Device and system for lifting tiles and use thereof

Abstract

Device for lifting tiles, said device comprising a tubular structure having an inlet end and an outlet end, and an end structure connected to the inlet end of the tubular structure, wherein said end structure comprises - an aperture arranged in fluid communication with the tubular structure, and - a sealing ring configured to be arranged in contact with a surface of the tile to be lifted, wherein said end structure is configured to form a chamber when arranged in contact with the tile surface, wherein said outlet end of the tubular structure is adapted to be connected to an air extraction system for establishing a reduced pressure in the chamber for applying a suction force to the tile's surface, and wherein a part of said tubular structure at the outlet end is configured as a handle for manually lifting the device and the tile when a suction force is applied.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for manually lifting tiles comprising a tubular structure with an inlet end, an outlet end and an end structure, which end structure is connected to the inlet end of the tubular structure. The end structure comprises an aperture arranged in fluid communication with the tubular structure, and a sealing ring configured to form a chamber when in contact with the tile surface. The inlet end may be adapted to be connected to an air extraction system to establish a reduced pressure in the chamber for applying a suction force to the tile surface. The outlet end is configured as a handle for manually lifting the device and tile when a suction force is applied.Background of the Invention

[0002] Today, commonly used devices for lifting tiles utilize suction cups and are either small devices for one hand use or large devices.

[0003] The small tile lifting devices can be constructed with one or more suction cups attached directly to a handle with no or some control of the suction force applied to the tile surface and typically made for one hand use. Some of these small devices have inbuild systems that run on electricity to create a suction force between the device and tile surface but are still typically for one hand use.

[0004] The small tile lifting devices are generally intended for one-hand use, making it difficult to lift larger tiles. In general, these small tile lifting devices offer no, or very limited, control of the suction force to the tile, which may lead to issues when trying to remove the devices from the tile and in worst case cause damage either to the user or the tile.

[0005] The large tile devices are typically constructed as a crane-like system with an inbuild system for creating the suction force between multiple suction cups to the tile. The large devices are commonly also able to lift the tiles with little to no manual assistance.

[0006] Due to the large tile devices being large crane-like systems they are both large and heavy, which makes them unsuitable for use in smaller and fragile environments but also difficult or impossible to be transported in a transporter-van, a commonly used type of transportation means for professionals within the construction service industry. This in addition to the large tile devices being expensive the transportation of such devices may furthermore add to the daily tasks due to the need for alternative transportation means. A further drawback of the large tile devices may include the need for specific education in using the device.Object of the Invention

[0007] One objective of the present disclosure is to overcome one or more of above-mentioned drawbacks of known tile lifting devices.

[0008] One objective is to achieve a simple lifting device that offers good control and handling of tiles, even when lifting large tiles manually.

[0009] Further objectives may include to achieve a device supporting ergonomic correct lifting and a device for lifting large tiles in environments where large and heavy equipment is not suitable.

[0010] Thus, it is an objective of the present disclosure to achieve a tile lifting device that both offers good manual handling of small and large tiles, being useable in small and fragile environments, while additionally, being easy to transport by a normal size car or transporter-van and affordable for one-man operations both to acquire and in operation.Description of the Invention

[0011] One objective of the invention is achieved by a device for lifting tiles. The device comprises a tubular structure having an inlet end and an outlet end. The device furthermore comprises an end structure connected to the inlet end of the tubular structure.

[0012] The end structure comprises an aperture arranged in fluid communication with the tubular structure, and a sealing ring configured to be arranged in contact with a surface of the tile to be lifted.

[0013] The end structure is configured to form a chamber when arranged in contact with the tile surface.

[0014] The outlet end of the tubular structure is adapted to be connected to an air extraction system for establishing a reduced pressure in the chamber for applying a suction force to the tile's surface.

[0015] Part of the tubular structure at the outlet end is configured as a handle for manually lifting the device and the tile when a suction force is applied.

[0016] The tubular structure is a hollow structure, and thus the device has one coherent channel from the sealing ring to the outlet.

