Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2022/266749
PCT/CA2022/050983
Lifting Device for Pipes
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Plumbers and pipefitters often encounter significant
difficulties in the performance of their tasks. One
particular difficulty relates to the positioning of pipes
prior to their being fixed into an installed configuration.
Pipes are typically significantly elongated cumbersome to
maneuver and difficult to hold into position for permanent
attachment. There is a need in the profession for a simple
to use yet effective device for lifting pipes and
positioning them prior to installation.
The present invention addresses this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclose provides for a device configured to
cradle the underside of various sized pipes and lift them,
alone or in conjunction with either a pipe laser or slopping
laser, in order to set the pipes to a proper elevation, for
example, before bedding material is placed.
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In one embodiment, the present invention is configured to
work in conjunction with a construction/ pipe laser to raise
and lower material to a set grade.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is
configured to work with a sloping laser to set pipe to
elevation.
The device is unique in allowing the pipe working process
(e.g., installation, removal, and maintenance) to be
performed by a smaller number of workers than pipe working
without using the device.
In a preferred embodiment the present invention is
configured as follows:
- Battery operated mounted on side
- Uses linear actuator to raise and lower
- Has up/down remote
- Pivoting foot at base for uneven surface
- Support for material you are lifting
- Internal lifting and lowering using one square tube
slight smaller than the other to move freely
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Although the device as described relates to pipes, it is
contemplated that the device be suitable for any one or
combination of:
- Raise /lower pipe to elevation
- Form work
- Holding material while fastening
- Lifting and lowering
In an embodiment, the present invention is a lifting device
comprising:
an upright support having a foot on a lower end of said
5upport;
an outer tube having an interior cavity to engage said
upright support therein, linear bearing system configured
in said interior cavity for slidably engaging said upright
support along an axis of movement, and wherein said outer
tube has a lifting arm support plate connected thereto;
and
a pair of lifting arms pivotally connected to said lifting
arm support plate.
The linear bearing of the herein disclosed device may be
controlled by an actuator operatively associated with a gear
motor.
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The linear bearing of the herein disclosed device may be
controlled by a hard wired actuator operatively associated
with a gear motor.
The linear bearing of the herein disclosed device may be
controlled by a wireless actuator operatively associated
with a gear motor.
The pair of lifting arms of the herein disclosed device may
be pivotally connected to said lifting arm support plate in
a manner such that imparting tension on said pair of lifting
arms moves and maintains their position selected by a user.
The herein disclosed device may further comprise a
stationary rotating laser at one end of said pipe and emit a
stationary single beam laser inside said pipe in a manner to
be detected by a receiver, wherein said receiver transmits
information to a user relating to either raise said pipe,
lower said pipe, or maintain position.
The upright support of the herein disclosed device may have
a threaded interior cavity, and the lifting device may
further comprise a threaded inner post that threadably
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engages with the threaded interior cavity and has an upper
end that attaches to the outer tube whereby rotational
movement of said threaded inner post slidably moves said
outer tube relative to the upright support along the axis of
movement.
Each of the pair of lifting arms of the herein disclosed
device may be pivotally connected to the lifting arm support
plate at a pivot point about which the lifting arm is
pivotable in a plane that is about parallel to the axis of
movement.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a lifting
device consisting of:
an upright support having a foot on a lower end of said
support;
an outer tube having an interior cavity to engage said
upright support therein, linear bearing system configured
in said interior cavity for slidably engaging said upright
support along an axis of movement, and wherein said outer
tube has a lifting arm support plate connected thereto;
and
a pair of lifting arms pivotally connected to said lifting
arm support plate.
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The linear bearing may be controlled by an actuator
operatively associated with a gear motor.
The linear bearing may be controlled by a hard wired
actuator operatively associated with a gear motor.
The linear bearing may be controlled by a wireless actuator
operatively associated with a gear motor.
The pair of lifting arms supports may be pivotally connected
to said lifting arm support plate in a manner such that
imparting tension on said pair of lifting arms moves and
maintains their position selected by a user.
