Device for moving a load

Abstract

 The invention relates to a displaceable lift (1) for upward transporting along a building to a storey of the building of material required in construction or maintenance, such as an assembly of a window frame and a glass pane, while the lift is in stationary position or in fixed position, comprising: a displaceable frame (2); an elongate mast (3) on the frame; and an up and downward displaceable carriage (4) on the mast for transporting the material.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for displacing a load, in particular an assembly of a glass pane with a frame, during construction or maintenance of a building. Displacement is particularly understood to mean the lifting of the load.

[0002] In the known art use is usually made of heavily embodied lifts which are per se not displaceable or not easily displaceable, and of which moreover no use can be made in precise positioning of the load when this is an assembly of a glass pane and a window frame.

[0003] According to the known art the positioning of a glass pane and an associated frame must therefore take place separately, while these are supplied in assembled state. This means that the window frame must be detached from the glass pane. In this situation the frame is a relatively limp entity which can be set only with difficulty into a hole in a wall such that the glass pane can be arranged therein immediately thereafter. The window frame and the glass pane must moreover be transported separately to this hole in the wall, this being disadvantageous particularly on the first floor and higher of the building. The invention has for its object to obviate at least the above stated drawback and provides to this end a device which is distinguished by at least one of the properties in accordance with the following description.

[0004] The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of the description following hereinbelow which is formulated with reference to the annexed figures. In the drawing:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention;

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a part of the device according to the present invention during use; and

fig. 3 shows a side view corresponding with fig. 2.

[0005] The lift 1 shown in fig. 1 as device according to the present invention comprises a frame 2 which can travel on wheels 6 and castor 7.

[0006] Arranged on frame 2 are legs 5 which extend in lateral direction relative to frame 2. Screw spindles 8 with feet 9 on the bottom end thereof are arranged on the outer ends of legs 5, which are also bent. By rotating screw spindles 8 in the direction of arrow A the distance of the feet 9 from the legs 5 can be adjusted in the direction of arrow A'. During use of lift 1 the feet 9 must rest firmly on the ground in order to optimize the stability of the total lift 1. After use or during transport the feet 9 are rotated upward toward legs 5 so that they do not form an obstruction during transport of lift 1.

[0007] Legs 5 can preferably be folded away, for instance in vertical direction, so that the space required for transport of the entire lift 1 remains minimal.

[0008] As already stated above, frame 2 can travel on wheels 6 and castor 7. Castor 7 is connected to a drawbar 10 on which a user can pull in a desired direction to transport lift 1.

[0009] The fixed wheels 6 are arranged on frame 2, wherein frame 2 extends on both sides of each wheel 6. In the situation shown here lift 1 rests on a base plate 11 having partitions 12 thereon. The parts of frame 2 on either side of each of the wheels 6 rest on one of the partitions 12, so that in the position of use of lift 1 shown here each of the wheels 6 is relieved of load. On each of the partitions 12 is arranged a pivot arm 13 which is pivotable in the direction of arrow B. The pairs of pivot arms 13 associated with each of the wheels can be mutually connected using bolts 14 which can be inserted in the direction of arrows C through one of the pivot arms 13 and can be screwed into the pivot arm 13 located opposite so as to effect a firm connection between the two pivot arms 13.

[0010] During use a lift 1 as shown in fig. 1 is preferably placed with wheels 6 as close as possible to a wall into which a glass pane in assembled state with a window frame has to be placed. The base plate 11, which is coupled to the device frame by means of pivot arms 13 and bolts 14, results in wheels 6 being relieved of load. In addition to relieving the load on the tyres on wheels 6, the wheel axles through wheels 6 are also relieved of load in this manner and the entire load is supported on the contact surfaces between frame 2 and the partitions 12 of base plate 11.

[0011] It is further the case that lift 1 has less of a tendency to tip forward because the horizontal tilt axis is moved from the position under the wheel axles of wheels 6 in the situation without base plate 11 to the front edge of base plate 11 when this latter is used.

[0012] An extending mast 3 is arranged on frame 2 of lift 1. This mast consists of a number of panels 16 which are slidable relative to each other and which can increase in length in vertical direction through operation of winch 15, with which a pulley system (not shown) is driven. Panels 16 herein extend sequentially to reach a predetermined height. The foremost (uppermost) of the panels, designated 17, is coupled to a carriage 4. This carriage 4 is likewise connected to the pulley system (not shown) and is displaceable in the direction of arrow D relative to panel 17.

[0013] The dimensions of panel 17, those of carriage 4 and the distance between the arms of frame 2 on which wheels 6 are arranged are preferably chosen such that carriage 4 can be lowered onto the ground.

