Lifting devices

Abstract

This invention relates to lifting devices. In particular, the invention relates to a lifting device and to a loading accessory. The lifting device includes attachment means configured to attach onto a support structure to define an anchor point; a loading accessory for engaging a load to be displaced; and a lifting mechanism connected to the attachment means at one end and to the loading accessory at the other end, the lifting mechanism selectively operable to operate in a first lifting mode as a single degree of freedom lever about the anchor point and in a second lifting mode as a horizontally stabilised loading lift. The loading accessory includes a lifting device as described; and a conveyor on an upper surface of the support structure to facilitate movement of a load on the surface of the support structure.

Description

[0001] LIFTING DEVICES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to lifting devices. In particular, the invention relates to a lifting device and to a loading accessory.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the agricultural industry, particularly on small to medium-sized farms, the efficient handling and transport of various loads, such as grass bales, is essential. Farmers often encounter challenges in loading these bales and other heavy items onto trailers. Traditionally, this task requires at least two people: one to operate a frontend loader and another to manage the tractor and trailer. This method is labour-intensive and can be inefficient, particularly when labour is limited or during peak seasons when time is critical.

[0006] In addition to the traditional method, some farmers opt for specialised equipment designed to automate the loading process. Such machinery is often prohibitively expensive for small to medium-sized farms, making it inaccessible to many farmers. Furthermore, the specialised nature of this equipment means that it is typically designed for specific tasks, limiting its versatility and usefulness in handling a variety of farm operations.

[0007] The present invention aims to address these issues by offering a more affordable, versatile lifting device that simplifies the loading process and reduces the need for multiple operators, thereby improving efficiency and productivity on the farm.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a lifting device, which includes attachment means configured to attach onto a support structure to define an anchor point; a loading accessory for engaging a load to be displaced; and a lifting mechanism connected to the attachment means at one end and to the loading accessory at the other end, the lifting mechanism selectively operable to operate in a first lifting mode as a single degree of freedom lever about the anchor point and in a second lifting mode as a horizontally stabilised loading lift.

[0010] The lifting device may include an actuator drivingly connected to the lifting mechanism. The actuator may be a mechanical actuator, such as a worm gear actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or the like.

[0011] In one embodiment the lifting mechanism may include a primary boom, pivotally connected to the anchor point with a first pivot at a first end and pivotally connected to the loading accessory with a second pivot at a second end, the loading accessory selectively lockable at the second pivot. The loading accessory may be selectively lockable about the second pivot by means of a locking pin that rigidly connects the loading accessory to the primary boom. In use, the locking pin selectively locks the loading accessory to the primary boom to rotate in unison about the first pivot point when in the first lifting mode.

[0012] In this embodiment, the primary boom may be connected to the anchor point and the actuator as a class 3 lever.

[0013] The lifting mechanism may include a removable link, connectable in a second lifting mode to the anchor point with a third pivot at a first end of the link and to the loading accessory with a fourth pivot at a second end of the link, in the configuration of a four-bar-linkage to define a kinematic pair between the anchor point and the loading accessory.

[0014] The loading accessory may be in the form of a fork for lifting grass bales or similar items onto the trailer, a platform for lifting vehicles or similar items onto the trailer, or the like. In use, in the first lifting mode, the primary boom may rotate about the first pivot, enabling sweeping, angular movement of the lifting mechanism relative to the trailer. In this configuration, the loading accessory may rotate along with the boom as the lifting mechanism moves from a lowered position to a raised position.

[0015] In use, in the second lifting mode, the primary boom may rotate about the first pivot whilst the loading accessory displaces vertically between a lowered position, in which it is substantially on the same horizontal plane as the ground, and a raised position, in which it is substantially on the same horizontal plane as the trailer bed.

