Vacuum lifting device and system

Abstract

A vacuum lifting device comprising a body having a vacuum storage tank connected thereto or located therewithin, a coupling portion associated with the body and configured for coupling the vacuum lifting device to a vehicle and one or more valves associated with the vacuum storage tank and at least one contact region located on a surface of the body, the at least one contact region including one or more apertures therein, the one or more apertures in fluid communication with the vacuum storage tank, and wherein the at least one contact region is configured to contact an object to be lifted. A vacuum lifting system comprising a vacuum pump configured to be mounted to a vehicle and a vacuum lifting device, wherein actuation of the vacuum pump generates a region of sub-atmospheric pressure in the vacuum storage tank and at the at least one contact region.

Description

VACUUM LIFTING DEVICE AND SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum lifting device and system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a vacuum lifting device and system for use with a hydraulic machine.BACKGROUND

[0002] A vacuum lifter is a device the leverages the power of vacuum to help operators lift, move, or orient materials in a safe and efficient manner. Typically, vacuum lifters utilise a vacuum pump to generate a vacuum pressure in a lift tube. A suction head located at an end of the lift tube is configured to be placed on an object to be lifted, and the vacuum pressure generated by the vacuum pump is utilised to lift and move heavy objects without causing damage to the objects.

[0003] Vacuum lifters are commonly used in the construction industry to lift heavy and / or delicate objects, such as those fabricated from concrete, stone or glass. They enable heavy loads to be lifted without requiring attachments to secure the load to the lifter, thereby reducing personnel requirements at high-risk zones such as on a construction site.

[0004] Vacuum lifters have been used with heavy vehicles, such as excavators and the like. In these situations, a vacuum pump can be mounted to the rear of the vehicle. A lifting device is connected to the boom of an excavator, and is placed in abutment with an object to the lifted. The vacuum pump generates a vacuum that allows the lifting device to lift the object and the vehicle moves the object to a desired location.

[0005] Vacuum pump and tank assemblies are typically located at the rear of the vehicle to avoid having heavier components of the system located at the lifting end which would reduce the weight of the load the system can lift. While placement of the vacuum tank and pump at the rear of the vehicle has the benefit of acting as a counterweight so that heavier weights can be lifted, locating vacuum pumps at the rear of the vehicle (and therefore spaced apart from the lifting device) means that the vacuum pump needs to generate more vacuum pressure at the lifting device. This means the pump will be larger, heavier and more costly than would be required if the pump were able to be located closer to the lifting device.

[0006] In addition, locating the vacuum pump at the rear of the vehicle makes it susceptible to damage, such as through a collision with another vehicle, or an object on a construction site. In these situations, if the vacuum pump ceases to work, vacuum pressure will be lost, and theobject being lifted will be dropped. This has the potential to cause damage to the object or vehicle, as well as posing the potential for injury to nearby workers.

[0007] Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a vacuum lifting device that could reduce the size and cost of existing vacuum lifting devices, while providing continuity of supply and improved safety.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vacuum lifting device and system, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, in a first aspect the present disclosure resides broadly in a vacuum lifting device comprising: a body having a vacuum storage tank connected thereto or located therewithin; a coupling portion associated with the body and configured for coupling the vacuum lifting device to a vehicle; one or more valves associated with the vacuum storage tank, wherein the valves allow vacuum to enter the vacuum storage tank while preventing the reverse flow of vacuum; and at least one contact region located on a surface of the body, the at least one contact region including one or more apertures therein, the one or more apertures in fluid communication with the vacuum storage tank, and wherein the at least one contact region is configured to contact an object to be lifted.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present disclosure resides broadly in a vacuum lifting system comprising: a vacuum pump assembly comprising a vacuum pump and configured to be mounted to a vehicle; and a vacuum lifting device in fluid communication with the vacuum pump assembly, thevacuum lifting device comprising: a body having a vacuum storage tank connected thereto or located therewithin; a coupling portion associated with the body and configured for coupling the vacuum lifting device to the vehicle; one or more valves associated with the vacuum storage tank; and at least one contact region located on a surface of the body, the at least one contact region including one or more apertures therein, the one or more apertures in fluid communication with the vacuum storage tank, and wherein the at least one contact region is configured to contact an object to be lifted; and wherein actuation of the vacuum pump generates a region of sub-atmospheric pressure in the vacuum storage tank and at the at least one contact region.