[0017] In one aspect, the handle of the tubular structure may be arranged above the centre of the end structure for achieving a device, which supports an ergonomic correct device when used for manually lifting. By arranging handled centred above the centre of the end structure it may be achieved to apply the device such that the load to be lifted is balanced, i.e. it is intuitive to arrange the end structure, or the handle substantially centred on the load to be lifted i.e. centred on the tile.

[0018] In one aspect, the height of the tubular structure may be in the range of 580-680mm, in the range of 585-600mm, in the range of 600-640mm, in the range of 640-680mm or a combination or overlap of such ranges for achieving a device supporting an correct ergonomic lifting movement for the person using the device.

[0019] In one aspect, the outlet end may be modified to better adapt any external devices such as an air extraction device. The air extraction device may be a small vacuum cleaner connected to the outlet end via a flexible tube.

[0020] In one embodiment the tubular structure may comprise one or more venting holes in the handle.

[0021] The venting hole(s) may have a diameter in the range of 5-25mm, preferably in the range of 5-8mm and / or in the range of 17-25mm.

[0022] The device may preferably comprise one or two venting holes with a diameter in the range of 7-18mm, in the range of 7-12mm and / or in the range of 10-16mm or in the range of 14-18mm.

[0023] The venting holes may be configured to be blocked and unblocked for establishing and releasing the suction force when in use.

[0024] In one aspect, the venting holes may be arranged with a distance between two of the holes in a range of 30-50mm.

[0025] On effect of using venting holes may be to enable the used of the device to control the suction force include when to establish the suction force and when to relieve it in a simple manner simply by blocking and unblocking the holes completely or partially e.g. only blocking a some of the holes or all the holes depending on the suction force to be achieved.

[0026] In one embodiment of the device, the handle is arranged so that, when in use, the handle is substantially parallel to the surface of the tile to be lifted.

[0027] In one aspect, the transition between the handle and inlet end of the tubular structure might be in an annular bend.

[0028] In one embodiment of the device, a part of the tubular structure comprising the inlet is arranged, so that when in use, said part is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the tile to be lifted.

[0029] The shape of the tubular structure may be beneficial for achieving a good ergonomic movement when lifting the tile. This includes a good bend in the legs and room for lifting and moving without conflict with the legs under normal movement.

[0030] In one embodiment of the device, the part of the tubular structure forming the handle has a length in the range of 300-450mm, preferably 320-400mm, more preferably 340-360mm.

[0031] In one embodiment of the device, the one or more venting holes are arranged substantially centred around the middle of the handle in a direction along the tubular structure.

[0032] On effect of arranging the venting holes substantially centred around the middle of the handle in a direction along the tubular structure is that when manually handing the device, the thumbs may be used for blocking the holes and thus the device may be handled manually by two-hand lift and achieving the suction force on the tile once the device is arranged in contact with the tile simply by blocking one or more of the venting holes using the thumbs. Once the tile is lifted and repositioned, the suction force may be relieved by unblocking the holes and thus, the device is ready for lifting the next tile.

[0033] In one embodiment of the device, the end structure forms a disk-shaped open-ended cavity, so that, when in use, the end structure in combination with the tile forms a disk-shaped chamber.

[0034] In one embodiment, the end structure comprises a top plate with a first face and a second face. The top plate may be fixedly connected to the tubular structure with the first face facing the tubular structure. Furthermore, the second face facing the chamber. The end structure furthermore comprises a sealing attachment plate fastened to the second face of the top plate.

[0035] The sealing attachment plate may preferably have a smaller circumference than the top plate. The top plate and sealing attachment plate each comprises a throughgoing hole substantially arranged in the centre of the plates and configured to form the aperture to be in fluid communication with the tubular structure. The annular edge of the sealing ring edge may be fixed between the top plate and the sealing attachment plate.

[0036] In one aspect, the top plate has a diameter in the range of 250-350mm, preferable in the range of 280-320mm. In one embodiment the diameter of the top plate may be 300mm.

[0037] In one aspect, the sealing attachment plate has a diameter in the range of 220-320mm, preferable in the range of 240-300mm. In one embodiment the diameter of the sealing attachment plate may be 270mm.

