Kerb lifter apparatus

Abstract

A kerb lifter apparatus (10) is provided which comprises a movable chassis (14), a fulcrum device (22) mounted on the movable chassis (14), and an elongate lifting member (24) supported by the fulcrum device (22). The elongate lifting member (24) has, or is configured to engage, a kerb lifter (28) at one end (26b) thereof. Furthermore, the elongate lifting member (24) is longitudinally movable along the fulcrum device (22) to alter a position of the kerb lifter (28).

Description

[0001] Kerb Lifter Apparatus

[0002] The present invention relates to a kerb lifter apparatus suitable for the manual movement of kerb stones or slabs into place during pavement construction operations in particular.

[0003] Kerb stones are typically used to delineate the edge of a pavement or road, and are formed from a hardwearing material such as concrete. Currently, kerb stones are lifted manually, usually by two workers for support, and physically lifted into place. There are some lifting machines available which assist with movement of kerb stones; however, they are fixed devices which are difficult to manoeuvre, and accidents can occur when a worker needs to tread across surfaced areas or lean across to other areas.

[0004] Some machines known in the art use suction techniques to lift kerb stones with a vacuum apparatus. However, this will generally present the kerb stone in the wrong orientation, requiring final manual positioning. These machines are mechanical and quite expensive. For many projects they are impractical in relation to usage and effectiveness. Pincher mechanisms, which can be mounted to digger machines, can also be provided, but this requires additional workers and machinery, increasing the cost of installation.

[0005] Any arrangement in the art where manual lifting is required at some point during the kerb installation will represent a hazard to worker safety.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or overcome the above difficulties in the art.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a kerb lifter apparatus comprising: a movable chassis; a fulcrum device mounted on the movable chassis; and an elongate lifting member supported by the fulcrum device, the elongate lifting member having or being configured to engage a kerb lifter at one end thereof, and wherein the elongate lifting member is longitudinally movable along the fulcrum device to alter a position of the kerb lifter.

[0008] The fulcrum arrangement of the present kerb lifter apparatus has a significant degree of freedom of manoeuvrability for the operator. The elongate lifting member reduces the work required by the operator to lift a kerb stone, and the longitudinal movement along the fulcrum device allows for accurate placement of kerb stones once lifted, eliminating the need for manual kerb stone handling. Optionally, the elongate lifting member may comprise a stop member to limit longitudinal movement along the fulcrum device.

[0009] The risk with a longitudinally moving lifting member is that it just slides off the fulcrum device. However, the provision of stops on the elongate lifting member which interact with the fulcrum device overcomes this issue.

[0010] Preferably, the stop member may comprise a plate dimensioned to abut an end of the fulcrum device.

[0011] A plate, physically dimensioned to prevent movement through the fulcrum device, is a simple mechanical means of inhibiting the longitudinal movement of the elongate lifting member.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the elongate lifting member may be telescopically extendable. Optionally, the elongate lifting member may be telescopically extendable by at least 0.5m.

[0013] Telescopic extension of the elongate lifting member allows for improved levering of the kerb stone to be lifted, reducing the force required to be applied by the operator using simple principles of moments.

[0014] Preferably, the fulcrum device may comprise at least one roller along which the elongate lifting member is longitudinally movable.

[0015] The use of a roller as part of the fulcrum device improves the ease with which the operator can achieve the longitudinal movement of the elongate lifting member.

[0016] The at least one roller may have a concave contact surface upon which the elongate lifting member is seatable.

[0017] Keeping the elongate lifting member on a desired axis can be readily achieved by careful selection of the topography of the rollers, to ensure that the elongate lifting member rests in the concave portion of the surface.

[0018] Preferably, a plurality of said rollers may be provided.

[0019] Having more than one roller stabilises the elongate lifting member so that it does not become displaced within the fulcrum device and disrupt the lifting process. Optionally, the fulcrum device may define a receiver channel within which the elongate lifting member is received.

[0020] Constraining the elongate lifting member within a receiver channel further inhibits rattling or wobbling of the kerb lifter apparatus in use.