The device may further comprise a stationary rotating laser
at one end of said pipe and emit a stationary single beam
laser inside said pipe in a manner to be detected by a
receiver, wherein said receiver transmits information to a
user relating to either raise said pipe, lower said pipe, or
maintain position.
The upright support may have a threaded interior cavity, and
the lifting device may further comprises a threaded inner
post that threadably engages with the threaded interior
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cavity and has an upper end that attaches to the outer tube
whereby rotational movement of said threaded inner post
slidably moves said outer tube relative to the upright
support along the axis of movement.
Each of the pair of lifting arms may be pivotally connected
to the lifting arm support plate at a pivot point about
which the lifting arm is pivotable in a plane that is about
parallel to the axis of movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an exploded side view of the pipe lifting device
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a partial side view of the pipe lifting device
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a front view of the pipe lifting device according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing the threaded bar
interacting with the inner square and threaded bore
according to one embodiment of the present mention.
Fig. 5 is an exploded view demonstrative of a control system
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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Fig. 6 is a partial view demonstrating the pipe lifting
system utilizing a laser target according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As generally understood and demonstrated by the figures, the
system 12 includes upright support 2 that is rested on a
floor 3 utilizing foot 4. The system 12 utilizes foot
connection pivot 5 about pivot pin 13 on the lower end of
upright support 2 that supports the entirety of the system
while in use. Lifting arm 6 is constructed and arranged to
support pipe 8. Lifting arm 6 is supported by lifting arm
support 7 and is attached to support plate 14 at pivot 15.
In a preferred embodiment, pivot 15 is pivotably attached
with tension such that each lifting support arm 7 is
positioned and held in place. The positioning is based on
the size of pipe 8 or other workpiece used in the present
invention.
The system 12 further includes outer tube 16 that is formed
with an internal cavity 17 constructed and arranged to
accommodate the upright support 2. As demonstrated,
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upright support 2 has an interior threaded bore 21
configured for interacting with threaded inner post 20.
The system 12 further incorporates a linear bearing system
for movement of the lifting assembly. Linear
bearings are preferred as they generate less friction than
sliding bearings so they can use a smaller motor and drive
system.
Linear bearing assembly 10 includes the linear motion
imparted when gear motor 10 is actuated. The actuation of
gear motor 10 engages actuator 48 that is operatively
associated with threaded inner post 20 and rotates threaded
inner post 20 ultimately raising or lowering lifting plate
14 and pipe 8 resting on lifting arms 6.
Gearmotor 38 is controlled by on-off actuator 50.
The system further includes a laser measuring device 46 that
will be aimed at laser target 54. A display device 56
interacting with a memory database 58 and visual read out 60
being included in the system.
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In use, system 12 is stood upright with foot 4 on floor 3.
The system is helped by a user or supported by a support
device.
A workpiece, shown as pipe 8, is rested on a pair of lifting
arms 6 that are pivotally adjusted to accommodate pipe 8.
Although the figures and the general description show a
pipe, the invention is contemplated as suitable for any
workpiece needing to be raised, lowered, and held in place.
On off control 50 is engaged which starts actuator 48 and
rotates threaded inner post 20. The configuration of the
linear bearing system 10 is such that rotation of threaded
inner post 20 moves outer tube 16 and plate 14 attached
thereto.
Movement of plate 14 raises and lowers pipe 8 resting on
lifting arms 6.
In one embodiment, a user will set up a stationary rotating
laser and the end of pipe 8 and run or a stationary single
beam laser inside pipe 8 and the receiver picks up the laser
to tell an operator to either raise or lower pipe 8. That
is to say, a stationary rotating laser at one end of said
pipe and emit a stationary single beam laser inside said
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pipe in a manner to be detected by a receiver, wherein said
receiver transmits information to a user relating to either
raise said pipe, lower said pipe, or maintain position.
In one embodiment, a memory data base or device 58 will work
in conjugation with a GPS total station that is configured
to track all locations and elevations of pipe set with this
device so municipalities/ contractors would have exact
locations of all underground services.
While the invention has been described in its preferred form
or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is
understood that this description has been given only by way
of example and that numerous changes in the details of
construction, fabrication, and use, including the
combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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