Jack support assembly

Abstract

A support assembly (77) for a jack (3) comprises a support member (13), a ball connector member (79), and one or more holding parts (81, 83). The ball connector member comprises a partially spherical portion (85) and a connection portion (87) extending therefrom. The connection portion is configured to connect the support assembly to a part of the jack. The support member has a support surface (14) configured to support the jack against an external surface, and a socket (89) for receiving at least part of the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member such that the partially spherical portion is rotatable in the socket. The, or each, holding part is configured to be engageable with both the support member and the ball connector member to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion from rotating in the socket.

Description

[0001] Jack Support Assembly

[0002] The present invention relates to a support assembly for a jack, to a portable jack incorporating such a support assembly, to an electrically powered portable jack incorporating such a support assembly, and to a lifting system comprising a plurality of portable jacks that each incorporate such a support assembly.

[0003] The invention seeks to provide an improved portable apparatus and system for lifting, lowering, and holding items, and preferably also for levelling and keeping level items being lifted, lowered, and held. The invention has particular utility for builders, construction workers, tradespeople and do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts, e.g. for lifting, levelling, lowering, and holding cabinets, shelves, beams, and other carpentry, construction, building, and related items, during construction, building, re-modelling, and DIY work. However, the invention may also have broader utility for portable modest lifting requirements. The invention has special utility for single- user operation.

[0004] A first aspect of the disclosure provides a support assembly for a jack, according to Claim 1 of the appended claims, i.e. comprising: a support member; a ball connector member; and one or more holding parts; wherein the ball connector member comprises a partially spherical portion and a connection portion extending therefrom, the connection portion configured to connect the support assembly to a part of the jack; wherein the support member has a support surface configured to support the jack against an external surface, and a socket for receiving at least part of the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member such that the partially spherical portion is rotatable in the socket; and wherein the, or each, holding part is configured to be engageable with both the support member and the ball connector member to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion from rotating in the socket. A second aspect of the disclosure provides a jack according to Claim 29, i.e. including one or more support assemblies according to the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0005] A third aspect of the disclosure provides a lifting system according to Claim 38, i.e. comprising a plurality of portable electrically powered jacks according to the disclosure, each jack comprising: a movable lifting member; an actuator configured to move the lifting member; and a wireless communication device configured to enable wireless communication between the jacks such that the movements and / or positions of their respective lifting members may be controlled and / or coordinated.

[0006] A fourth aspect of the disclosure provides a portable jack, preferably an electrically powered jack, having a support member it each of two opposite ends thereof, wherein at least one of the support members, preferably each support member, has a substantially flat or planar support surface configured to support the jack against an external surface. Preferably, the, or each, support surface has a generally polygonal or round shape, e.g. generally square or triangular or hexagonal or circular, or oval. Preferably, the, or each, support surface is a substantially continuous surface.

[0007] It is explicitly to be understood that any feature or embodiment, including any preferred or other optional feature or embodiment, of any aspect or embodiment of the disclosure or the invention, may be a feature or embodiment, including a preferred or other optional feature or embodiment, of any other aspect or embodiment of the disclosure or the invention.

[0008] Preferred, and other optional, features of the disclosure and the invention are defined and described in the dependent claims, and below. Regarding the support assembly of the first aspect of the disclosure, the socket of the support member may be for receiving at least part of the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member such that the partially spherical portion is substantially freely rotatable in the socket, preferably with three rotational degrees of freedom, more preferably up to an angular limit in respect of two of the rotational degrees of freedom. The socket may be part spherical.

[0009] The, or each, holding part may be engageable with the support member and / or the ball connector member frictionally and / or by means of a mechanical interlocking.

[0010] Advantageously, a first said holding part may comprise a screw-threaded collar configured for screw-threaded attachment to the support member via a screw thread on the support member such that the collar surrounds part of the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member in the socket, wherein tightening the attachment of the collar on the support member is configured to cause the collar to grip the partially spherical portion to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion from rotating in the socket.

[0011] The screw-threaded collar may be configured to grip the partially spherical portion to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion from rotating in the socket at substantially any angle of the ball connector member up to the angular limit.

[0012] The angular limit may be no more than 60 degrees, preferably no more than 50 degrees, e.g. approximately 45 degrees, between an axis perpendicular to the support surface and an axis of the connection portion of the ball connector member.

[0013] The collar may provide part of the socket in which the partially spherical portion is received. The screw thread on the support member may be situated on a portion of the support member surrounding at least part of the socket.

[0014] The screw thread on the collar may be an internal screw thread, and the screw thread on the support member may be an external screw thread.

[0015] The screw-threaded collar may include an inner annular gripping surface configured to grip part of the outer surface of the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member when the collar is tightened on the support member.

[0016] The annular gripping surface of the collar may be bevelled and / or curved in a direction parallel to the annular axis.

[0017] Advantageously, at least one second said holding part may comprise an interlocking member mounted or mountable to the support member and configured to be movable relative to the support member into and out of mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion from rotating in the socket.

[0018] The interlocking member may include an engagement part configured for the mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member.

[0019] The ball connector member may include one or more engagement portions configured for the mechanical interlocking engagement with the interlocking member, preferably with the engagement part.

[0020] The, or each, engagement portion may comprise a recess or hole in the ball connector member. The, or each, engagement portion may comprise a recess or hole provided in the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member.

[0021] The, or each, recess or hole provided in the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member preferably is not oriented radially with respect to the partially spherical portion.

[0022] The engagement part of the interlocking member may comprise a protrusion configured to be received in a said recess or hole provided in the ball connector member, preferably in the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member.

[0023] The support member may include at least one opening extending into the socket, through which opening at least the engagement part of the interlocking member is configured to retractably extend, to be received in a said recess or hole provided in the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member.