[0021] The fulcrum device may be pivotable in an in-use horizontal axis.

[0022] A pivoting action of the fulcrum device is useful for raising and lowering the kerb lifter.

[0023] Additionally, or alternatively, the fulcrum device is rotatable about an in-use vertical axis.

[0024] Rotation of the fulcrum device is useful for lateral adjustment of the kerb lifter, and also allows the kerb lifter apparatus to be used from any or all angles.

[0025] The movable chassis may comprise a plurality of wheels.

[0026] Providing a wheeled chassis enables easy movement of the kerb lifter apparatus by a single user.

[0027] The kerb lifter apparatus may further comprise a brake member associated with at least one of the plurality of wheels.

[0028] The use of a brake allows for the position of the kerb lifter apparatus to be locked, allowing for accurate control of the kerb lifter without the movable chassis becoming displaced.

[0029] Optionally, the modular chassis may comprise a structural frame having a dedicated fulcrum support member.

[0030] Whilst a structure which forms the modular chassis is useful, due to the forces acting through the fulcrum device, it is preferred that there is a dedicated support member to support the fulcrum device to ensure that sufficient strength can be provided.

[0031] The dedicated fulcrum support member may be rotatable relative to the structural frame.

[0032] Rotation of the fulcrum device may be readily achieved by making the dedicated fulcrum support member itself rotatable. Optionally, the modular chassis may comprise a housing within which is defined a storage chamber.

[0033] The ability to store tools and equipment onboard the kerb lifter apparatus can be easily incorporated into the housing.

[0034] The kerb lifter apparatus may further comprise a movable counterbalance weight engaged with the elongate lifting member.

[0035] A movable counterbalance weight allows for reduced effort to be applied by the user during a lifting action, without altering the centre of mass during transit from above the movable chassis that would otherwise cause the kerb lifter apparatus to become unstable.

[0036] The movable counterbalance weight may comprise a manual-release brake.

[0037] Manual operation of the movement of the counterbalance weight is preferred, so a use can alter the difficulty of the lifting process to suit their requirements.

[0038] Optionally, the kerb lifter apparatus may have a height in the range of 800mm to 1000mm when the elongate lifting member is in a horizontal position.

[0039] Constructing the kerb lifter apparatus so as to be at a suitable waist-level height for an operator will improve ease-of-use.

[0040] Preferably, the kerb lifter apparatus may further comprise a kerb lifter.

[0041] The kerb lifter apparatus may be provided with an integral or removable kerb lifter. Where removable, this allows the kerb lifter apparatus to be used for other lifting activities.

[0042] Optionally, the kerb lifter may comprise manually operable kerb-engagement jaws.

[0043] The intent is to provide a kerb lifter apparatus which can be easily operated by a single user, and the manually-operable kerb-engagement jaws provide this functionality.

[0044] The kerb lifter may comprise a static frame portion comprising a kerb locator thereon.

[0045] Having a kerb lifter with a means of readily locating the kerb stone in place assists with loading of the kerb lifter apparatus. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kerb lifter apparatus comprising: a movable chassis; a fulcrum device mounted on the movable chassis; and an elongate lifting member supported by the fulcrum device, the elongate lifting member having or being configured to engage a kerb lifter at one end thereof, and wherein the fulcrum device allows for at least one of: longitudinal movement of the elongate lifting member; pivotable movement of the elongate lifting member; and rotational movement of the elongate lifting member.

