# US 2013/0152410 A1 · Hoist alignment tool and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2013/0152410 A1 - Document ID: US20130152410A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/683,845 - Filed: 2012-11-21 - Published: 2013-06-20 - Earliest claimed: 2011-12-15 - Inventors: KIM A. LeBLANC - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20130152410A1 ## CPC - G01B 11/26: for measuring angles or tapers; for testing the alignment of axes - B66F 7/28: Constructional details, e.g. end stops, pivoting supporting members, sliding runners adjustable to load dimensions - G01C 15/004: {Reference lines, planes or sectors} - G01B: MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS - B66F: HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD ({invalid lifting devices A61G7/10; } mounting artificial islands on piles or like supports E02B17/00; scaffolding combined with lifting devices E04G1/22; lifting devices for sliding forms E04G11/24; lifting of buildings E04G23/06; shores or struts E04G25/00; lifts or other hoisting devices on ladders E06C7/12; props for mining E21D15/00) - G01C: MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY (measuring liquid level G01F; radio navigation, determining distance or velocity by use of propagation effects, e.g. Doppler effects, propagation time, of radio waves, analogous arrangements using other waves G01S) ## Abstract A hoist alignment apparatus and a method for aligning a hoist lift arm with a particular area on a frame are provided. The apparatus comprises a base defining a plane and a light operable to emit a light beam along an axis substantially orthogonal to the plane of the base, the light being held by a light holder attached to the base. The light may be replaced by an extendable rod. The hoist lift arm may be aligned by placing the apparatus on the arm and moving the arm until the light beam shines on the particular area or the tip of the extended rod points directly to the particular area. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A hoist alignment apparatus for aligning a hoist lift arm with a particular point on a frame, the apparatus comprising: a base defining a plane, a light operable to emit a light beam along an axis, and a light holder attached to the base and defining a light retaining area configured to hold the light in a position to emit the beam along a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane of the base. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a plurality of feet, the plurality of feet is each supported on a leg, and the base further comprises a hub from which the leg extends outwardly. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the light holder is formed as part of the hub. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the light is configured to generate a concentrated light beam having an angle α of less than 20° off the axis. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the leg includes a stepped or tapering shape extending toward the foot. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the leg comprises a telescoping section to permit shortening and lengthening of the leg. ### Claim 7 A method for aligning a pad of a vehicle hoist arm with a selected point on a vehicle frame, the method comprising: operating a light on the hoist arm to emit a beam of light towards the vehicle; and moving the hoist arm with the light positioned thereon until the beam of light shines on the selected area of the vehicle, indicating that the hoist arm is aligned to support the vehicle at the selected area. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7 wherein the beam of light shines along a substantially vertical upward path, the method further comprising positioning the light on the pad and moving the pad until the beam of light shines on the selected area. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7 further comprising removing the light from the hoist arm. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7 further comprising locking the hoist arm in an aligned position. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7 wherein the light is held on a base having an edge, the method further comprising extending the edge of the base down over the edges of the pad. ### Claim 12 A hoist alignment apparatus for aligning a hoist lift arm with a particular point on a frame, the apparatus comprising: a base defining a plane, a rod attached to the base, the rod operable to extend along an axis substantially orthogonal to the plane of the base. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the rod comprises telescoping parts. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the rod is retractable. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the base comprises a plurality of feet, the plurality of feet is each supported on a leg, the base further comprises a hub from which the leg extends outwardly, and the hub is formed as part of the rod. ### Claim 16 A method for aligning a pad of a vehicle hoist arm with a selected point on a vehicle frame, the method comprising: providing an extendable rod on the hoist arm, the rod having a rod base and a tip; extending the rod towards the vehicle; and moving the hoist arm with the rod positioned thereon until the tip aligns with the selected area of the vehicle, indicating that the hoist arm is aligned to support the vehicle at the selected area. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16 wherein the rod extends along a substantially vertical upward path, the method further comprising positioning the rod on the pad and moving the pad until the tip points directly to the selected area. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16 wherein the rod is retractable, the method further comprising retracting the rod. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16 further comprising removing the rod from the hoist arm. ### Claim 20 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16 wherein the rod comprises telescoping parts.