[0024] The interlocking member may be configured to be engageable with the ball connector member, with the mechanical interlocking engagement, when the ball connector member is oriented such that an axis of the connection portion is substantially coaxial or parallel to an axis perpendicular to the support surface.

[0025] The interlocking member may be elongate, and preferably has a longitudinal axis extending substantially radially with respect to the socket in plan view.

[0026] The interlocking member may include at least one detent part configured to releasably engage with one or more detent portions of the support member, to releasably secure the interlocking member in and / or out of mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member.

[0027] The, or each, detent part and / or detent portion may comprise a flexible part or portion. The interlocking member may include a user-holdable part to facilitate its movement relative to the support member into and out of mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member.

[0028] There may be a plurality of second holding parts, each comprising a said interlocking member.

[0029] The connection portion of the ball connector member may be screw threaded, but other types of connection are possible, e.g. bayonet fitting, detent, the use of one or more separate fasteners (e.g. screws), etc.

[0030] The support member may comprise a support pad, preferably having a substantially flat support surface.

[0031] Regarding the jack of the second aspect of the disclosure, the jack may include a said support assembly located at each of two opposite longitudinal ends thereof.

[0032] The, or each, support assembly may be connected to a part of the jack by means of the connection portion of the ball connector member of the, or each, support assembly.

[0033] The, or each, support member may be substantially freely rotatable, with three rotational degrees of freedom, with respect to the part of the jack to which it is connected, until the, or each, holding part is moved into engagement with both the support member and the ball connector member to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member from rotating in the socket.

[0034] The, or each, support member may be substantially freely rotatable, with three rotational degrees of freedom, with respect to the part of the jack to which it is connected, up to an angular limit in respect of two of the rotational degrees of freedom.

[0035] The angular limit may be no more than 60 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the jack, preferably no more than 50 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the jack, e.g. approximately 45 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the jack.

[0036] The part of the jack to which the, or each, support assembly is connected may comprise a lifting member or an actuator or a gear box, for example. The support assembly may be indirectly so connected.

[0037] The jack may be a portable jack and / or may be electrically powered, preferably battery powered.

[0038] Regarding the lifting system of the third aspect of the disclosure, the lifting system may comprise a plurality of portable electrically powered jacks according to the second aspect, each jack comprising: a movable lifting member; an actuator configured to move the lifting member; and a wireless communication device configured to enable wireless communication between the jacks such that the movements and / or positions of their respective lifting members may be controlled and / or coordinated.

[0039] The, or each, actuator may comprise an electric motor, preferably a brushless motor.

[0040] The, or each, actuator may further comprise a lead screw configured to be rotated by the motor, preferably via a transmission of the actuator.

[0041] The, or each, lifting member may be directly or indirectly connected to the lead screw of its jack such that rotation of the lead screw is configured to move the lifting member. The, or each, jack may further comprise a main housing which houses the actuator, and from which the lifting member extends.

[0042] The movement of the lifting member by the actuator may comprise extension and / or retraction of the lifting member, preferably with respect to the main housing.

[0043] The, or each, lifting member may comprise: a lifting shaft; and / or a first support member, preferably a first support pad, located at an end of the lifting member. The first support pad may have a substantially flat support surface, for example.

[0044] The, or each, jack may further comprise a second support member, preferably a second support pad, located at an opposite end of the jack to the first support member. The second support member preferably is directly or indirectly attached to the actuator, e.g. attached to the gear box (where present) of the actuator. The second support pad may have a substantially flat support surface, for example.

[0045] The, or each, jack may be configured to include a battery which is configured to power the jack and / or the actuator.

[0046] The, or each, battery may comprise a removable and rechargeable battery pack, and the main housing of each jack may include a battery pack receptacle for the removable attachment and electrical connection of a said battery pack.

[0047] The, or each, battery pack may include attachment rails for sliding attachment and detachment of the battery pack to and from the battery pack receptacle, and preferably wherein the battery pack comprises a battery pack of a power tool system. The power tool system may comprise a drill, a sander, and a saw, for example.

[0048] The, or each, jack may include control electronics configured to control the actuator of that jack, the control electronics preferably including the wireless communication device, and the control electronics preferably being housed at least partly in the main housing.

[0049] The control electronics may include one or more user-actuatable switches (e.g. switch buttons), preferably located on the exterior of the main housing.

[0050] The lifting system may further comprise a portable remote control device including a wireless communication device configured for wireless communication with the wireless communication devices of the jacks to control and / or coordinate the movements and / or positions of their respective lifting members.

[0051] The portable remote control device may include control electronics configured to control the actuators of the jacks, the control electronics preferably including the wireless communication device of the remote control device.

[0052] The control electronics of the portable remote control device may include one or more user-actuatable switches (e.g. switch buttons).

[0053] The control and / or coordination of the movements and / or positions of the respective lifting members of the jacks may be by means of the respective actuators of the jacks.

[0054] The control and / or coordination of the movements and / or positions of the respective lifting members of the jacks may comprise substantial synchronization of the movements of the lifting members of the jacks. The respective lifting members of the jacks may be configured to move at substantially the same speed as each other, preferably by means of each actuator being configured to operate at substantially the same speed as the, or each, other actuator.

[0055] Each motor may be configured to operate at substantially the same speed as the, or each, other motor.

[0056] Each actuator and / or motor may be configured to operate at a substantially constant speed.

[0057] Each jack may include a voltage and / or electrical current regulator and / or converter such that its actuator or motor is supplied with substantially the same voltage and / or electrical current as the actuator or motor of the, or each, other actuator or motor.

[0058] The wireless communication of the lifting system may comprise a wireless mesh network, preferably having a partial or full mesh topology.

[0059] Each wireless communication device of the lifting system may comprise a node of the wireless mesh network.