[0046] The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of a first embodiment of a kerb lifter apparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0048] Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the kerb lifter apparatus of Figure 1 , during a kerb hoisting manoeuvre;

[0049] Figure 3 shows a perspective representation of the elongate lifting member of the kerb lifter apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0050] Figure 4A shows a perspective representation of a longitudinal movement of the elongate lifting member at the fulcrum device of the kerb lifter apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figure 4B shows a perspective representation of a pivoting movement of the fulcrum device of the kerb lifter apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0052] Figure 4C shows a perspective representation of a rotation movement of the fulcrum device of the kerb lifter apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0053] Figure 5 shows an exploded representation of the fulcrum device of the kerb lifter apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0054] Figure 6 shows an exploded representation of the movable chassis of the kerb lifter apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0055] Figure 7A shows a perspective representation of the kerb lifter of the kerb lifter apparatus of Figure 1 in a closed condition;

[0056] Figure 7B shows a front view of the kerb lifter of Figure 7A; Figure 8 shows a pictorial representation from the side of a second embodiment of a kerb lifter apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0057] Figure 9 shows a pictorial representation from the side of the kerb lifter apparatus of Figure 8, with the movable counterbalance weight in a different position on the elongate lifting member;

[0058] Figures 10A and 10B respectively show a cross-section view from the end and from the side of the movable counterbalance weight in a braked condition; and

[0059] Figures 10C and 10D respectively show a cross-section view from the end and from the side of the movable counterbalance weight in an unbraked condition.

[0060] Referring to Figure 1 , there is a shown a kerb lifter apparatus, referenced globally at 10, which is suitable for assisting a labourer in moving and placing heavy kerb stones 12 such as that shown in Figure 2, with ease and accuracy.

[0061] The kerb lifter apparatus 10 comprises a movable chassis 14, here having a main housing 16, a plurality of wheels 18, and a manually operable handle 20 to allow for movement at least one of the plurality of wheels 18. The handle 20 may also be used to provide braking function for the kerb lifter apparatus 10, though this could be provided separately. A dedicated brake member 21 is shown in Figure 6 for this embodiment.

[0062] On the movable chassis 14 is positioned a fulcrum device 22 which is adjustable to assist with the lifting of the load applied by a kerb stone 12. The fulcrum device 22 supports an elongate lifting member 24 which extends either side thereof to create a lifting moment for an operator at an operating end 26a thereof, causing a lifting effect at a lifting end 26b of the elongate lifting member 24. A kerb lifter 28 is provided, either integrally formed with or releasably engageable with the elongate lifting member 24 at the lifting end 26b.

[0063] The height of the kerb lifter apparatus 10, when the elongate lifting member 24 is in a horizontal position as shown in Figure 1 , is approximately 890mm tall, but for ease of use, is preferably in the range of 800mm to 1000mm.

[0064] The elongate lifting member 24 is shown in detail in Figure 3. It is formed substantially as a polearm and is preferably telescopically extendable in at least one of the directions, most preferably at the operating end 26a to provide a user with greater leverage. In the present arrangement, the elongate lifting member 24 is formed from chromoly steel. The elongate lifting member 24 shown has a central portion 30 with which are receivable first and second poles 32a, 32b forming the operating and lifting ends 26a, 26b respectively. The first and second poles 32a, 32b telescope with respect to the central portion 30, being longitudinally lockable using pin locators 34 engageable with complementary apertures 36 of the central portion 30 and first and second poles 32a, 32b. Telescopic extension is preferably at least 0.5m in each telescoping direction; however, additional extensions may be added depending on the leverage required. Each of the first and second poles 32a, 32b here has a grip member 36, which allows the kerb lifter apparatus 10 to be used from either end 26a, 26b. Evidently, the operating end 26a is defined by the presence of the kerb lifter 28 at the opposite end 26b, but this may well be adjustable.

[0065] The central portion 30 further includes stop members 38 spaced apart from one another about a centre thereof. The stop members 38 are designed to limit relative movement with respect to the fulcrum device 22, being formed as plates which abut the ends of the fulcrum device 22 when a longitudinal movement is applied. Preferably, there are two plates either side of the fulcrum device 22.

[0066] Figures 4A to 4C show possible movement options at the fulcrum device 22 for the kerb lifter apparatus 10. The arrangement of Figure 4A shows longitudinal movement. The elongate lifting member 24 can slide or roll backwards and forwards to provide some longitudinal adjustment of position of a kerb lifter 28 mounted thereto to ensure accurate positioning of the kerb stone 12 when placed.

