Panel hoist
AssigneeSnap-on Incorporated
InventorsGreg W. Shaw, William Kreiner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A panel hoist and components of various kits including components of a panel hoist are described herein. A panel hoist can be used to hold any of a variety of panels, such as a door attachable to a semi-tractor trailer, and to maneuver the panel for putting into a position for mounting the panel to a panel mounting point or for removing a panel disconnected from a panel mounting point. Various types of suction cups and supplemental panel holders can be used to hold the panel while the panel is moved or prepared for movement. A panel hoist can allow a single person to maneuver panels in various ways instead of having to rely on multiple people to maneuver the panel. Maneuvering the panel can include raising, lowering, or rotating the panel. Various panel hoist components can be configured as a kit.
Claims22
A panel hoist comprising:
- a base;
- a hoist arm connected to the base;
- a jack configured to raise and lower the hoist arm;
- a panel holder;
- a rotator configured to rotate the panel holder,
- wherein the length of the rotator is adjustable,
- wherein the rotator comprises a shaft including a first shaft segment and a second shaft segment,
- wherein the first shaft segment includes a first end and a second end,
- wherein the first end of the first shaft segment includes a first threaded portion,
- wherein the second shaft segment includes a first end and a second end,
- wherein the first end of the second shaft segment includes a second threaded portion configured to engage the first threaded portion of the first shaft segment,
- wherein the second end of the second shaft segment is configured for connection to the second rotatable joint;
- a first rotatable joint that connects the hoist arm to the panel holder, and
- a second rotatable joint that connects the rotator to the panel holder.
A kit comprising:
- a panel holder;
- a rotator configured to rotate the panel holder, wherein the length of the rotator is adjustable;
- a first rotatable joint adapted to be connected to the panel holder and to a hoist arm of a hydraulic lift,
- a second rotatable joint adapted to connect the rotator to the panel holder;
- and
- a plurality of suction cups adapted for connection to the panel holder;
- a secondary panel holder connected to the panel holder,
- wherein the secondary panel holder comprises a first strap, a second strap, a first ratchet tensioner, and a second ratchet tensioner,
- wherein the first ratchet tensioner and the second ratchet tensioner are attached to the panel holder,
- wherein a first portion of the first strap is attachable to the first ratchet tensioner and a second portion of the first strap includes a first hook configured for contacting a panel,
- wherein a first portion of the second strap is attachable to the second ratchet tensioner and a second portion of the second strap includes a second hook configured for contacting the panel,
- wherein the first ratchet tensioner is operable to increase tension on the first strap, and
- wherein the second ratchet tensioner is operable to increase tension on the second strap.
A kit comprising:
- a panel holder;
- a rotator configured to rotate the panel holder, wherein the length of the rotator is adjustable,
- wherein the rotator comprises a shaft including a first shaft segment and a second shaft segment,
- wherein the first shaft segment includes a first end and a second end,
- wherein the first end of the first shaft segment includes a first threaded portion,
- wherein the second shaft segment includes a first end and a second end,
- wherein the first end of the second shaft segment includes a second threaded portion configured to engage the first threaded portion of the first shaft segment,
- wherein the second end of the second shaft segment is configured for connection to the second rotatable joint;
- a first rotatable joint adapted to be connected to the panel holder and to a hoist arm of a hydraulic lift,
- a second rotatable joint adapted to connect the rotator to the panel holder;
- and
- a plurality of suction cups adapted for connection to the panel holder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.