[0060] The wireless mesh network may be dynamically and / or automatically adaptable to the addition or removal of one or more wireless communication devices to or from the network (e.g. comprising the addition or removal of one or more jacks and / or remote control devices).

[0061] Each wireless communication device may be configured to communicate wirelessly with one or more other wireless communication devices in the lifting system, preferably by pairing and / or associating and / or mutually registering unique identifiers (e.g. MAC addresses), with one or more other wireless communication devices in the system.

[0062] The wireless communication may comprise Bluetooth, or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE, preferably BLE 5.0), or ZigBee, or ESP-NOW, or IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), for example. Other wireless communication systems may also be used.

[0063] Each wireless communication device in the lifting system may be configured to emit wireless advertising packets for reception by one or more other wireless communication devices in the system, to initiate the wireless communication.

[0064] Each wireless communication device in the lifting system may be configured to scan for wireless advertising packets emitted by one or more other wireless communication devices in the system, to initiate the wireless communication.

[0065] Each wireless communication device may, for example, be configured to perform in a dynamic dual mode topology as: (a) advertiser and / or server; and (b) scanner and / or client.

[0066] Each wireless communication device in the lifting system may be configured to determine the received signal strength (e.g. RSSI, received signal strength indication) and / or a unique identifier (e.g. MAC address) of each wireless advertising packet received from another wireless communication device in the system.

[0067] The wireless communication of the lifting system may comprise an open loop control system.

[0068] The, or each, user-actuatable switch may be configured such that its actuation causes the lifting member and / or actuator of the, or each, jack in communication therewith and / or connected thereto, to operate only while (i.e. only for as long as) the switch is being actuated. The, or each, user-actuatable switch may be configured such that its deactivation (i.e. ceasing of actuation, or shutting- off) causes the lifting member and / or actuator of the, or each, jack in communication therewith and / or connected thereto, to cease operating.

[0069] The control electronics of the lifting system may be configured to control each actuator of each jack by issuing and / or receiving control commands, preferably discrete control commands, preferably a series of discrete control commands.

[0070] The control commands may be issued and / or received wirelessly and / or electronically.

[0071] Each control command and / or series of discrete control commands may be initiated by the user actuation of a said user-actuatable switch.

[0072] The user actuation (or deactivation) of a user-actuatable switch of a control electronics in the lifting system may initiate the wireless emission of a control command, or a series of control commands, by that control electronics, for wireless reception of the control command, or the series of control commands, by all of the other control electronics in the system. When a series of control commands is emitted, preferably several control commands are emitted per second. For example, a control command (or control packet) may be emitted every 50 - 200 ms, e.g. every 100 ms.

[0073] If the user-actuatable switch is on the, or a, jack, its actuation may cause the control electronics of that jack to move the lifting member of that jack via its actuator. Conversely, the deactivation of the switch may cause the control electronics of that jack to cease moving the lifting member of that jack via its actuator. The wireless emission of the control command, or series of control commands, may cause the control electronics of all of the jacks, or all of the other jacks, of the lifting system to move their lifting members via their respective actuators.

[0074] The one or more user-actuatable switches in the lifting system may include a wireless communication switch configured to switch the wireless communication on and off.

[0075] Embodiments and implementations of the disclosure and invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures, of which:

[0076] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a lifting system according to the disclosure, comprising a plurality of portable electrically powered jacks;

[0077] Figure 2 shows a front view of the first embodiment of a lifting system according to the disclosure, comprising a plurality of portable electrically powered jacks;

[0078] Figure 3(a) shows a side view of the first embodiment of a lifting system according to the disclosure, comprising a plurality of portable electrically powered jacks, and Figure 3(b) shows a plan view of a single jack of the first embodiment;

[0079] Figure 4(a) shows a partial view of a portable jack of the first embodiment according to the disclosure, with an extension pole, and Figure 4(b) shows a partial view of a portable jack of the first embodiment according to the disclosure, mounted on a tripod; Figure 5(a) shows a partial and partially cut-away view of an actuator of an embodiment of a portable jack according to the disclosure, and Figure 5(b) shows a partially cut-away view of another actuator of another embodiment of a portable jack according to the disclosure, and a detail of a transmission thereof;

[0080] Figure 6(a) shows a partially cut-away view of a portable jack of the first embodiment of the disclosure, and Figure 6(b) shows a removable and rechargeable battery pack for powering the jack;

[0081] Figure 7 shows a partially cut-away detail of a portable jack of the first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0082] Figure 8 shows another view of the first embodiment of a lifting system according to the disclosure, including a portable remote control device;

[0083] Figure 9 views (a), (b), and (c), are three views of the first embodiment of a lifting system according to the disclosure, shown in use;

[0084] Figure 10 views (a) and (b) shows two views of an embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure;

[0085] Figure 11 views (a), (b) and (c) shows three views of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure;

[0086] Figure 12 shows another view of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure;

[0087] Figure 13 shows a view of parts of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure; Figure 14 shows another view of parts of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure;

[0088] Figure 15 shows a view of the support member of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure;

[0089] Figure 16 shows another view of parts of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure;

[0090] Figure 17 shows another view of parts of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure;

[0091] Figure 18 shows a view of a pair of holding parts in the form of interlocking members, of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure;

[0092] Figure 19 shows a view of part of a support member of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure;

[0093] Figure 20 shows a view of a holding part in the form of a screw threaded collar, of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure;

[0094] Figure 21 shows a view of a ball connector member of the embodiment of a support assembly for a jack, according to the disclosure.