[0067] Figure 4B shows pivoting movement. Leverage is achieved when lifting the kerb stone 12 by the use of the fulcrum device 22 as a pivot. Effort input to raise the kerb lifter 28 is linearly proportional to the ratio of the distance between the fulcrum point FP of the fulcrum device 22 and the lifting end 26b and the distance between the fulcrum point FP and the operating end 26a.

[0068] Figure 4C shows rotational movement of the whole fulcrum device 22. The fulcrum device 22 is capable of being rotated about a vertical axis with respect to the movable chassis 14.

[0069] Figure 5 shows the internal components of the fulcrum device 22. There is a casing 40 which has parallel sidewalls 42 designed to constrain the elongate lifting member 24 in the longitudinal direction, effectively forming a receiving channel for the elongate lifting member 24. The casing 40 is pivotably connected to a fulcrum support 44 by a hinge pin 46. The fulcrum support 44 has a plurality of upstanding support members which interleave with counterpart connectors on the base of the casing 40 and is mounted onto a baseplate 48 which couples to the movable chassis 14.

[0070] The support for the elongate lifting member 24 comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality of, rollers 50 which are located within the casing 40 and which have concave support surfaces 52 which the elongate lifting member 24 seats on. The rollers 50 here preferably have a diabolo- or hourglass-like shape for this reason. Each roller 50 may be supported by an individual or collective mount 52 which can be separately connected to the casing 40 of the fulcrum member 22. Collectively, the rollers 50 form a non- continuous concave support surface upon which the elongate lifting member 24 rests. A pair of upper pins 54 are also provided to inhibit lift of the elongate lifting member 24 from the rollers 50.

[0071] The structure of the movable chassis 14 is shown in Figure 6. There is a structural frame 56 which provides rigidity to the kerb lifter apparatus 10 and supports the main housing 16. The axles 58 supporting the wheels 18 are configured to be attached to the structural frame 56 and rotatable thereto to allow movement. However, any appropriate motive means, motorised, driven or manually operable, may be provided, including a different number of wheels, castors, treads, or tracks.

[0072] The structural frame 56 supports a dedicated fulcrum support member 60, here provided as an upstanding and freely rotatable rod extending up through the centre of the kerb lifter apparatus 10. Height adjustment means for altering the height of the fulcrum device 22 may be provided. In the depicted embodiment, this is achieved by a threaded nut 62 on the fulcrum support member 60 which can be adjusted to abut against the structural frame 56.

[0073] The main housing 16 surrounds the structural frame 56, and defines a storage chamber therein, which may be accessible through a panel 64. Tools and other equipment may be stored therein.

[0074] Figures 7A and 7B show the kerb lifter 28 in more detail, which is designed to be easily manually operable by two operators standing at either end. There is a static frame portion 66 formed as a horizontal bar to which is connected paired manually operable kerb- engagement jaws 68. A kerb locator 70 in the form of perpendicular receivers is attached to the static frame portions 66.

[0075] The static frame portion 66 may be hoisted by means of chains 72 which can be supported on the elongate lifting member 24 by a hook 74 or similar hanger.

[0076] To use the kerb lifter apparatus 10, the operator sets the operating end 26a and lifting end 26b of the elongate lifting member 24 at appropriate positions to create a suitable leverage ratio about the fulcrum device 22. A kerb stone 12 can then be engaged with the kerb-engagement jaws 68 of the kerb lifter 28.

[0077] The brake lever 20 can be disengaged and the moveable chassis 14 moved into an appropriate location to collect and / or deposit the kerb stone 12. The brake lever 20 can be reengaged to ensure that the movable chassis 14 is locked in place, and the operator can then collect and / or deposit the kerb stone 12 in place by manipulation of the elongate lifting member 24: pivoting to raise or lower the height of the kerb stone 12; rotating to move the kerb stone 12 sidewards; and longitudinally to make minor adjustments to the distance from the kerb lifter apparatus 10 once stopped.