[0012] Advantageously, use of a vacuum storage tank in the vacuum lifting device in combination with a non-return valve arrangement may help maintain vacuum pressure in the lifting device in the event of the pump being damaged. It may also help to maintain vacuum pressure if a break in the vacuum line occurs, preventing unintended release of the lifted object. In embodiments, therefore, use of a vacuum storage tank in the vacuum lifting device can improve safety. In addition, having a vacuum storage tank in the vacuum lifting device may enable the lifting device to be used in combination with a vehicle having a smaller vacuum pump. Further, forming the vacuum storage tank from a void in the body of the lifting device ratherthan attaching an external tank to the lifting device may reduce the risk of damage to the tank from accidental contact with the objects to be lifted or the vehicle.

[0013] The body may be of any suitable form sufficient to support the at least one contact region and control the supply of vacuum to the at least one contact region. Preferably, however, the body comprises an elongate member. The elongate member may be of any suitable length, and it will be understood that the length of the elongate member may be at least partially determined by the object that the vacuum lifting device is intended to lift. For instance, for relatively small objects, the body may be relatively short, while for relatively long objects (such as pipes and the like), the body may be relatively long. In this way, the at least one contact region may contact the object along a relatively high proportion of the length of the object.

[0014] In one or all embodiments of the disclosure, the body may be adjustable. Morespecifically, the length of the body may be adjustable. In this embodiment, the length of the body may be adjusted depending on the size and nature of the object to be lifted. The length of the body may be adjusted using any suitable technique. For instance, one or more bolt-on extension members may be connected to the body to increase the length thereof. In this embodiment, the body and the extension members are not configured for movement relative to one another. Alternatively, the body may be provided with one or more extension members that are configured for movement relative to the remainder of the body. The movement of the extension members relative to the body may be of any suitable form, such as sliding movement, telescoping movement, ratcheting movement, hinged movement, pivoting movement orthe like, or any suitable combination thereof. Generally, where the length of the body is to be adjusted, it is envisaged that the extension members are added to the body symmetrically so that the centre of gravity of the body is retained proximate the coupling portion.

[0015] In one or all embodiments, the vacuum lifting device comprises one or more pairs of extension members connected to the body, wherein a first of each pair of extension members is connected to a first end of the body and a second of each pair of extension members is connected to a second end of the body.

[0016] The body can have a vacuum storage tank connected thereto. The body can have a vacuum storage tank located therewithin. The vacuum storage tank is used as a source of negative pressure for the lifting device. The vacuum storage tank may be of any suitable size, or configuration. However, in an embodiment of the disclosure, the vacuum storage tank is configured to provide additional vacuum storage (additional to that which could be provided by the vacuum pump) at or adjacent the at least one contact region. In this way, the suction at the point of contact between the at least one contact region and the object to be lifted may be increased. This may be due to the relative proximity of the vacuum storage tank to the object to be lifted.

[0017] The vacuum storage tank may be provided as a vessel that is located external to the body. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that the vacuum storage tank may be configured for connection to the body, and the vacuum storage tank is in fluid communication with the at least one contact region.

[0018] Preferably, the vacuum storage tank may be located within the body. The vacuum storage tank may be provided as a vessel located within the body. The vacuum storage tank may be formed from the body. In one or all embodiments, the vacuum storage tank may be formed from a cavity or void within the body. In this embodiment, the body of the lifting device may be reinforced to enable the cavity of the body to function as a tank for storing a vacuum.The body, and thus the vacuum storage tank, is fabricated from materials and welding consumables to meet recommendations for pressure vessel construction and is engineered and fabricated to comply with standards such as the Australian standard AS / NZS 3992 :1998 Pressure Welding and Brazing, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME BPVC), or contemporary or equivalent standards.