[0095] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a lifting system 1 according to the disclosure, Figure 2 shows a front view of the lifting system 1 , and Figure 3(a) shows a side view of the lifting system 1. The lifting system 1 comprises a plurality (two are shown) of portable electrically powered jacks 3. Each jack 3 comprises an elongate main housing 5 (e.g. formed from a plastic material) which partially houses a movable lifting member 7, and from which the lifting member 7 extends. The main housing 5 of each jack 3 also houses an actuator 9 (see Figure 5) configured to move the lifting member. The lifting member 7 of each jack 3 comprises a lifting shaft 11 and a first support member 13, preferably a first support pad 13 (as illustrated), located at a longitudinal end (the top end, as illustrated) of the lifting shaft 11 distal from the main housing 5. The first support member or support pad 13 is therefore located at a first longitudinal end of each jack. A second support member 15 of each jack 3, preferably a second support pad 15 (as illustrated), is located at an opposite longitudinal end of each jack 3 (the bottom end, as illustrated). The second support member 15 preferably is directly or indirectly attached to the actuator 9, e.g. attached to the gear box (where present) of the actuator 9. A plan view of a generally square cross-section support pad 13 is also shown in Figure 3(b). Each lifting member is, for example, formed from steel or one or more other strong materials. Each support pad 13 (where present) preferably has a substantially flat support surface 14, as illustrated (e.g. having a generally square shape, as illustrated).

[0096] One or more jacks 3 of the lifting system 1 may include a removable extension pole or other extension member 17, e.g. attachable between the actuator 9 and the second support member 15, e.g. as illustrated in Figure 4(a). Additionally, or alternatively, a support member of one or more jacks may comprise a tripod 19 (or other support), e.g. as partially illustrated in Figure 4(b).

[0097] Figure 5(a) shows a partial and partially cut-away view of an actuator 9 of an embodiment of a portable jack 3 according to the disclosure, and Figure 5(b) shows a partially cut-away view of another actuator 9 of another embodiment of a portable jack 3 according to the disclosure. As illustrated in figures 5(a) and 5(b), the actuator 9 of each jack 3 preferably comprises an electric motor 21 , e.g. a brushless electric motor, and a lead screw 23 configured to be rotated by the motor 21 . The motor 21 may be arranged substantially in line with the lead screw 23, e.g. as in the embodiment shown in Figure 5(a), or the motor may be arranged in another position or orientation, e.g. substantially parallel to the lead screw 23 as in the embodiment shown in Figure 5(a). Additionally, a transmission 25 (gear box) comprising gears 26 may be arranged between the motor 21 and the lead screw 23, e.g. as illustrated in Figure 5(b) and in its detail portion. Alternatively, there may be no transmission between the motor 21 and the lead screw 23, and the lead screw 23 may be rotated by means of a direct drive from the motor 21 .

[0098] The movable lifting member 7 of each jack 3 may be directly or indirectly connected to the lead screw 23 of its jack such that rotation of the lead screw 23 by the electric motor 21 moves the lifting member 7. The movement of the lifting member 7 comprises extension or retraction with respect to the main housing 5, depending on the direction of rotation of the lead screw 23 by the motor 21 , e.g. via a transmission 25. Also illustrated as part of the actuator 9 of Figure 5(b) is a lead screw nut 27 which connects the lead screw 23 to the movable lifting member 7, and an extension limit switch 29a, and a retraction limit switch 29b. During use, if / when a lateral extension 31 of the lead screw nut 27 contacts either the extension limit switch 29a or the retraction limit switch 29b, the motor 21 is switched off, thereby providing safe limits to the degrees of extension and retraction of the lifting member 7.

[0099] Each jack 3 preferably includes at least one battery which is configured to power the jack 3 and the actuator 9. As shown in Figure 6(b), the (or each) battery advantageously comprises a removable and rechargeable battery pack 33, and as shown in figures 1 , 3, 4, and 6(a), the main housing 5 of each jack 3 advantageously includes a battery pack receptacle 35 for the removable attachment and electrical connection of a battery pack 33. As illustrated, the battery pack receptacle is preferably located on an outer part of the main housing 5 of each jack 3 and / or is preferably situated at, near, or towards a bottom end of the main housing 5, e.g. for stability. The battery pack receptacle is preferably oriented with its battery pack receiving opening 36 uppermost, for downward longitudinal sliding receipt of the battery pack 33 therein.

[0100] The battery pack 33 may advantageously include a pair of attachment rails 37 and a pair of grooves 39 for sliding attachment and detachment of the battery pack 33 to and from the battery pack receptacle 35. The battery pack 33 preferably comprises a battery pack of a power tool system, the power tool system e.g. comprising a drill and / or a sander and / or a saw. The battery pack receptacle 35 of each jack includes electrical connectors 41 configured to electrically connect with corresponding electrical connectors 43 on the battery pack 33, the receptacle 35 also including a pair of rails 45 configured to fit in the grooves 39 of the battery pack 33. Additionally, the battery pack 33 includes a spring-loaded detent 47 and a detent release button 49, the battery pack receptacle 35 including a corresponding detent part 51 to removably lock the battery pack 33 in place in the receptacle 35.

[0101] As illustrated in figures 6 and 7, each jack 3 includes control electronics 53, preferably housed at least partly in the main housing 5, configured to control the actuator 9 of that jack, the control electronics 53 including a wireless communication device 55, which preferably also comprises a microcontroller (MCU). The control electronics 53 preferably also includes one or more user- actuatable switches, e.g. an “up” button 57, a “down” button 59, and a wireless communication on / off switch 61 (e.g. a Bluetooth, especially a BLE, on / off switch), as shown in figures 1 , 2, 6, 7, and 8, for example. Additionally, the control electronics 53 may for example include motor driver electronics 63 and a voltage and / or electrical current regulator and / or converter 65.