[0038] The top plate and the sealing attachment plate may be fastened to each other using mechanical fasters such as bolts and / or screws. This may include that the top plate and the sealing plate may comprise multiple fastening holes, preferably arranged radially around the centre of the plate. E.g. arranged at a distance in the range of 90-120mm from the centre. In one embodiment the fastening holes are arranged 105mm from the aperture.

[0039] In one aspect, the aperture in the end structure may have a diameter in the range of 15-30 mm, preferably 17-25mm. In one embodiment the diameter of the aperture, the diameter may be 20mm.

[0040] In one aspect, the sealing ring may be annular shaped with an outer side facing away from the disk-shaped open-ended cavity and an inner side facing towards the disk-shaped open-ended cavity.

[0041] The inner side may comprise a recess for receiving the periphery of the sealing attachment plate.

[0042] The sealing ring may have an outer diameter that is larger than the diameter of the attachment plate and an inner diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the attachment plate, preferably an outer diameter in the range of 250-31 0mm and an inner diameter in the range of 240-280mm.

[0043] Additionally, the sealing ring have a wall thickness and / or height in the range of 10-30mm, preferably in the range of 15-25mm.

[0044] In one embodiment, the wall thickness and height of the sealing ring may be substantially 20mm. The recess may accordingly be 5mm in height and 15 mm in width depending on the thickness of the sealing attachment plate.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the sealing ring is furthermore adhesively attached to the top plate at the second face.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, the top plate is fixedly attached to the tubular structure via a connector plate having a socket. The inlet end of the tubular structure is arranged in the socket and fixed to the socket e.g. by welding.

[0047] In one aspect, the outer diameter of the connector plate is smaller than the outer diameter of the top plate.

[0048] In one aspect, the connector plate has a diameter in the range of 70-110mm, preferable in the range of 80-100mm. In one embodiment the diameter of the connector plate is 89mm.

[0049] In one aspect, the connector plate may be fastened to the top plate, or to the top plate and the sealing attachment plate using mechanical fasters such as bolts and / or screws.

[0050] The connector plate may comprise multiple fastening holes to be aligned with fastening holes in the top plate and / or the sealing attachment plate.

[0051] In one embodiment the top plate, the bottom plate and / or the connector plate is fixedly attached to each other by use of mechanical fastening means such as bolts, screws and nuts and / or comparable fastening means.

[0052] In one embodiment, the wall thickness of the tubular structure and / or the plates may be in the range of 1.5-5mm, preferably 2-4mm and may be made of stainless steel. In one embodiment the wall thickness is 3mm.

[0053] Alternatively, the tubular structure and / or the plates are made in similar rigid material.

[0054] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the tubular structure is in the range of 30-35mm, preferably in the range of 31-33mm or 32-34mm.

[0055] One objective of the invention is achieved with a system for lifting tiles comprising a device in accordance with any one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments or aspects, and an air extraction system configured to be connected to the outlet end of the tubular structure.

[0056] One objective of the invention is achieved with by use of the system for lifting tiles.Description of the Drawing

[0057] Various examples are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated example need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular example is not necessarily limited to that example and can be practiced in any other examples even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0058] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the figures, whereon: Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the device as a whole and a tile. Fig. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the tubular structure of the device. Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the tubular structure and a connector plate. Fig. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the connector plate. Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the top plate. Fig. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the sealing attachment plate. Fig. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the sealing ring. Fig. 8 illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of the end structure. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0059] Exemplary examples will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this regard, the present examples may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the examples are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain aspects.