[0019] The vacuum storage tank may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration. Generally, the size, shape and configuration of the vacuum storage tank is sufficient to fit within the body and maintain sufficient pressure to the contact regions attached to the object to be lifted.

[0020] There may be more than one vacuum storage tank in the body.

[0021] The coupling portion may be of any suitable form. It is envisaged that the coupling portion may be configured to couple the lifting device to any suitable portion of the vehicle. For instance, the coupling portion may be configured to couple the lifting device to an arm or boom of a vehicle. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that the vehicle may comprise an excavator or the like.

[0022] In one or all embodiments of the disclosure, the coupling portion may be configured to couple with a complementary coupling portion located on the vehicle. The coupling portion may include a screw thread, snap fitting, twist fitting, hydraulic coupler or the like. Preferably, the coupling between the coupling portion and the vehicle is substantially airtight, so that no or negligible fluid leakage between the coupling portion and the atmosphere may occur in order to maintain a sub-atmospheric pressure at the at least one contact region.

[0023] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the lifting device may be configured for movement relative to a vehicle. The vehicle can be used for transport. The vehicle can be stationary and immovable. The lifting device itself may be configured for any suitable movement relative to the vehicle. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the lifting device may be configured for rotation relative to the vehicle. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that the coupling portion may include a rotator or the like. In this way, the orientation of the object may be adjusted once lifted so that the object may be placed in a desired position.

[0024] The lifting device may include one or more valves. In particular, the lifting device may include one or more non-return or check valves. The non-return valve allows a vacuum to be generated in the vacuum storage tank located in the body of the lifting device, but prevents pressure loss towards the vacuum pump. Thus, in this embodiment, it is envisaged that, even if a loss of vacuum occurs between the vacuum pump and the coupling portion, loss of vacuumfrom the vacuum storage tank in the body is prevented, maintaining the suction force between the at least one contact region and the object to be lifted.

[0025] The one or more valves can be integrated into any suitable portion of the pressurised medium path between the vacuum pump and the contact region. The one or more valves can be provided, for example, in a vacuum connection between the arm or boom of a vehicle and the lifting device, at the inlet of the vacuum storage tank, and / or in a vacuum supply line or conduit to the vacuum storage tank. Generally, the one or more valves may be associated with the vacuum storage tank in an arrangement that allows vacuum to enter the vacuum storage tank while preventing the reverse flow of vacuum. In one or all embodiments, the one or more valves may be provided in a vacuum connection located in the coupling portion and / or at the inlet of the vacuum storage tank.

[0026] In embodiments where the coupling portion comprises a rotator, it is envisaged that the one or more valves are mounted such that valves do not move relative to the body of the lifting device. The valves may be mounted in a valve mount. In use, the valve mount facilitates the passage of vacuum to and through the rotator, body and secondary vacuum tank. In one or all embodiments, the valve mount is received within the rotator such that the rotator and the valve mount operate as a unit.

[0027] The at least one contact region may be of any suitable form. For instance, the at least one contact may comprise a surface (such as a lower surface) of the body. In this embodiment, the at least one contact region may be provided with one or more apertures therein, such that a sub-atmospheric pressure generated at the at least one contact surface may provide a suction force. In this way, when the at least one contact region is brought into contact with the object to be lifted, the object to be lifted may be retained on the at least one contact region through the suction force, allowing the object to be lifted and moved to a desired location.

[0028] The at least one contact region may be in fluid communication with the vacuum storage tank. For example, the contact region may be in fluid communication with the vacuum storage tank via one or more conduits extending through the body and into the contact region. The contact region may be provided with one or more valves. The one or more valves can be provided, for example, at the outlet of the vacuum storage tank, in a vacuum supply line or conduit to the contact region, and / or in conduits associated with the apertures in the contact region. In use, it is envisaged the one or more valves may control the flow of vacuum and / or equalise the pressure to the at least one contact region.