[0102] As shown in figures 1 , 2, and 8, the user-actuatable switches 57, 59, 61 are located on the exterior of the main housing 5 of each jack 3. In use, when a user presses the “up” button 57, the movable lifting member 7 and its first support member 13 move in an upwards direction (against gravity) relative to the main housing 5 and the second support member 15, due to rotation of the lead screw 23, caused by rotation of the motor 21 which is powered by the battery pack 33. Thus, the lifting member 7 is moved to extend further from the main housing 5, in an upwards direction if the second support member 15 is supporting the jack on the ground or floor or other lower surface. If the first support member 13 is holding an item (e.g. a cabinet, a shelf, a beam, or other item), then the item will be lifted by the upwards movement of the lifting member 7 and its first support member 13. Conversely, if a user presses the “down” button 59, the movable lifting member 7 and its first support member 13 move in an opposite, downwards, direction relative to the main housing 5 and the second support member 15, to lower an item being held by the first support member 13. Advantageously, deactivation (i.e. ceasing of actuation, or shutting-off) of a user-actuatable switch 57, 59 causes the emission of a control signal to stop the movements of the actuators 9 (i.e. motors 21 ).

[0103] As indicated above, the user-actuatable switches typically include a wireless communication on / off switch 61 , e.g. a Bluetooth, especially a BLE, on / off switch. When the wireless communication is switched on, and the jacks 3 of the lifting system 1 are wirelessly connected to each other in a wireless communication network (e.g. a Bluetooth network, especially a BLE network), then a user actuation of the “up” button of a single first jack 3 will cause the movable lifting member 7 and first support member 13 of each jack 3 wirelessly connected to the first jack 3 to move in an upwards direction substantially simultaneously with the upwards movement of the lifting member 7 and first support member 13 of the first jack 3. Conversely, a user actuation of the “down” button of a single first jack 3 will cause the movable lifting member 7 and first support member 13 of each jack 3 wirelessly connected to the first jack 3 to move in a downwards direction substantially simultaneously with the downwards movement of the lifting member 7 and first support member 13 of the first jack 3. Advantageously, deactivation (i.e. ceasing of actuation, or shutting-off) of a user-actuatable switch 57, 59 causes the emission of a control signal to stop the movements of the actuators 9 (i.e. motors 21 ). In this way, the movements and / or positions of the respective lifting members 7 of a plurality of jacks 3 in the lifting system 1 may be controlled and / or coordinated, e.g. to lift and / or lower one or more items being held by the plurality of jacks in combination.

[0104] As mentioned above, the control electronics 53 of each jack 3 in the lifting system 1 may include a voltage and / or electrical current regulator and / or converter 65. Such a regulator and / or converter is advantageously provided so that the actuator 9 (preferably motor 21 ) of each jack 3 in the lifting system 1 is supplied with substantially the same voltage and / or electrical current as the actuator 9 (preferably motor 21) of the, or each, other jack 3 in the lifting system 1 . By virtue of this voltage and / or current regulation, the respective lifting members 7 of the jacks 3 of the lifting system 1 may be configured to move at substantially the same speed as each other, by means of each actuator 9 (preferably motor 21 ) being configured to operate at substantially the same speed as the, or each, other actuator 9 (preferably motor 21 ). For example, the actuators 9 and lifting members 7 may be configured such that each lifting member 7 moves at a speed of 5 - 20 mm / s (mm per second), e.g. approximately 10 mm / s. Preferably, each actuator 9 (preferably motor 21) may be configured to operate at a substantially constant speed, but in at least some embodiments each actuator 9 (preferably motor 21 ) may be configured to operate at varying speeds, advantageously with all lifting members 7 operating at substantially the same variable speed at any one time.

[0105] As illustrated in figures 8, 9(c), and 10(a), the lifting system 1 preferably further comprises a portable remote control device 67 which also includes a wireless communication device 55 configured for wireless communication (e.g. Bluetooth, especially BLE, communication) with the wireless communication devices 55 of the jacks 3, to control and / or coordinate the movements and / or positions of their respective lifting members 7, by controlling their respective actuators 9. The portable remote control device 67 also includes control electronics 53, which includes its wireless communication device 55, and preferably also includes user-actuatable switches 57, 59. Advantageously, the portable remote control device 67 may include an “up” button 57, and a “down” button 59, similar or identical to the corresponding buttons on each jack 3 and configured to function identically to the corresponding buttons on each jack 3. Thus, a user actuation of the “up” button 57 of the remote control device 67 will cause the movable lifting member 7 and first support member 13 of each jack 3 wirelessly connected to the remote control device 67 to move in an upwards direction substantially simultaneously with each other. Conversely, a user actuation of the “down” button 59 of the remote control device 67 will cause the movable lifting member 7 and first support member 13 of each jack 3 wirelessly connected to the remote control device 67 to move in a downwards direction substantially simultaneously with each other. Advantageously, deactivation (i.e. ceasing of actuation, or shutting-off) of a user-actuatable switch 57, 59 causes the emission of a control signal to stop the movements of the actuators 9 (i.e. motors 21 ). In this way, the movements and / or positions of the respective lifting members 7 of a plurality of jacks 3 in the lifting system 1 may be controlled and / or coordinated, e.g. to lift and / or lower one or more items being held by the plurality of jacks in combination.