[0014] Carriage 4 is formed by a sliding plate 18, comparable to panels 16, 17, and a platform 19. A rack 20 and a separate support beam 21 are situated on platform 19. On the underside of platform 19 are arranged buffer wheels 22 which prevent platform 19 from striking against the nearby wall during the transport of carriage 4 in upward direction and/or from rolling over the wall during this upward transport. A flexible, smooth movement is hereby achieved during this transport to the extent that the wall over which the wheels roll allows this, i.e. is flat. The mast will often incline slightly forward under the load of an object for transporting, whereby buffer wheels 22 are pressed against the wall. Furthermore, platform 19, which as will be described hereinafter is extensible and on which buffer wheels 22 are arranged, is thus held close to mast 3.

[0015] Platform 19 has a thickness designated d which serves a number of purposes. In this respect it is recommended that buffer wheels 22 are releasable, and are arranged at the position shown here only when the transport of carriage 4 in upward direction actually begins.

[0016] The thickness d of the front part of platform 19 is such that this latter can be inserted between a wall and a window frame resting thereon with a glass pane therein or between a carrier on a transport vehicle and the window frame with the glass pane therein, wherein the window frame rests on blocks. This is important because the platform 19 can be moved in the direction of arrow E relative to sliding plate 18. Platform 19 is freely slidable within a limited range.

[0017] Lift 1 can thus serve to remove the assembly of a glass pane and a window frame from the transport vehicle and to subsequently transport this assembly to the place of destination. Lift 1 can also be used to position this assembly in the hole in the wall where the assembly must be placed. The ability of platform 19 to slide relative to sliding plate 18 will be further discussed hereinbelow. Support beam 21 is freely pivotable in a limited range in horizontal direction on pivot point 23 in the direction corresponding with arrow F. The assembly of the window frame and the glass pane can therefore be placed in line with the wall or the transport vehicle, even when frame 2 is not positioned in an ideal position for this purpose. In respect of the above stated aspects relating to the thickness d of platform 19, this thickness d also includes the height through which support beam 21 protrudes above platform 19. This support beam 21 is otherwise an option; alternatively or additionally it is possible to embody the platform 19 itself for pivoting relative to sliding plate 18. An embodiment with both options is recommended. Support beam 21 is optionally also placeable and removable. The pivoting of support beam 21 is limited during upward transport by means for holding the objects for transporting, such as suction cups in the case of sheets of glass resting on support beam 21 during the upward transport.

[0018] Rack 20 on platform 19 serves to allow the assembly of the window frame with the glass pane to rest thereagainst. If the assembly catches the wind or the lift passes through a jerky movement, the assembly could fall from platform 19. Suction cups 24 are arranged on rack 20 to prevent this. These engage on the pane of glass in order to prevent the possibility of the assembly falling off platform 19.

[0019] The pivoting of platform 19 relative to sliding plate 18 or, alternatively or additionally, of support beam 21 relative to platform 19 enables a very advantageous method of placing the assembly of the glass pane and the window frame. In this method a vertically running side edge of the assembly is first positioned in the hole in the wall and (temporarily) held fast, whereafter by forward movement of platform 19 and a related tilting of support beam 21 and/or of platform 19, the opposite vertically running side edge of the assembly is positioned in the hole.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a detail of lift 1 during operation, wherein an assembly of a glass pane 26 with a window frame 25 is placed on the support beam 21 on platform 19. Suction cups 24 herein engage on glass pane 26 to ensure that it remains in place during transport. In contrast to the somewhat exaggerated representation of fig. 3, the position of window frame 25 with glass pane 26 is almost vertical, so that window frame 25 with the glass pane can be placed in a hole therefor in a wall substantially by a movement in the direction of arrow E. As already stated above, the pivoting movement of platform 19 and/or support beam 21 in the direction of arrow F serves to compensate a positioning of frame 2 differing slightly from the direction of the wall and can be limited by the means for holding, such as suction cups, the objects for transporting, such as sheets of glass, resting on support beam 21.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows two positions of platform 19 relative to sliding plate 18. These positions lie in the direction of arrow E. Platform 19 is herein supported by fork arms 27 along which platform 19 is slidable in the direction of arrow E. If platform 19 is pivotable relative to sliding plate 18, as indicated in fig. 1 and in fig. 2 with arrow F, a hinge mechanism can be provided between fork arms 27 and sliding plate 18 or between platform 19 and fork arms 27.

[0022] Platform 19 is slidable in the direction of arrow E along fork arms 27, wherein a locking mechanism (not further shown) is arranged in order to ensure that, during upward movement of sliding plate 18, platform 19 connects closely thereto. Thus is ensured that a minimal moment of force occurs as a consequence of the weight of the assembly of window frame 25 and glass pane 26. This locking mechanism must then be released prior to placing of the assembly, whereafter the stated shifting in the direction of arrow E is possible. A separate locking mechanism must also be provided for the pivoting movement in the direction of arrow F in fig. 1 and in fig. 2 in order to block the pivoting movement of platform 19 relative to sliding plate 18. No separate locking mechanism need be provided for the pivoting movement of support beam 21 if more than one suction cup 24 is arranged. These suction cups 24 then block the pivoting movement of support beam 21 to a sufficient degree.