[0029] In one or all embodiments of the disclosure, one or more contact members may extend from the surface of the body, preferably extending downwardly from the body. Thecontact members may be attached to the body by an attachment portion, such as a lift point plate. The contact members may be movable relative to the body or may be fixedly connected thereto. In embodiments where the contact members may be movable relative to the body, the contact members may have at least one degree of freedom of movement. The contact member may be releasably lockable in a selected orientation.

[0030] In embodiments where there are two or more contact members, the contact members are centred across the body of the lifting device to provide an optimal lifting position. In embodiments where there are two or more contact members, the contact members are configured to operate cooperatively. In embodiments where the body is provided with extension members, the contact members may be re-centred across the extended body of the lifting device to provide an optimal lifting position. The contact members may be connected to the body of the lifting device and / or the extension members.

[0031] In this embodiment of the disclosure, it is envisaged that the at least one contact region may be located on the contact members. Thus, the at least one contact region may be located directly on the surface of the body, or may be associated therewith via one or more intermediate members, such as the contact members).

[0032] The one or more contact members may be in fluid communication with the vacuum storage tank. For example, the one or more contact members may be in fluid communication with the vacuum storage tank via one or more conduits extending through the body and into the one or more contact members. The pressure generated by the system may be equalised across the contact members such that the lifting force provided by each contact member is the same. For example, a valve may be located at an outlet of the vacuum storage tank which controls vacuum to the one or more contact members.

[0033] In one or all embodiments, the one or more contact members and / or the at least one contact region may be provided with a shape that is complementary to the object to be lifted. The shape may be of any suitable form, although it is envisaged that the complementary shape of the one or more contact members and / or the at least one contact region may assist in improving the seal between the object and the one or more contact members and / or the at least one contact region. For instance, in embodiments of the disclosure in which the object to be lifted comprises a pipe, the one or more contact members and / or the at least one contact region may be provided with a concave shape configured to be located in abutment with the convex outer surface of the pipe.

[0034] In one or all embodiments, the one or more contact members may be a vacuum shoe. In embodiments, an airtight seal is made by installing a special rubber seal which issecured to the shoes by using a recessed channel, wherein the arrangement enables the shoes to grip and lift the object.

[0035] It is envisaged that the one or more contact members may be configured for removable connection to the body. Thus, the one or more contact members may be removed from the body and replaced with contact members having a different configuration depending on the object to be lifted.

[0036] The one or more contact members may be provided with one or more guide members. The guide members may be of any suitable form, although in an embodiment of the disclosure it is envisaged that the guide members may be provided to assist in correctly aligning the one or more contact members with the object to be lifted before a seal is formed between the object and the contact members. The guide members may be of any suitable form, although in an embodiment of the disclosure, the guide members may include biasing members (such as springs orthe like). In this embodiment, the natural bias of the biasing members may be required to be overcome before the contact members are able to form a seal against the object.

[0037] In one or all embodiments, the system may include a sensor configured to monitor the position of the object relative to a vehicle. The sensor may be of any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, a rotation sensor, proximity sensor or the like, or a combination thereof. It is envisaged that the sensor may be configured to detect when the object is moved to within a predetermined distance from the vehicle. Upon detecting that the object is within the predetermined distance of the vehicle, the sensor may generate an alarm to alert an operator of the vehicle. The alarm may be of any suitable form, and may include an audible alarm, visual alarm (such as a flashing light, coloured light orthe like) and so on. The alarm may be generated at the lifting device, or may be displayed within the cab of the vehicle in which the operator is located.

[0038] The lifting device may further comprise one or more pressure sensors. The pressure sensors may be of any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, one or more pressure transducers. The pressure sensors may be configured to monitor any suitable pressure within the lifting device or the lifting system. Preferably, however, the one or more pressure sensors may be configured to monitor the pressure at the at least one contact region. It is envisaged that, if the pressure at the at least one contact region varies from a predetermined value (or predetermined range of values) the system may automatically adjust the pressure. Alternatively, the pressure values measured by the pressure sensors may be displayed to the operator within the cabin of a vehicle, and the operator may manually adjust the pressure.