[0106] By virtue of the above wireless communication between jacks 3 in the lifting system 1 (whether with, or without, the use of a portable remote control device 67), in combination with the lifting member 7 of each jack 3 being configured to move at substantially the same speed (preferably a substantially constant speed) as the lifting member of the, or each, other jack 3, the movements of the lifting members 7 of the jacks 3 in the system may be coordinated to be substantially simultaneous and substantially identical with each other. Thus, advantageously, the user actuation of an “up” or “down” switch (on a jack 3 or a remote control device 67) causes the lifting member 7 of each jack 3 connected to the wireless communication network of the lifting system 1 to be moved “up” or “down” (respectively) at substantially the same time and at substantially the same speed. Additionally, the control electronics 53 of each jack 3 preferably are configured such that each connected lifting member 7 moves only while the user-actuatable switch is being actuated, and stops, or does not move, when the switch is not being actuated. Consequently, for example, two or more jacks 3 arranged to lift a single bulky item, or a plurality of items, may be used and controlled to lift the item or items in a simultaneous, synchronized, coordinated, and levelled manner. Additionally, the user may first set up the jacks 3 of the lifting system 1 prior to wirelessly connecting them, i.e. by positioning the jacks and individually adjusting the heights of their lifting members 7, ready for the synchronized control of the jacks once they are wirelessly connected to each other.

[0107] Views (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 9 show examples of the lifting system 1 in use. In Figure 9(a), a single jack 3 is being used by a tradesperson to support a cabinet 69 at the correct height while the cabinet is being attached to a wall 71. An extension pole 17 is attached to the jack 3, to provide the jack 3 with sufficient height or reach from the floor. In Figure 9(b), two jacks 3 are being used to support a cabinet 69 at the correct height above a worktop 73 on which the jacks 3 are placed. The lifting members 7 and first support members 13 of the two jacks 3 are extended by substantially the same amount, to support the cabinet 69 in a horizontally levelled orientation. In Figure 9(c), five jacks 3 are being used to support several cabinets 69 at the correct heights above the floor 74 and above worktops 73, and are being controlled and coordinated by a single user by means of a portable remote control device 67.

[0108] Each jack 3 preferably is portable, and this necessarily limits the weight and size of each jack 3 so that it may be manually carried by a (single) user. Advantageously, each jack preferably weighs no more than approximately 10kg (22lbs), more preferably no more than approximately 8kg (18lbs), even more preferably no more than approximately 6kg (13lbs), especially preferably no more than approximately 4kg (9lbs). For example, a preferred embodiment of a jack weighs between approximately 1 - 2kg (2 - 4.5lbs), e.g. approximately 1.5kg (3lbs). Preferably, each jack has a length / height of no more than approximately 1 metre (40 inches), more preferably no more than 75 cm (30 inches), especially preferably no more than approximately 50 cm (20 inches), e.g. approximately 42 cm (16.5 inches), when retracted. Advantageously, each jack 3 can preferably lift up to approximately 45-135kg (up to approximately 100lbs to 300lbs), more preferably up to approximately 45-90kg (up to approximately 100lbs to 200lbs), for example up to approximately 70kg (150lbs) in weight. Preferably, each jack has a lifting distance range (i.e. an extension / retraction distance range of the lifting member 7) of up to approximately 50 cm (20 inches), more preferably up to approximately 40 cm (16 inches), even more preferably up to approximately 30 cm (12 inches), especially preferably up to approximately 20 cm (8 inches), e.g. approximately 15 cm (6 inches).

[0109] Each wireless communication device 55 of the lifting system 1 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with one or more other wireless communication devices 55 in the lifting system 1 by pairing and / or associating and / or mutually registering unique identifiers (e.g. MAC addresses), with the one or more other wireless communication devices 55 in the system 1. The wireless communication may comprise Bluetooth, or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE, preferably BLE 5.0), or ZigBee, or ESP-NOW, or IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), for example. Other suitable wireless communication systems will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0110] Turning now to figures 10 to 21 , various views of an embodiment of a support assembly 77 for a jack 3 according to the disclosure, and views of various components of the support assembly 77, are shown.

[0111] As shown in the views of figures 10, 11 , and 12, the illustrated embodiment of a support assembly 77 for a jack 3 comprises a support member 13, a ball connector member 79, and a plurality of holding parts. A first holding part comprises a screw threaded collar 81. One or more, preferably a plurality (e.g. two, as illustrated) second holding parts each comprise an interlocking member 83. The ball connector member 79 comprises a partially spherical portion 85 and a screw threaded connection portion 87 extending therefrom. The screw threaded connection portion 87 is configured to connect the support assembly 77 to a part of the jack 3. For example, one such support assembly 77 may be connected, directly or indirectly, to the movable lifting member 7 of a jack 3. Another such support assembly 77 may, for example, be connected, directly or indirectly, to the actuator 9, e.g. a gear box 25, of a jack 3. Consequently, a jack 3 may include two such support assemblies 77, one located at each opposite longitudinal end of the jack 3. Each component of the, or each, support assembly may, for example, be formed from steel and / or one or more other strong materials.

[0112] The support member 13 of the illustrated support assembly 77 has a substantially flat support surface 14 configured to support a jack 3 against an external surface (e.g. the ground, a floor, the item being lifted). The support member 13 also includes a part spherical socket 89 for receiving at least part of the partially spherical portion 85 of the ball connector member 79 such that the partially spherical portion 85 is rotatable in the socket 89. The partially spherical portion 85 is substantially freely rotatable in the socket 89, with three rotational degrees of freedom, up to an angular limit in respect of two of the rotational degrees of freedom (i.e. the two rotational degrees of freedom 93 and 95, as illustrated in Figure 12 and described below).

[0113] The three rotational degrees of freedom of the ball connector member 79 and its partially spherical portion 85, with respect to the support member 13, are illustrated in Figure 12. A first rotational degree of freedom 91 comprises rotation of the ball connector member 79 and its partially spherical portion 85 about the axis of the A-A (see Figure 21 ) of the connection portion 87. A second rotational degree of freedom 93 comprises swivelling of the ball connector member 79 and its partially spherical portion 85 into and out of the plane of the drawing. A third rotational degree of freedom 95 comprises swivelling of the ball connector member 79 and its partially spherical portion 85 in the plane of the drawing. Any combination of some or all of these rotational degrees of freedom is also possible, of course.

