US 2006/0076543 A1 · Compact modular lifting and holding apparatus

Abstract

A compact, modular, portable vehicle lifting and holding apparatus comprising either an individual lifting tower assembled from independent components, or one or more pairs of independent lifting tower assemblies interconnected by torsionally stiff support crossmembers, thereby forming a complete apparatus. Each lifting tower assembly is provided with redundant lifting carriage locking features, lifting means comprising a cable pulling device of conventional type, and further provided with ground traversing means whereby said complete apparatus is capable of ambulatory motion while supporting a load. Said apparatus includes means to engage and elevate a vehicle body independent of its frame, or elevate an entire vehicle or part thereof in a horizontal position relative to the level surface supporting said apparatus, thereby facilitating restoration, repair, and customization processes. Said complete apparatus has dimensions allowing operation within the confines of a conventional one-car residential garage, and disassembles completely for compact storage or transport.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A lifting and holding apparatus wherein said apparatus comprises an individual lifting tower, said lifting tower comprising:

a) base having ground traversing means;
b) upright support member comprising an elongated and torsionally stiff member extending in a generally vertical direction from said base;
c) carriage associated with said upright support member, said carriage being slidably mounted to said upright support member thus permitting movement of said carriage along the longitudinal length of said upright support member;
d) load supporting assembly having means of attachment to said carriage;
e) pulley mechanism associated with said upright support member and located upwards of said carriage and wherein said pulley mechanism includes a main body and a cable engaging pulley freely rotatably connected thereto;
f) lifting means for selectively effecting the elevation of said carriage relative to said base wherein said lifting means comprises a cable pulling device, said cable pulling device including a main body and a spool;
g) cable associated with said cable pulling device, said cable having two tails;
h) one or more crossmembers wherein each crossmember comprises an elongated and torsionally stiff member.

5 more elements

A lifting and holding apparatus and method of assembly wherein said apparatus comprises one or more pair of individual lifting towers and wherein two or more crossmembers interconnect the two lifting towers of each pair, each of said lifting towers comprising:

a) base having ground traversing means;
b) upright support member comprising an elongated and torsionally stiff member extending in a generally vertical direction from said base;
c) carriage associated with said upright support member, said carriage being slidably mounted to said upright support member thus permitting movement of said carriage along the longitudinal length of said upright support member, said carriage further including a mounting point for attachment of a cable engaging pulley device;
d) load supporting assembly having means of attachment to said carriage;
e) pulley mechanism associated with said upright support member and located upwards of said carriage and wherein said pulley mechanism includes a main body and a cable engaging pulley freely rotatably connected thereto;
f) lifting means for selectively effecting the elevation of said carriage relative to said base wherein said lifting means comprises a cable pulling device, said cable pulling device including a main body and a spool;
g) cable associated with said cable pulling device, said cable having two tails;
h) one or more crossmembers wherein each crossmember comprises an elongated and torsionally stiff member extending in a generally horizontal direction from said base.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Compact modular lifting and holding apparatus

Life of this patent

Compact modular lifting and holding apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20