper horizontal wall 628 connected thereto to form a load support platform base, which in the illustrated embodiment may also be referred to as an upper shelf assembly 630. The trolley frame 610 may also have an intermediate shelf assembly 633 connected to a corner member 612 vertically spaced between the lower shelf assembly 625 and the upper shelf assembly 630. The intermediate shelf assembly 633 reinforces the trolley frame 610 and provides space for tools, fasteners, parts, etc. Furthermore, for a similar purpose, the upper shelf assembly 630 may have a tool tray or cabinet 635 along the upper member 618.

[0106] To enable the trolley 600 to move, a caster unit 640 is provided near the corner member 612. (Reference) Figure 30An exemplary single-wheel caster unit or single-wheel caster unit 642 is shown. The caster unit 642 includes a caster plate assembly 644 having an inclined caster fork 646 pivotally mounted below it for pivoting about a vertical axis passing through the caster plate assembly 644. A caster 648 is rotatably mounted at the end of the fork 646. A caster jack screw 650 extends upward from the caster plate assembly 644 and enters a right-angle gear mechanism 652. The illustrated gear mechanism 652 can be substantially similar to... Figure 17 The gear unit 310 shown is fixed to the lower wall 623 of the lower shelf assembly 625. A caster unit crank 654 extends into a gear mechanism 652 and engages a jack screw 650 via a gear (not shown) within the gear mechanism 652. Rotation of the crank 654 causes the jack screw 650 to extend and retract from the gear mechanism 652, thereby raising and lowering the corresponding corners of the trolley frame 610. The illustrated caster unit 640 may be equipped with a wheel braking mechanism 646, which is applied by stepping on a brake lever 658 and released via a brake release lever 660. The illustrated trolley 600 includes a U-shaped handle 664 pivotally connected to a front corner member 612, which is used to move the trolley 600 around a support surface 12. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The jack screw 650 can be individually adjusted to tilt the trolley 600, thereby securely engaging the load platform 605 with the load to be carried. The corner member 612 may be provided with corresponding foot members 662, which can contact the support surface 12 when the caster unit 640 is fully retracted, so as to stably and statically support the trolley 600 when needed.

[0107] Reference Figure 28 and Figure 29 The laterally movable load platform 605 is basically similar to Figure 22 The load support platform 450 shown includes side members 670 and end members 672, which are connected at their ends to form a rectangular platform frame 675. The platform frame 675 has a top wall 677 (…). Figure 28 The top wall 677 connects to the upper surfaces of the side members 670 and the end members 672. The top wall 677 may be covered with a flat contact layer or a pad 679 to prevent scratching or damage to the load supported by the platform 605. The side members 670 and end members 672 may be provided with handles 682 to facilitate movement of the load platform 605 relative to the upper shelf assembly 630. Figure 29As shown, the upper wall 628 of the upper shelf assembly 630 is provided with a row of laterally spaced bearing units 685. Each bearing unit 685 shown has a planar array of ball bearings (not shown) that engage the lower surface of the top wall 677 of the load platform 605, allowing the load platform 605 to be selectively moved laterally relative to the upper shelf assembly 630, thereby precisely positioning or moving the load platform 605 relative to the load to be housed thereon (e.g., a battery for an electric vehicle). The bearing unit 685 is substantially similar to Figure 22 The bearing component 452 is shown. The side members 670 and end members 672 of the platform frame 675 limit the extent to which the load platform 605 can move through contact with the side members 618 and end members 620 of the upper shelf assembly 630, respectively.

[0108] Figure 31 An embodiment of a rolling table or trolley 690 is shown, which is similar to trolley 600 in most respects and has similar components. However, instead of the single-wheel caster unit 640 of trolley 600, trolley 690 has a three-wheel or zero-travel caster unit 694 near the corner member 612. The caster unit 694 is substantially similar to Figure 17 The caster unit 265 shown can be constructed and operated in a similar manner to raise and lower the corners of the trolley 690. As described above, the three-wheeled caster unit 694 reduces the tendency of the object supported by it to tilt when adjusting its position. Therefore, the three-wheeled caster unit 694 helps to precisely position the trolley 690 under the load it carries.

[0109] Because there are numerous caster wheels 696 on the caster unit 694, it is impractical to provide a brake similar to a braking mechanism 656 on each wheel. Therefore, the illustrated trolley 690 is provided with a floor braking unit 698, which is fixed to the lower member 614 to keep the trolley 690 stationary on the support surface 12. The illustrated braking unit 698 can be substantially similar to... Figure 19 The floor braking unit 315 shown is operated in a similar manner.