[0114] Each holding part 81 , 83 is configured to be engageable with both the support member 13 and the ball connector member 79 to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion 85 from rotating in the socket 89.

[0115] As indicated above, and as shown in figures 10-15 and figure 20, the first holding part comprises a screw-threaded collar 81 configured for screw-threaded attachment to the support member 13 via a screw thread 97 on the support member 13 such that the collar 81 surrounds part of the partially spherical portion 85 of the ball connector member 79 in the socket 89. In use, tightening the attachment of the collar 81 on the support member 13 is configured to cause the collar 81 to grip the partially spherical portion 85 of the ball connector member 79 to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion 85 (and thus the entire of the ball connector member 79) from rotating in the socket 89. The screw-threaded collar 81 is configured to grip the partially spherical portion 85 of the ball connector member 79 (to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion 85 and the entire of the ball connector member 79 from rotating in the socket 89), with the partially spherical portion 85 and the entire ball connector member 79 oriented at substantially any angle up to an angular limit. The angular limit may be no more than 60 degrees, preferably no more than 50 degrees, e.g. approximately 45 degrees, between an axis B-B (see Figure 11 (b)) perpendicular to the support surface 14 and the axis A-A of the connection portion 87 of the ball connector member 79.

[0116] As illustrated in the views of Figure 11 , the collar 81 may provide part of the socket 89 in which the partially spherical portion 85 of the ball connector member 79 is received. As shown in figures 14 and 15, the screw thread 97 on the support member 13 may be situated on a portion of the support member 13 surrounding at least part of the socket 89, and thus the screw thread 97 on the support member 13 may be an external screw thread. As shown in figures 11 and 20, the screw thread 99 on the collar 81 may therefore be an internal screw thread, and the screw-threaded collar 81 may include an inner annular gripping surface 101 configured to grip part of the outer surface of the partially spherical portion 85 of the ball connector member 79 when the collar 81 is tightened on the support member 13. As shown, the inner annular gripping surface 101 of the collar 81 may be bevelled and / or curved in a direction parallel to the annular axis C-C (see Figure 20).

[0117] As indicated above, and as shown in figures 10 to 14 and 16 to 18, one or more, but preferably a plurality (e.g. two, as illustrated) of second holding parts each comprise an interlocking member 83 mounted or mountable to the support member 13 and configured to be movable relative to the support member 13 into and out of mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member 79 to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion 85 from rotating in the socket 89. Each interlocking member 83 advantageously includes an engagement part 103 configured for the mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member 79.

[0118] As illustrated in Figure 21 , the ball connector member 79 advantageously includes one or more, preferably a plurality, e.g. six as illustrated, engagement portions 105 configured for the selective mechanical interlocking engagement with the engagement part 103 of each interlocking member 83. As illustrated, each engagement portion 105 advantageously comprises a recess or hole in the partially spherical portion 85 of the ball connector member 79. The engagement part 103 of each interlocking member 83 comprises a protrusion configured to be received in such a recess or hole 105 provided in the partially spherical portion 85 of the ball connector member 79. Each recess or hole 105 advantageously is not oriented radially with respect to the partially spherical portion 85, to prevent rotation of the partially spherical portion 85 in the socket 89 when the engagement part 103 of an interlocking member 83 is received therein. As shown in figures 15 and 19, the support member 13 advantageously includes a plurality of openings 107 extending into the socket 89, through each of which openings 107 at least the engagement part 103 of a respective interlocking member 83 is configured to retractably extend, to be received in a recess or hole 105 provided in the partially spherical portion 85 of the ball connector member 79. Figure 15 shows one face of the support member 13 (i.e. the face from which the connection portion 87 of the ball connector member 79 extends, in use), and figure 19 shows a view of the support member 13 from a generally opposite direction, with the support surface 14 omitted, to expose the openings 107.

[0119] As is clear, for example, from figures 11 and 21 , the interlocking members 83 are configured to be engageable with the partially spherical portion 85 of the ball connector member 79, with a mechanical interlocking engagement, when the ball connector member 79 is oriented such that the axis A-A of the connection portion 87 is substantially coaxial or parallel to the axis B-B perpendicular to the support surface 14.

[0120] As shown in figures 16 to 18, the interlocking members 83 are generally elongate, and preferably have a longitudinal axis D-D extending substantially radially with respect to the socket 89 in plan view (see Figure 17). Each interlocking member 83 advantageously includes one or more (e.g. two, as illustrated) detent parts 109 (e.g. protrusions) configured to releasably engage with respective detent portions 111 (e.g. recesses) of the support member 13, to releasably secure the interlocking member 83 in and / or out of mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member 79. Each detent part 109 advantageously comprise a flexible part. For example, each interlocking member 83 may be formed from a polymeric material, and each engagement part 103 extending from a respective interlocking member 83 may be formed from steel or another strong / hard material. Each interlocking member 83 may include a user- holdable part 113 to facilitate its movement relative to the support member 13 into and out of mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member 79.

[0121] It is to be understood that the described and illustrated embodiments and implementations of the invention and the disclosure are examples, and that other embodiments and implementations fall within the scope of the disclosure and the claimed invention.

Claims

Claims1. A support assembly for a jack, comprising: a support member; a ball connector member; and one or more holding parts; wherein the ball connector member comprises a partially spherical portion and a connection portion extending therefrom, the connection portion configured to connect the support assembly to a part of the jack; wherein the support member has a support surface configured to support the jack against an external surface, and a socket for receiving at least part of the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member such that the partially spherical portion is rotatable in the socket; and wherein the, or each, holding part is configured to be engageable with both the support member and the ball connector member to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion from rotating in the socket.