[0016] The removable link may be detachable to allow for easy switching between the first lifting mode and the second lifting mode. In use, when installed, the removable link may inhibit rotational movement of the loading accessory, whilst allowing the primary boom to rotate, thereby facilitating vertical movement of the loading accessory in the second lifting mode, when the locking pin is removed. When the removable link is removed and the locking pin is installed, both the primary boom and the loading accessory may rotate in unison about the first pivot, enabling the sweeping, angular movement in the first lifting mode.

[0017] The invention extends to a loading accessory, which includes a lifting device as described; and a conveyor on an upper surface of the support structure to facilitate movement of a load on the surface of the support structure.

[0018] The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures:

[0019] FIGURE(S)

[0020] In the figure(s):

[0021] Figure 1 shows a lifting device in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 shows the lifting device in a first lifting mode;

[0023] Figure 3 shows the lifting device at the lowered position in a second lifting mode; and Figure 4 shows the lifting device at the raised position in a second lifting mode. In the figures, like reference numerals denote like parts of the invention unless otherwise indicated.

[0024] EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In the Figures reference numeral (10) refers to a lifting device. In Figure 1, the lifting device (10) includes an attachment means (not shown) configured to attach onto a support structure to define an anchor point (12), and a loading accessory (14) for engaging a load to be displaced. Further, the lifting device (10) includes a lifting mechanism (16) connected to the attachment means (not shown) at one end and to the loading accessory (14) at the other end, the lifting mechanism (16) selectively operable to operate in a first lifting mode as a single degree of freedom lever about the anchor point (12) as shown in Figure 2, and in a second lifting mode as a horizontally stabilised loading lift as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0026] In the Figures, the lifting device (10) includes an actuator (18) drivingly connected to the lifting mechanism. The actuator (18) is in the form of a hydraulic actuator.

[0027] With reference to Figure 1 , the lifting mechanism (16) includes a primary boom (16.1), pivotally connected to the anchor point (12) with a first pivot (12.1) at a first end and pivotally connected to the loading accessory (14) with a second pivot (14.1) at a second end, wherein the loading accessory (14) is selectively lockable at the second pivot (14.1). The loading accessory (14) is selectively lockable about the second pivot

[0028] (14.1) by means of a locking pin (14.2) that rigidly connects the loading accessory (14) to the primary boom (16.1). In use, and with reference to Figure 2, the locking pin (14.2) selectively locks the loading accessory (14) to the primary boom (16.1) to rotate in unison about the first pivot point (12.1) when in the first lifting mode.

[0029] In this embodiment and with reference to the Figures, the primary boom

[0030] (16.1) is connected to the anchor point (12) and the actuator (18) as a class 3 lever. In Figures 1, 3 and 4, the lifting mechanism (16) includes a removable link

[0031] (16.2), connectable in a second lifting mode to the anchor point (12) with a third pivot

[0032] (12.2) at a first end of the link and to the loading accessory (14) with a fourth pivot

[0033] (14.3) at a second end of the link, in the configuration of a four-bar-linkage to define a kinematic pair between the anchor point (12) and the loading accessory (14).

[0034] The loading accessory (14) is in the form of a fork for lifting grass bales or similar items onto the trailer as shown in Figure 2, or a platform for lifting vehicles or similar items onto the trailer as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Preferably, the loading accessory (14) is in the form of a fork when in the first lifting mode, best shown in Figure 1. The loading accessory (14) is in the form of a platform when in the second lifting mode, best shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0035] In use and with reference to Figure 2, when in the first lifting mode, the primary boom (16.1) rotates about the first pivot (12.1), enabling sweeping, angular movement of the lifting mechanism (16) relative to the trailer bed (20). In this configuration, the loading accessory (14) rotates along with the primary boom (16.1) as the lifting mechanism (16) moves from a lowered position (A) to a raised position (B).

[0036] In use and with reference to Figures 3 and 4, when in the second lifting mode, the primary boom (16.1) rotates about the first pivot (12.1) whilst the loading accessory (14) displaces vertically between a lowered position (A), in which it is substantially on the same horizontal plane as the ground, and a raised position (B), in which it is substantially on the same horizontal plane as the trailer bed (20).

