Compact collapsible manhole cover lifter
OwnerRobert J. Schmitz, Dean R. Quaminventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A manually actuated, hydraulic manhole cover lifter (10) comprises a frame (12) mounted on wheels (58) and adapted to straddle a manhole. An actuator (30) is mounted on the frame. The actuator comprises a cylinder (36) connected to a pump (34). A magnet (50) is connected to the cylinder (36) for engagement with the metallic manhole cover. In a second embodiment, the lifter (70) includes pivotal legs (74) in order to be more compact for storage and transport. A winch (108) can be utilized instead of a pump and cylinder arrangement (34, 36), and the manhole cover can be engaged either mechanically or magnetically.
Claims14
A portable device for handling manhole covers, comprising:
- a mobile frame adapted to straddle a manhole;
- said frame including a raised transverse portion having opposite ends, and a pair of spaced-apart upright portions each having top and bottom ends;
- means for securing the upright portions to the ends of the transverse portion of said frame for pivotal movement about transverse axes toward and away from each other between a retracted position adjacent the transverse portion and an extended position with the top ends of the upright portions in stopped engagement with the ends of the transverse portion;
- attachment means for selective engagement with the manhole cover;
- and
- lifting means mounted on the transverse portion of said frame for connection with said attachment means for selectively lifting and lowering the cover.
A portable device for handling manhole covers, comprising:
- a frame adapted to straddle a manhole;
- said frame including a straight raised portion having opposite ends, and a pair of spaced-apart straight upright portions each having top and bottom ends;
- means for securing the upright portions to the ends of the raised portion of said frame for pivotal movement about transverse axes toward and away from each other between a retracted position adjacent the transverse portion and an extended position with the top ends thereof in stopped engagement with the ends of the transverse portion;
- means including a pair of non-castering wheels secured to the bottom ends of the upright portions for supporting said frame for movement;
- attachment means for selective engagement with the manhole cover;
- and
- lifting means mounted on the transverse portion of said frame for connection with said attachment means for selectively lifting and lowering the cover.
A portable device for handling manhole covers, comprising:
- a frame adapted to straddle a manhole, said frame including a raised transverse portion having opposite ends, and a pair of spaced-apart depending upright portions each having top and bottom ends;
- means for securing the upright portions to the transverse portion of said frame for pivotal movement about transverse axes toward and away from each other between a retracted position adjacent the transverse portion and an extended position with the top ends thereof in stopped engagement with the ends of the transverse portion:
- means including a pair of non-castering wheels secured to the bottom ends of the upright portions for supporting said frame for movement;
- attachment means for selective engagement with the manhole cover;
- lifting means mounted on the transverse portion of said frame for connection with said attachment means for selectively lifting and lowering the cover;
- and
- means for selectively securing the upright portions of said frame in at least the retracted position for transport.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.