[0060] Throughout the specification, when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, the element is "directly connected" to the other element, "electrically connected", "fluidic connected" or "communicatively connected" to the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed there between.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the terms "comprises" "comprising" "includes" and / or "including" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined in the present specification. NoItem1Device2Tiles4Surface10Inlet end12Outlet end20Tubular structure22Venting hole26Handle30End structure32Sealing ring34Aperture34.iConnector plate aperture34.iiTop plate aperture34.iiiSealing attachment plate aperture35Chamber36Sealing ring edge40Top plate41First face (top plate)42Second face (top plate)44Sealing attachment plate46Connector plate

[0063] Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the device 1 and a tile 2. The embodiment shows the arrangement of the end structure 30 connected to the tubular structure 20. It shows that the tubular structure 20 comprises an outlet end 12 that may be used to connect a conventional air extraction system, a handle 26, one or more venting holes 22, that may be covered by the user, and an inlet end 10 where the end structure is connected. In figure 1, the end structure shows the connector plate 46 connected to the tubular structure 20 and the first face of the top plate 41 fastened together. Furthermore, figure 1 illustrates a tile 2 and shows one surface of the tile 4. The end structure 30 of the device 1 may then be placed on top of the surface of the tile 4 and the user can lift the device 1 with the handle 26.

[0064] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the tubular structure 20. The tubular structure is arranged with an outlet end 12, placed substantially close to the handle 26, with the venting holes substantially close to the centre of the handle 22 and the inlet end 10.

[0065] Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of tubular structure 20 viewed from the top, configured with outlet end 12 arranged close to one end of the handle 26 which may be connected to a conventional air extraction system, the handle 26, one or more venting holes arranged substantially close to the centre of the handle and substantially in line with the fastening holes of the connector plate 46 and the top plate 40 showing its first face 41.

[0066] Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of the connector plate 46 configured with a connector plate aperture 34.i arranged substantially close to the centre of the connector plate 46. This aperture is part of the fluid connection between tubular structure 20 illustrated in figure 1 and end structure 30 illustrated in figure 1 forming the chamber 35 illustrated in figure 8. Figure 4 also illustrate 4 fastening holes, however there could be a different number, placed around the centre of the connector plate 46 for possible fastening to the first face of the top plate 41 as illustrated in figure 5.

[0067] Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of the top plate 40 configured with a top plate aperture 34.ii arranged substantially close to the centre of the top plate 40. This aperture is part of the fluid connection between the tubular structure 20 illustrated in figure 1 and the end structure illustrated in figure 1 forming the chamber 35 illustrated in figure 8. Figure 5 also illustrates the top plates 8 fastening holes, could be more or less, placed around the centre of the top plate 40. These fastening holes may be categorized in two groups. One group of 4 holes substantially close to the centre of the top plate 40, subject to fastening the connector plate 46 as illustrated in figure 4. Another group of 4 holes substantially close to the edge of the top plate, subjected to fastening the seal attachment plate 44 as illustrated in figure 6. The figure additionally presents the two faces of the top plate, from which the first face 41 is attached to the connector plate 46 as illustrated in figure 4 and the second face 42 is attached to the seal attachment plate 44 as illustrated in figure 6.

[0068] Figure 6 illustrates one embodiment of the seal attachment plate 44 configured with a seal attachment plate aperture 34.iii arranged substantially close to the centre of the seal attachment plate 44. This aperture is part of the fluid connection between the tubular structure 20, as illustrated in figure 1, and the end structure forming the chamber 35 as illustrated in figure 8. Figure 6 also illustrates the seal attachment plates 8 fastening holes, could be more or less, placed around the centre of the seal attachment plate 44. These fastening holes can be described as two groups like stated in the figure 5 description. 4 inner fastening holes are for attachment of the connector plate 46 illustrated in figure 4 and 4 outer fastening holes for connection to the top plate 40 illustrated in figure 5.

[0069] Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of the sealing ring 32 configured with a sealing ring edge 36. The sealing ring is placed around the circumference of the seal attachment plate 44 illustrated in figure 8 and fixed between the seal attachment plate 44 illustrated in figure 8 and the top plate 40 illustrated in figure 8. The sealing ring will then create the chamber illustrated in figure 8.