[0110] Although the rolling tables or trolleys 600 and 690 are shown as having their own height-adjustable caster units 640 and 694, it is foreseeable that any type of trolley can be equipped with a non-height-adjustable caster unit, for example... Figure 1 Single-wheel caster unit 28 or Figure 25 The three-wheeled caster unit 418 shown is also foreseeable. It can also be anticipated that, by providing a similar... Figure 22The inclined deck 448 shown has a movable load platform 605 that can be constructed in a way that allows its corners to tilt. This inclined deck will be supported above the upper shelf assembly 630 and tilted by a jack tilting mechanism similar to the tilting mechanism 464.

[0111] It should be understood that although certain forms of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, the invention is not limited to the specific forms or component arrangements described and shown.

Claims

1. A rolling load support device, comprising: Load support device base; A plurality of rollers are connected to the base of the load support device, the plurality of rollers being connected to and extending below the base of the load support device, and operable to support the load support device on a support surface, and allowing the load support device to roll relative to the support surface; A load support platform base connected to and supported above the load support device base; The load support platform is located above the base of the load support device; and Multiple platform tilting mechanisms are positioned in a substantially horizontal array and respectively engaged between the load support platform base and the load support platform. The tilting mechanisms are selectively operable to tilt the load support platform relative to the load support platform base at a selected angle.

2. The rolling load support device according to claim 1 further includes a lifting mechanism engaged between the load support device base and the load support platform base, and operable to raise and lower the load on the support platform base relative to the load support device base.

3. The rolling load support according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of rollers includes a plurality of caster units, which are connected to and extend below the load support base.

4. The rolling load support device according to claim 1, wherein: The load support platform base is substantially rectangular and includes load support platform base corners; The load support platform is substantially rectangular and includes a load support platform corner, and the load support platform is positioned such that the load support platform base corner is adjacent to the load support platform corner. as well as One of the multiple platform tilting mechanisms engages between each load-bearing platform base corner and the adjacent load-bearing platform corner.

5. The rolling load support according to claim 4, wherein, Each platform tilting mechanism includes a jack screw, and each jack screw is independently operable to raise and lower the load support platform corner relative to the load support platform base corner. A corresponding one of the plurality of platform tilting mechanisms including the jack screw engages between the support platform corner and the load support platform base corner.

6. The rolling load support device according to claim 1, comprising an inclined deck located above the load support platform base, the load support platform being slidably positioned on the inclined deck, the inclined deck having inclined deck corners located above corners of the load support platform base, whereby each platform tilting mechanism engages a set of aligned load support platform base corners and inclined deck corners, thereby enabling the load support platform to tilt relative to the load support platform base to a selected angle.

7. The rolling load support device according to claim 6, wherein: The inclined deck has an array of sliding bearings located on its upper surface; The load support platform can be slidably engaged with the sliding bearing array on the inclined deck; and The load support platform has an outer periphery extending below the upper surface of the inclined deck, whereby the engagement of the outer periphery with the inclined deck allows the load support platform to slide with a limited range relative to the inclined deck.

8. The rolling load support device according to claim 3, comprising: A steering handle engages with the base of the load support device, the steering handle being engageable to give selective movement of the rolling load support device about the support surface; and The steering handle and the load support base are configured such that the steering handle can be retracted relative to the load support base.

9. The rolling load support device according to claim 3, wherein: The load support device base includes a front member and a rear member positioned in a front-rear relationship, and a pair of side members supported in a laterally spaced relationship and extending between the front member and the rear member; Each side member has an elongated channel extending therefrom, each channel having a stop member positioned adjacent to the front member of the load support base; each channel has a corresponding slider slidably positioned therein; and Basically, the U-shaped steering handle is formed by a horizontally extending end member, from which a pair of steering handle arms extend and terminate at corresponding arm ends; each arm end is pivotally connected to a corresponding slider; Furthermore, the steering handle is manipulated to slide each slider toward the front member, thereby unfolding the steering handle, and conversely, to slide each slider toward the rear member, thereby mounting the steering handle onto the load support base.

10. The rolling load support device according to claim 9, comprising: A handle stop extending along the front member of the load support device base; and The steering handle is releasably fixed to the handle stop member to position the steering handle at the desired angle, thereby enabling the rolling load support device to move about the support surface.

11. The rolling load support device according to claim 3, wherein, Each caster unit includes: A caster plate, which pivotally engages with the base of the load support device to be able to pivot about a substantially vertical plate axis; and Multiple rotatable casters are pivotally engaged with the caster plate in a spaced-apart relationship, and are able to pivot about their respective substantially vertical axes of rotation.