[0037] The removable link (16.2) is detachable to allow for easy switching between the first lifting mode and the second lifting mode. In use and with reference to Figure 3 and 4, the removable link (16.2) when installed inhibits rotational movement of the loading accessory (14), whilst allowing the primary boom (16.1) to rotate, thereby facilitating vertical movement of the loading accessory (14) in the second lifting mode, when the locking pin (14.2) is removed.

[0038] When the removable link (16.2) is removed and the locking pin (14.2) is installed, both the primary boom (16.1) and the loading accessory (14) rotate in unison about the first pivot (12.1), enabling the sweeping, angular movement in the first lifting mode, as shown in Figure 2.

[0039] With reference to the Figures, the removable link (16.2) is connected to the anchor point (12) and the primary boom (16.1) by means of pin connections. The removable link (16.2) can be in the form of a tie rod, adjustable link, and the like.

[0040] The primary boom (16.1) is adjustable to vary the distance of the loading accessory (14) relative to the anchor point (12). The primary boom (16.1) includes a primary member (16.3) and secondary member (16.4) that are telescopically connected by inserting a pin through corresponding apertures to alter the length of the primary boom (16.1).

[0041] The attachment means (not shown) may be configured to attach to both the side and underside of the trailer bed (20).

[0042] In an embodiment not shown, the lifting device (10) further includes safety features, such as emergency stop mechanisms and load sensors, to prevent overloading and ensure safe operation.

[0043] The inventor believes that the invention provides a lifting device and a loading accessory which is new and inventive, and which will be of particular use in the agricultural industry, particularly on small to medium-sized farms to assist with the efficient handling and transport of various loads, such as grass bales and other loads.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A lifting device, which includes attachment means configured to attach onto a support structure to define an anchor point; a loading accessory for engaging a load to be displaced; and a lifting mechanism connected to the attachment means at one end and to the loading accessory at the other end, the lifting mechanism selectively operable to operate in a first lifting mode as a single degree of freedom lever about the anchor point and in a second lifting mode as a horizontally stabilised loading lift.

2. The lifting device as claimed in claim 1 , which includes an actuator drivingly connected to the lifting mechanism.

3. The lifting device as claimed in claim 2, in which the actuator is a mechanical actuator.

4. The lifting device as claimed in claim 3, in which the mechanical actuator is any one of: a worm gear actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, and the like.

5. The lifting device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the lifting mechanism includes a primary boom, pivotally connected to the anchor point with a first pivot at a first end and pivotally connected to the loading accessory with a second pivot at a second end, the loading accessory selectively lockable at the second pivot.

6. The lifting device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the loading accessory is selectively lockable about the second pivot by means of a locking pin that rigidly connects the loading accessory to the primary boom.

7. The lifting device as claimed in claim 6, in which the locking pin selectively locks the loading accessory to the primary boom, in use, to rotate in unison about the first pivot point when in the first lifting mode.

8. The lifting device as claimed in claim 5, in which the primary boom is connected to the anchor point and the actuator as a class 3 lever.

9. The lifting device as claimed in claim 1, in which the lifting mechanism includes a removable link, connectable in a second lifting mode to the anchor point with a third pivot at a first end of the link and to the loading accessory with a fourth pivot at a second end of the link, in the configuration of a four-bar-linkage to define a kinematic pair between the anchor point and the loading accessory.

10. The lifting device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the support structure is in the form of a trailer.

11. The lifting device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the loading accessoryis in the form of any one of: a fork for lifting grass bales onto the trailer, and a platform for lifting loads onto the trailer.

12. The lifting device as claimed in claim 9, in which the removable link is detachable to allow for easy switching between the first lifting mode and the second lifting mode.

13. A loading accessory, which includes a lifting device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12; and a conveyor on an upper surface of the support structure, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, to facilitate movement of a load on the surface of the support structure.

14. A lifting device as claimed in claim 1 , substantially as herein described and illustrated.

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