[0023] Support beam 21 otherwise rests on a block 28, wherein a shaft (not shown) through pivot point 23 is inserted through support beam 21, block 28 and platform 19.

[0024] Lift 1 can also be applied for a reverse procedure, wherein an assembly of a window frame with a glass pane can be removed from a hole in a wall. This has the advantage that this assembly can be removed as a whole, which is important for recycling thereof or separation of construction waste.

[0025] The lift 1 as device according to the present invention is further described in the foregoing as a wholly mechanically driven machine. This drive can be extensively automated, for instance by replacing winch 15 with an electric motor or with a hydraulic cylinder. Mast 3 can further be realized in many ways other than that shown here. It should be noted however that the embodiment of mast 3 shown here is simple, light and very robust, which will become apparent when it is noted that it is possible to lift a load of 1300 kg to a height of more than 7 metres without problem. This has been established in tests.

[0026] In the embodiment as lift shown here, the device according to the present invention does in fact have a large number of functions. The device can be used as transporter for transporting a load in the starting position of mast 3, or when slightly elevated. The lift can herein be transported over wheels 6 and castor 7. The device further has the property of the lift itself, wherein the specific extensibility of platform 19 relative to mast 3 enables a practically automatic placing of for instance a window frame with a glass pane therein.

[0027] In addition to the additional and alternative embodiments of a device according to the present invention described immediately above, many other possible embodiments will also occur to a skilled person after examination of the invention as described here. All these embodiments must be included within the scope of the present invention. It is thus possible to make use of a three-dimensional spirit level in the device so as to enable as horizontal a positioning of the device as possible. This is particularly important in relation to the lift function thereof. Other possible alternatives are automating of the device, as already mentioned above, and the fold-away option of legs 5 as also already discussed above. In an embodiment which is not described it is also possible to replace the platform on the fork arms with a container or bucket, preferably with folding doors on the front side, which can serve as storage place for tools and materials. This is especially advantageous when such a container or bucket can be lifted close to a scaffold, so that materials and tools do not lie around on the scaffolding.

[0028] It is further possible with a device according to the present invention to displace sheets of glass and loads generally in a horizontal orientation. This may be useful when glazing a roof such as that of a conservatory. Sliding plate 18 can herein be given a tiltable design so that it tilts over the top of panel 17 when it reaches it. The glass pane then lies horizontally on rack 20. A ball-and-socket joint can herein be arranged between rack 20 and suction cups 24, whereby a tilting movement of the glass pane in a position thereof varying from the horizontal is possible to lift it through the recess therefor. A particular advantage is that the glass pane is lifted and supported in its entirety. Use is often made of a lifting device which grips the pane with suction cups on the upper side. This is particularly a drawback in the case of double-glass since the lower pane is then suspended on the seal of the double-glass. This is avoided in efficient manner with the configuration according to the invention which supports from below and is tiltable.

[0029] Base plate 11 can also be arranged on frame 2, wherein it is not separate of frame 2. For this purpose the pivot arms 13 on the free end in the above described embodiment are for instance arranged pivotally on the frame and are so long that the base plate rests on the frame when inoperative and can be pivoted round the wheels 6 to a position on the ground under wheels 6. The use of bolts 14 and the associated time-consuming assembly can thus be avoided.

Claims

1. Displaceable lift for upward transporting along a building to a storey of the building of material required in construction or maintenance, such as an assembly of a window frame and a glass pane, while the lift is in stationary position or in fixed position, comprising:

- a displaceable frame;

- an elongate mast on the frame; and

- an up and downward displaceable carriage on the mast for transporting the material.

2. Lift as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carriage is arranged on the mast for free displacement laterally within a limited range relative to the mast.

3. Lift as claimed in claim 2, wherein the end of the carriage remote from the mast has a predetermined thickness which is sufficiently thin for placing of the material.

4. Lift as claimed in claim 1, wherein a platform for supporting the material is arranged on the carriage, which platform is freely pivotable within a limited range at least in the horizontal plane.

5. Lift as claimed in claim 1, wherein a support rack is arranged on the carriage.

6. Lift as claimed in claim 5, wherein coupling means with which the material can be releasably coupled to the carriage are arranged on the support rack.

7. Lift as claimed in claim 6, wherein the coupling means comprise suction cups for coupling particularly to a glass pane.

8. Lift as claimed in claim 1, wherein buffer wheels are arranged on the end of the carriage remote from the mast.

9. Lift as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the frame is displaceable over transporting wheels and stabilizer means comprise a base plate for arranging under at least one of the wheels, which plate extends outside the surface area occupied by the frame.

10. Lift as claimed in claim 9, wherein the base plate comprises a detachable fastening with which the base plate can be arranged on the frame.

11. Lift as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive for the mast can be actuated manually.

12. Lift as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mast is a telescopically extensible element.

Drawing