2. A support assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the socket is for receiving at least part of the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member such that the partially spherical portion is substantially freely rotatable in the socket, preferably with three rotational degrees of freedom, more preferably up to an angular limit in respect of two of the rotational degrees of freedom.

3. A support assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the socket is part spherical.

4. A support assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the, or each, holding part is engageable with the support member and / or the ball connector member frictionally and / or by means of a mechanical interlocking.

5. A support assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein a first said holding part comprises a screw-threaded collar configured for screw-threaded attachment to the support member via a screw thread on the support member such that the collar surrounds part of the partially spherical portion of the ball connectormember in the socket, wherein tightening the attachment of the collar on the support member is configured to cause the collar to grip the partially spherical portion to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion from rotating in the socket.

6. A support assembly according to Claim 5 when dependent on Claim 2, wherein the screw-threaded collar is configured to grip the partially spherical portion to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion from rotating in the socket at substantially any angle of the ball connector member up to the angular limit.

7. A support assembly according to Claim 6, wherein the angular limit is no more than 60 degrees, preferably no more than 50 degrees, e g. approximately 45 degrees, between an axis perpendicular to the support surface and an axis of the connection portion of the ball connector member.

8. A support assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the collar provides part of the socket in which the partially spherical portion is received.

9. A support assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the screw thread on the support member is situated on a portion of the support member surrounding at least part of the socket.

10. A support assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the screw thread on the collar is an internal screw thread, and the screw thread on the support member is an external screw thread.

11. A support assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the screw-threaded collar includes an inner annular gripping surface configured to grip part of the outer surface of the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member when the collar is tightened on the support member.

12. A support assembly according to Claim 11 , wherein the annular gripping surface of the collar is bevelled and / or curved in a direction parallel to the annular axis.

13. A support assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one second said holding part comprises an interlocking member mounted or mountable to the support member and configured to be movable relative to the support member into and out of mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion from rotating in the socket.

14. A support assembly according to Claim 13, wherein the interlocking member includes an engagement part configured for the mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member.

15. A support assembly according to Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the ball connector member includes one or more engagement portions configured for the mechanical interlocking engagement with the interlocking member, preferably with the engagement part.

16. A support assembly according to Claim 15, wherein the, or each, engagement portion comprises a recess or hole in the ball connector member.

17. A support assembly according to Claim 16, wherein the, or each, engagement portion comprises a recess or hole provided in the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member.

18. A support assembly according to Claim 17, wherein the, or each, recess or hole provided in the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member is not oriented radially with respect to the partially spherical portion.

19. A support assembly according to Claim 16 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the engagement part of the interlocking member comprises a protrusion configured to be received in a said recess or hole provided in the ball connector member, preferably in the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member.

20. A support assembly according to Claim 17 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the support member includes at least one opening extending into the socket, through which opening at least the engagement part of the interlocking member is configured to retractably extend, to be received in a said recess or hole provided in the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member.21 . A support assembly according to claim 13 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the interlocking member is configured to be engageable with the ball connector member, with the mechanical interlocking engagement, when the ball connector member is oriented such that an axis of the connection portion is substantially coaxial or parallel to an axis perpendicular to the support surface.

22. A support assembly according to claim 13 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the interlocking member is elongate, and preferably has a longitudinal axis extending substantially radially with respect to the socket in plan view.

23. A support assembly according to Claim 13 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the interlocking member includes at least one detent part configured to releasably engage with one or more detent portions of the support member, to releasably secure the interlocking member in and / or out of mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member.

24. A support assembly according to Claim 23, wherein the, or each, detent part and / or detent portion comprises a flexible part or portion.

25. A support assembly according to Claim 13 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the interlocking member includes a user-holdable part to facilitate its movement relative to the support member into and out of mechanical interlocking engagement with the ball connector member.

26. A support assembly according to Claim 13 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein there is a plurality of second holding parts, each comprising a said interlocking member.

27. A support assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection portion of the ball connector member is screw threaded.

28. A support assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises a support pad, preferably having a substantially flat support surface.

29. A jack including one or more support assemblies according to any preceding claim.

30. A jack according to Claim 29, including a said support assembly located at each of two opposite longitudinal ends thereof.31 . A jack according to Claim 29 or Claim 30, wherein the, or each, support assembly is connected to a part of the jack by means of the connection portion of the ball connector member of the, or each, support assembly.

32. A jack according to Claim 31 , wherein the, or each, support member is substantially freely rotatable, with three rotational degrees of freedom, with respect to the part of the jack to which it is connected, until the, or each, holding part is moved into engagement with both the support member and the ball connectormember to substantially prevent the partially spherical portion of the ball connector member from rotating in the socket.

33. A jack according to Claim 32, wherein the, or each, support member is substantially freely rotatable, with three rotational degrees of freedom, with respect to the part of the jack to which it is connected, up to an angular limit in respect of two of the rotational degrees of freedom.

34. A jack according to Claim 33, wherein the angular limit is no more than 60 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the jack, preferably no more than 50 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the jack, e.g. approximately 45 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the jack.

35. A jack according to Claim 31 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the part of the jack to which the, or each, support assembly is connected comprises a lifting member or an actuator or a gear box.

36. A jack according to Claim 29 or any claim dependent thereon, which is a portable jack.

37. A jack according to Claim 29 or any claim dependent thereon, which is an electrically powered, preferably battery powered, jack.

38. A lifting system comprising a plurality of portable electrically powered jacks according to Claim 37, each jack comprising: a movable lifting member; an actuator configured to move the lifting member; and a wireless communication device configured to enable wireless communication between the jacks such that the movements and / or positions of their respective lifting members may be controlled and / or coordinated.

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