[0039] It is envisaged that the system may measure and store any suitable data, such aslogging the number of lifts performed by the lifting device. Further, data such as oil level, oil temperature and / or pump speed may be displayed to the operator within the cabin. The system may be configured to maintain a record of all lifts enabling the data to be interrogated in the event of any requirement to investigate system performance, for instance the record may be stored in a memory of the system, in the cloud, or the like. This storage and collection of data may provide ‘black box’ capability for the system. The system may transmit recorded data by wired or wireless communication. For example, the system may be able to transmit record data from a work site to a remote location via wireless communication, the wireless communication may be in near real-time.

[0040] The vacuum lifting device is designed to be used with a vacuum pump assembly, such as a vacuum pump and associated vacuum storage tank, wherein actuation of the vacuum pump generates a region of sub-atmospheric pressure in the vacuum storage tank and at the at least one contact region.

[0041] It is envisaged that a vacuum pump assembly may be located on the vehicle. In embodiments in which a vacuum pump assembly is mounted to the vehicle, it is envisaged that a vacuum storage tank may be located at or adjacent the location of the vacuum pump. The vacuum storage tank may comprise a tank, reservoir or the like.

[0042] The vacuum pump assembly is preferably configured to generate the sub- atmospheric pressure at the at least one contact region. The vacuum pump may be associated with a storage tank which is placed under pressure generated by the pump. The vacuum tank provides a quickly accessible source of negative pressure for the lifting device.

[0043] In this embodiment, the tank associated with the vacuum pump would be a primary vacuum storage tank and the tank associated with the lifting device would be a secondary vacuum storage tank. In this embodiment, the generated vacuum would be distributed from the primary vacuum storage tank to the secondary vacuum storage tank by means of one or more vacuum lines. Advantageously, providing a system having two vacuum storage tanks results in an “at command vacuum” enabling quicker delivery of vacuum from the primary tank and therefore lift and a reservoir of pressure from the secondary tank which provides additional time for taking protective measures for a safer system.

[0044] The secondary vacuum storage tank (the tank for storing a vacuum in the lifting device) may be the same size, shape and configuration as the primary vacuum storage tank, or may be different.

[0045] In one or all embodiments, the lifting device may be used with a vehicle without apump generating continuous vacuum.

[0046] The vacuum pump assembly may be fixed to the vehicle, or to a component associated with the vehicle, by a fixing arrangement. The fixing arrangement may be used to fix the vacuum pump assembly to a counterweight associated with the vehicle. The fixing arrangement may secure the vacuum pump assembly to a lifting eye on the counterweight. Advantageously, connecting the assembly to the counterweight by the fixing arrangement avoids the traditional means of fixing, which would usually involve more intrusive methods typically involving drilling, welding and cutting and bolting.

[0047] The fixing arrangement may comprise a mounting plate configured for mounting the vacuum pump assembly thereon and one or more connection portions configured for connection to a lifting eye of the counterweight.

[0048] The connection portions may be configured for removable connection to the lifting eye. Any suitable connection portion may be used, such as a lifting clutch, bolt, clamp, hook, or any suitable attachment means. The connection portions may comprise a bolt or similar elongate portion, configured to be disposed through an aperture in the lifting eye and locked to prevent the connection portion being inadvertently removed from the lifting eye.

[0049] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the disclosure.

[0050] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0051] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the disclosure may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the disclosure. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Disclosure in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0052] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a vacuum lifting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 2 illustrates a vacuum lifting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure coupled to a vehicle.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates a spreader bar with extension members for use with a vacuum lifting device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates a non-return valve for use with a vacuum lifting device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates a fixing arrangement for fixing a vacuum pump and tank assembly to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0057] Figure 6 illustrates a guide member for use with a contact member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a vacuum lifting device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vacuum lifting device comprises a body 10 having a vacuum storage tank (obscured) located therewithin. The body, and thus the vacuum storage tank, is fabricated from materials and welding consumables to meet recommendations for pressure vessel construction and to comply with relevant industry standards for pressurised vessels.