[0078] A second embodiment of kerb lifter apparatus is indicated in Figures 8 and 9 and referenced globally at 1 10. Identical or similar features to the first embodiment will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

[0079] The mobile chassis 114 and elongate lifting member 124 are broadly similar to the first embodiment, though the fulcrum device 122 is offset relative to a centre of the mobile chassis 1 14.

[0080] To improve the ease of raising and lowering the kerb stone 12, the elongate lifting member 124 is provided a movable counterbalance weight 176 which is repositionable along the length of the first pole 132a towards or away from the operating end 126a. This alters the moment about the fulcrum on the first pole 132a, reducing the force required by the operator to lift a kerb stone 12.

[0081] Figures 10A to 10D show the movable counterbalance weight 176 in a braked condition, Figures 10A and 10B, and an unbraked condition, Figures 10C and 10D. The movable counterbalance weight 176 comprises a weighed member 178 which hangs down from a main body 180 of the movable counterbalance weight 176. There is a plurality of rollers 182 provided, similar to those of the fulcrum device 122, which engage with the elongate lifting member 124 from above.

[0082] A manually-operable braking member 184 is provided, which is biased under gravity against a retaining spring 186 to engage with the rollers 182 and prevent them from moving during use. To move the movable counterbalance weight 176, the operator engages with the handle 188 connected to the braking member 184 to bring it out of contact with the rollers 182 and allow for longitudinal movement along the elongate lifting member 124.

[0083] Whilst the present apparatus has been described in terms of being suitable for lifting kerb stones, it will be appreciated that other heavy building components, in particular paving slabs, will be able to make use of the present invention.

[0084] It is therefore possible to provide a kerb lifter apparatus which allows a user to easily lift a kerb stone within minimal effort, and then accurately place the kerb stone using the various adjustment options available via the fulcrum device.

[0085] The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0086] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0087] The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims1 . A kerb lifter apparatus (10) comprising : a movable chassis (14); a fulcrum device (22) mounted on the movable chassis (14); and an elongate lifting member (24) supported by the fulcrum device (22), the elongate lifting member (24) having or being configured to engage a kerb lifter (28) at one end (26b) thereof, and wherein the elongate lifting member (24) is longitudinally movable along the fulcrum device (22) to alter a position of the kerb lifter (28).

2. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the elongate lifting member (24) comprises a stop member (38) to limit longitudinal movement along the fulcrum device (22).

3. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the stop member (38) comprises a plate dimensioned to abut an end of the fulcrum device (22).

4. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate lifting member (24) is telescopically extendable.

5. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the elongate lifting member (24) is telescopically extendable by at least 0.5m.

6. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fulcrum device (22) comprises at least one roller (50) along which the elongate lifting member (24) is longitudinally movable.

7. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one roller (50) has a concave contact surface upon which the elongate lifting member (24) is seatable.

8. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein a plurality of said rollers (50) is provided.

9. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fulcrum device (22) defines a receiver channel within which the elongate lifting member (24) is received.

10. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fulcrum device (22) is pivotable in an in-use horizontal axis.

11. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fulcrum device (22) is rotatable about an in-use vertical axis.

12. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable chassis (14) comprises a plurality of wheels (18).

13. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a brake member associated with at least one of the plurality of wheels (18).

14. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular chassis (14) comprises a structural frame (56) having a dedicated fulcrum support member (44).

15. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the dedicated fulcrum support member (44) is rotatable relative to the structural frame (56).

16. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular chassis (14) comprises a housing (16) within which is defined a storage chamber.

17. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a movable counterbalance weight engaged with the elongate lifting member (24).

18. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the movable counterbalance weight comprises a manual-release brake (20).

19. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kerb lifter apparatus (10) has a height in the range of 800mm to 1000mm when the elongate lifting member (24) is in a horizontal position.

20. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a kerb lifter (28).

21. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the kerb lifter (28) comprises manually operable kerb-engagement jaws (68).

22. A kerb lifter apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein the kerb lifter (28) comprises a static frame portion comprising a kerb locator (70) thereon.

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