[0070] Figure 8 illustrates one embodiment of the cross section of the end structure 30. The end structure 30 comprises the inlet end 10 of the tubular structure 20 illustrated in figure 2 connected to connector plate 46. The connector plate 46 is then connected through the fastening holes to the first face 41 of the top plate 40 and the seal attachment plate 44. The top plate 40 is connected through the fastening holes to the seal attachment plate 44 with the second face 42 facing the seal attachment plate. In between the second face 42 and the seal attachment plate 44, part of the seal ring is fixed to ensure that the chamber 35 is sealed between the plates. When the device 1, as illustrated in figure 1, is in contact with the tile surface 4, as illustrated in figure 1, the chamber will be sealed and an air extraction system may be connected to the outlet end 12, as illustrated in figure 1, to create a suction force that ensure contact between the device and the tile.

Claims

1. Device (1) for lifting tiles (2), said device comprising a tubular structure (20) having an inlet end (10) and an outlet end (12), and an end structure (30) connected to the inlet end (10) of the tubular structure, wherein said end structure comprises - an aperture (34) arranged in fluid communication with the tubular structure, and - a sealing ring (32) configured to be arranged in contact with a surface (4) of the tile to be lifted, wherein said end structure is configured to form a chamber (35) when arranged in contact with the tile surface (4), wherein said outlet end of the tubular structure is adapted to be connected to an air extraction system for establishing a reduced pressure in the chamber (35) for applying a suction force to the tile's surface, and wherein a part of said tubular structure (20) at the outlet end (12) is configured as a handle (26) for manually lifting the device and the tile when a suction force is applied.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tubular structure comprises one or more venting holes (22) in the handle (26), said venting hole(s) having a diameter in the range of 5-25 mm, preferably in the range of 5-8 mm and / or in the range of 17-25, preferably the device comprises one or two venting holes with a diameter in the range of 7-18 mm, more preferably in the range of 10-16 mm, wherein said venting holes are configured to be blocked and unblocked for establishing and releasing the suction force when in use.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle (26) is arranged, so that when in use, the handle is substantially parallel to the surface of the tile to be lifted.

4. The device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a part of said tubular structure (20) comprising the inlet (10) is arranged, so that when in use, said part is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the tile to be lifted.

5. The device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the part of the tubular structure forming the handle has a length in the range of 300-450mm, preferably 320-400mm, more preferably 340-360mm.

6. The device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more venting holes are arranged substantially centred around the middle of the handle in a direction along the tubular structure.

7. The device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the end structure (30) forms a disk-shaped open-ended cavity, so that, when in use, the end structure in combination with the tile forms a disk-shaped chamber (35).

8. The device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the end structure (30) comprises: - a top plate (40) with a first face (41) and a second face (42), said top plate being fixedly connected to the tubular structure (30) with the first face (41) facing the tubular structure (30) and with the second face (42) facing the chamber, and - a sealing attachment plate (44) fastened to the second face (42) of the top plate, wherein the sealing attachment plate has a smaller circumference than the top plate, wherein said top plate (40) and sealing attachment plate (44) each comprises a throughgoing hole substantially arranged in the centre of the plates (40,44) and configured to form the aperture (34), and wherein an annular edge (36) of the sealing ring edge is fixed between the top plate and the sealing attachment plate.

9. The device according to claim 8 wherein the sealing ring is furthermore adhesively attached to the top plate at the second face (42).

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the top plate (40) is fixedly attached to the tubular structure via a connector plate (46) having a socket, wherein said inlet end of the tubular structure is arranged in the socket and fixed to the socket by welding.

11. The device according to any one of claims 8-10 wherein the top plate (40), the bottom plate and / or the connector plate is fixedly attached to each other by use of mechanical fastening means such as bolts, screws and nuts and / or comparable fastening means.

12. The device according to any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the wall thickness of the tubular structure (30) and / or the plates (40,44,46) are in the range of 1,5-5mm, preferably 2-4mm and is preferably made of stainless steel.

13. The device according to any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the outer diameter of the tubular structure is in the range of 30-35mm, preferably in the range of 31-33mm or 32-44mm14. A system for lifting tiles comprising the device according to any one or more of claims 1-13 and an air extraction system (50) configured to be connected to the outlet end (12) of the tubular structure.

15. Use of the system according to claim 14 for lifting tiles.

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