[0059] The vacuum lifting device 100 further comprises a coupling portion 12 associated with the body 10, in the form of a spreader bar, and configured for coupling the vacuum lifting device 100 to a vehicle (not shown in this Figure). The normal purpose of the body 10 is to control the travel of vacuum to the contact members 20 and to provide a structure from which to hang the contact members. In the present disclosure, the vacuum storage tank is created using the void of the spreader bar 10 as the tank. Vacuum is made available from the vacuum storage tank to the contact members 20 which connect to the object to be lifted.

[0060] The coupling portion 12 comprises a rotator 14 which enables the vacuum lifting device to be moveable relative to an actuator of a vehicle. A valve mount 16 having a non-return valve 18 is configured for mounting within the rotator 14, such that the rotator and the valve mount are connected and operate as a unit. The valve mount 16 is provided in a vacuum connection located in the coupling portion and allows vacuum to enter the vacuum storage tank while preventing the reverse flow of vacuum.

[0061] The vacuum lifting device 100 further comprises a pair of contact members 20, in the form of vacuum shoes, extending from a lower surface of the body 10 from an attachment portion 26, in the form of lift point plates, each of the contact members 20 including a contact region 22 located thereon, the contact regions including one or more apertures (obscured)therein, the one or more apertures being in fluid communication with the vacuum storage tank (obscured). A non-return valve 29, such as a Schmaltz valve, is located in an outlet of the vacuum storage tank to control vacuum to the contact members 20. In use, the contact members 20 are configured to contact an object (not shown) to be lifted and form a seal thereagainst. Spring mounted guides 24 extend downwardly from the contact members 20 to urge an object, such as a pipe, into correct alignment.

[0062] Pressure sensors 28 are attached to the body 10 of the lifting device and monitorthe pressure at the contact members 20.

[0063] Figure 2 illustrates a vacuum lifting system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vacuum lifting system 200 comprises a vacuum pump 32 mounted to a vehicle 30, and a primary vacuum storage tank 34 located adjacent the vacuum pump 32. The system 200 comprises two vacuum storage tanks effectively working together. Vacuum is generated by a vacuum pump 32 located on the rear of the host machine 30 into the primary vacuum storage tank 34 which has a 400 L capacity. All vacuum generated passes through the primary tank 34 and then passes through a vacuum line attached to excavator boom 36 and dipper arm and through a one-way valve arrangement into the secondary vacuum storage tank (240 L capacity) in the vacuum lifting device 40.

[0064] Figure 3 illustrates a body 50 of a lifting device, the body having a main body portion 52 and an extension member 54 at each end.

[0065] Figure 4 illustrates a valve mount 60 with a valve 64, the valve mount 60 comprising a valve mount plate 62 configured to be received within the coupling portion. The valve mount contains one or more through holes 66 configured to receive a supply line or conduit therein. Other through holes 68 are configured to receive bolts therein to fix the valve mount to the rotator so that the valve mount and rotator cannot move separately.

[0066] Figure 5 illustrates a fixing arrangement 70 for fixing the vacuum pump and tank assembly to a vehicle, the fixing arrangement 70 having a mounting plate 72 and two connection portions in the form clamp assemblies 74 (inset). The fixing arrangement 70 is fixed to the vehicle, such as through the lifting eyes of the counterweight via clamp assemblies 74. The vacuum pump and tank (not shown) can be mounted to the mounting plate 72 securely connecting the vacuum pump and tank assembly to the vehicle.

[0067] Clamp assembly 74 has a pair of opposing mounting portions 76 having an aperture therethrough and a cylindrical bolt 78 disposed through aligned bores of the opposing mounting portions 76. In use, a lifting eye is disposed between the opposing mounting portions 76 andcylindrical bolt 78 is passed through apertures in the lifting eye and opposing mounting portions 76 to removably connect the mounting plate 72 and thus the vacuum pump and tank assembly to the counterweight of the vehicle,

[0068] Figure 6 illustrates a guide member 80 for use with a contact member which assist in correctly aligning the contact members with the object to be lifted. The guide members 80 are configured for attachment at an end of the contact member and include a pair of opposing spring- biased guide flaps 84.