12. The rolling load support device according to claim 1, further comprising a floor braking mechanism fixed to the base of the load support device, the floor braking mechanism comprising a brake pad that selectively extends in its braking position to brake into contact with a support surface of the rolling load support device to fix the position of the rolling load support device, and retracts to a release position to enable the rolling load support device to move on the support surface.

13. A lifting device, comprising: Lifting device base; The lifting deck is located above the base of the lifting device; A lifting mechanism is engaged between the device base and the lifting deck, and is operable to raise and lower the lifting deck relative to the lifting device base; The load support platform is located above the lifting deck; Multiple caster units are connected to and extend below the lifting device base, and the multiple caster units cooperate to enable the lifting device base to selectively move around a support surface that supports the lifting device; and A steering handle, operably connected to the lifting device base and engageable by a user, to give the device selective movement about the support surface, wherein the steering handle and the lifting device base are configured such that the steering handle can be mounted on the lifting device base.

14. The lifting device according to claim 13, wherein, The height of each of the plurality of caster units relative to the base of the lifting device is adjustable.

15. The lifting device according to claim 13, wherein: The lifting device base includes a front member and a rear member positioned in a front-rear relationship, and a pair of side members supported in a laterally spaced relationship and extending between the front member and the rear member; Each side member has an elongated channel extending therefrom, each elongated channel having a stop member positioned adjacent to the front member of the lifting device base; each elongated channel has a corresponding slider slidably positioned therein; and The steering handle is substantially U-shaped and is formed by horizontally extending end members, with a pair of steering handle arms extending from the end members and terminating at corresponding arm ends. Each arm end is connected to a corresponding slider; Manipulating the steering handle to slide each slider toward the front member, thereby unfolding the steering handle, and sliding each slider toward the rear member, thereby mounting the steering handle on the lifting device base; and manipulating the steering handle to slide each slider away from the front member, thereby enabling the lifting device to be selectively moved about the support surface supporting the lifting device using the steering handle.

16. The lifting device according to claim 15, comprising: A handle stop extending along the front component of the base of the lifting device; and The steering handle is releasably fixed to the handle stop member to position the steering handle at the desired angle, thereby enabling the lifting device to move around the support surface.

17. The lifting device according to claim 13, wherein: The lift deck is substantially rectangular and includes lift deck corners; The load support platform is slidably supported on the inclined deck by a bearing array located between the load support platform and the lifting deck. The inclined deck is substantially rectangular and includes inclined deck corners, each of which is vertically aligned above the corresponding lifting deck corner. Furthermore, the lifting device also includes: Multiple platform tilting mechanisms, each of which engages between a corresponding lifting deck corner and a vertically aligned tilting deck corner, wherein the platform tilting mechanisms are independently operable to tilt the load-supporting platform at a selected angle relative to the lifting deck.

18. The lifting device according to claim 17, wherein, Each platform tilting mechanism includes a jack screw, and each jack screw is independently operable to raise and lower the tilting deck corner relative to the lifting deck corner. A corresponding one of the plurality of platform tilting mechanisms including the jack screw engages between the lifting deck corner and the tilting deck corner.

19. A lifting device, comprising: Lifting device base; A plurality of rollers are connected to the base of the lifting device and extend below the lifting device, the plurality of rollers being operable to support the base of the lifting device on a support surface and to allow the lifting device to roll relative to the support surface. A lifting deck connected to and supported on the lifting device base; A tilting deck is supported above the lifting deck by a plurality of platform tilting mechanisms, the plurality of platform tilting mechanisms being positioned in a substantially horizontal array and respectively engaged between the lifting deck and the tilting deck, each of the plurality of tilting mechanisms being independently operable to tilt the tilting deck to a selected angle relative to the lifting deck; A load support platform, which is slidably mounted on the inclined deck via a bearing array located between the inclined deck and the load support platform; and A scissor lift mechanism is engaged between the lifting device base and the lifting deck, and is operable to raise and lower the lifting deck relative to the lifting device base.

20. The lifting device according to claim 19, wherein: The lift deck is substantially rectangular and includes lift deck corners; The inclined deck is substantially rectangular and includes inclined deck corners, each inclined deck corner being vertically aligned above the corresponding one of the lifting deck corners; and One of the plurality of platform tilting mechanisms engages between a corresponding one in the lifting deck corner and a tilting deck corner vertically aligned thereon.

21. The lifting device according to claim 20, wherein, Each platform tilting mechanism includes a jack screw, and each jack screw is independently operable to raise and lower the tilting deck corner relative to the lifting deck corner, with a corresponding one of the plurality of platform tilting mechanisms including the jack screw engaging between the lifting deck corner and the tilting deck corner.

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