[0069] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0070] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0071] In compliance with the statute, the disclosure has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the disclosure into effect. The disclosure is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A vacuum lifting device comprising: a body having a vacuum storage tank connected thereto or located therewithin; a coupling portion associated with the body and configured for coupling the vacuum lifting device to a vehicle; one or more valves associated with the vacuum storage tank, wherein the valves allow vacuum to enter the vacuum storage tank while preventing the reverse flow of vacuum; and at least one contact region located on a surface of the body, the at least one contact region including one or more apertures therein, the one or more apertures in fluid communication with the vacuum storage tank, and wherein the at least one contact region is configured to contact an object to be lifted.

2. The vacuum lifting device according to claim 1 , wherein the vacuum storage tank is located within the body3. The vacuum lifting device according to claim 2, wherein the vacuum storage tank is formed from a void within the body.

4. The vacuum lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a rotator, wherein the rotator is located within the coupling portion of the lifting device and is configured to rotate the vacuum lifting device relative to the vehicle.

5. The vacuum lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more valves are located in the coupling portion of the lifting device and / or at the inlet of the vacuum storage tank.

6. The vacuum lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a valve mount configured to be received within the coupling portion of the lifting device and wherein the one or more valves are mounted in the valve mount.

7. The vacuum lifting device according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the valve mount is configured to be received within the rotator of the lifting device and wherein the valve mount and rotator act as a single unit.

8. The vacuum lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oneor more valves are non-return valves.

9. The vacuum lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more further valves associated with the at least one contact region, wherein the one or more further valves control the flow of vacuum to the contact region.

10. The vacuum lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more contact members which extend downwardly from the body, wherein each of the one or more contact members has at least one contact region thereon.11 . The vacuum lifting device according to claim 10, wherein a pair of contact members extend downwardly from the body and wherein each of the pair of contact members has at least one contact region thereon.

12. The vacuum lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more pairs of extension members connected to the body, wherein the extension members are added to the body symmetrically so that the centre of gravity of the body is retained proximate the coupling portion.

13. The vacuum lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more pressure sensors, wherein the pressure sensors monitor the pressure at the at least one contact region.

14. The vacuum lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims when used in a vacuum lifting system comprising a vacuum pump assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle.

15. A vacuum lifting system comprising: a vacuum pump assembly comprising a vacuum pump and configured to be mounted to a vehicle; and a vacuum lifting device in fluid communication with the vacuum pump assembly, the vacuum lifting device comprising: a body having a vacuum storage tank connected thereto or located therewithin; a coupling portion associated with the body and configured for coupling the vacuum lifting device to the vehicle; one or more valves associated with the vacuum storage tank such that the valvesallow vacuum to enter the vacuum storage tank while preventing the reverse flow of vacuum; and at least one contact region located on a surface of the body, the at least one contact region including one or more apertures therein, the one or more apertures in fluid communication with the vacuum storage tank, and wherein the at least one contact region is configured to contact an object to be lifted; wherein actuation of the vacuum pump generates a region of sub-atmospheric pressure in the vacuum storage tank and at the at least one contact region.

16. The vacuum lifting system according to claim 15, wherein the vacuum pump is mounted to the vehicle by a fixing arrangement, the fixing arrangement comprising: a mounting plate, and one or more connection portions, wherein the mounting plate is configured for mounting the vacuum pump thereon and the one or more connection portions are configured for connecting the mounting plate to the vehicle.

17. The vacuum lifting system according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the vacuum pump is configured to be mounted to a counterweight of the vehicle.

18. The vacuum lifting system according any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the vacuum pump mounted on the vehicle is associated with a vacuum tank and wherein generated vacuum is distributed from the vacuum tank associated with the vacuum pump to the vacuum storage tank associated in the body by means of one or more vacuum lines.

19. The vacuum lifting system according to any one of claims 15 to 18 comprising the vacuum lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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