TECHNICAL FIELD

Described herein is a hoist. More specifically, a hoist for lifting and unloading items into and out of vehicles. In particular, a hoist for lifting in/out an item, preferably a mobility device (MD) such as wheelchair from ground level where it is used, to a travelling position in the vehicle. This position in the vehicle can be the trunk/boot, or it could be a side door in a van or the deck of a ute or even the deck of a trailer. The stow and deploy operations are optionally powered, with an electric control connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

BACKGROUND ART

Many disabled people use mobility devices (MD) such as multi-wheeled scooters or electric wheelchairs for short distance mobility. These short distance mobility vehicles are often referred to as 'SDM vehicles.' These SDM vehicles are often battery powered and may have limited range or otherwise be unsuitable for travel on roadways/motorways where long distances are required. For such distances, disabled people need to use automobiles into which they can load these MD or SDM vehicles, and these may be standard vehicles such as vans, or multi-purpose vehicles, or specially modified versions of these or of smaller vehicles such as, but not limited to hatchbacks or station wagons.

SDM vehicles such as scooters or electric wheelchairs are too heavy to be lifted into and out of an automobile manually, which are well outside the lifting capabilities and safe limits of disabled people. Also, it may be inconvenient or impractical, at least to use ramps in smaller automobiles. For this reason, it is known to use a crane type hoist where an SD vehicle is suspended from a flexible cable or chain attached to the arm of a hoist which is provided in the rear part of an automobile's boot in a station wagon or hatchback. The SDM is first attached and lifted clear of the floor where the hoist can be pivoted or rotated about a vertical axis. With the SDM vehicle inside the car, the user must firstly activate the hoist so as to lift the SDM vehicle towards the rear opening of the car. Simultaneously with the manual or automatic pivoting of the hoist, the user must manually guide the scooter through the opening. This may for example involve twisting the SDM vehicle on the lifting cable so as to retain the SDM vehicle in the correct orientation relative to the opening despite the pivoting movement of the hoist. Once the hoist has been fully pivoted or rotated to clear the bumper, the SDM vehicle is positioned totally outside the automobile, the cable is then lowered until the SDM vehicle reaches the ground. Similar systems can be used to unload SDM vehicles from the sides of vans or any other automobile openings.

However, there are a number of disadvantages of a crane type hoist as described above. For example, due to the manual rotation of all 'rotating or pivoting' style hoists from 0 to 90 degrees, the width of the boot must be wider than the mobility device i.e. the crane hoist swings the MD on an arc which is much more limiting on space efficiency and hence can only stow a relatively small MD. As the MD is lifted from a single cable or wire, this requires careful balance around the centre of gravity, this the attachment must be split out to three or more connection points to achieve stability. There is also the tendency to tangle the lift cord or webbing from poor user technique, or insufficient training leading to servicing. Furthermore, these crane type hoists swing around and the user must intervene to avoid damage to an automobile's bumper's paintwork, especially if the arm is not long enough to reach out well beyond the bumper. These rotating hoists usually require the user to rotate the MD on the cable as it enters the automobile. This action requires the user to stabilise which can be difficult for a disabled person. For example, they often need one hand to steady themselves while standing, which may require strength and balance that is not available to them. Also, a crane hoist cannot automatically secure the MD and requires a means for anchoring the arm from swinging when the load is stowed.

Bruno manufacture a 'Joey' lifter device that overcomes the above problems as it brings the load in without pivoting a crane type hoist. However, the Joey is a heavy device that installs on the floor and reduces the available vertical boot or trunk height. Therefore, it makes it unsuitable for compact automobiles such as hatchbacks.

GB 2 353 267 discloses a hoist for loading and unloading SDMs into and out of automobiles comprising a base, an extendible support arm mounted for longitudinal movement with respect to the base, and a hoist arm mounted on the extendible support arm for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, wherein in use the base is mounted in a horizontal orientation in a vehicle, and the hoist arm pivots through a vertical plane extending through the horizontal pivot axis and above the base to extend away from the vehicle after the support arm has been extended.

A disadvantage of the hoist disclosed in GB 2 353 267 is that it has three drive mechanism stages that it passes through each direction, lifting - translating - lowering. Thus, it requires a complex drive mechanism with more moving parts. Also, the hoist comprises a control process of sensors and time delays which are necessary to sequence the lift, translating and lowering at specific times, wherein a rotate-driver works as the first and third steps, and therefore requires the above sensors to time its stop and start sequences. The device must all be mounted above the lip of the boot or trunk threshold, as the extended mechanism is required to slide out of the car, and it is the lowest part, thus requiring a tall boot or trunk height as the device moves out horizontally to the ground position. This configuration loses significant vertical height capacity (approximately 100 mm) which is a particular issue as it is not possible to use a compact automobile as is desired by many users. Furthermore, the device is single sided, which places an enormous amount of torque on the installation hardware and trunk metal, thus requiring a substantial mounting under-body.

From the above, it can be seen that there is a requirement for an improved hoist for loading and unloading SDMs into and out of automobiles and/or at least provides the public with a useful choice. Further aspects and advantages of the methods, apparatus and manufacture thereof will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a hoist. More specifically, a hoist for lifting and unloading items into and out of vehicles. In particular, a hoist for lifting in/out an item, preferably a mobility device (MD) such as wheelchair from ground level where it is used, to a travelling position in the vehicle. This position in the vehicle can be the trunk/boot, or it could be a side door in a van or the deck of a ute or even the deck of a trailer. The stow and deploy operations are optionally powered, with an electric control connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

In a first aspect there is provided a hoist comprising: a base for mounting the hoist to a vehicle; at least one first arm member for rotation in a vertical plane which is perpendicular to an aperture that a load enters through for connection thereof; at least one second arm member connected to an end of the first arm, wherein the load is suspended on the end of the second arm; a mechanism for controlling the angular relationship between the first and second arm members, the mechanism comprising a four bar linkage of the first and second arm members, a linker and strainer when the second arm is outside the vehicle; and a mechanical stop means and strut for conversion of the four bar linkage into a rigid frame to create an optimum trajectory to keep the load at all times above and clear of a body of a vehicle in operation, while maximising the height of the load which can be stowed without contacting a roof of the vehicle; and wherein the mechanism alters to the geometry of the first and second arm members thereby reducing the required force to lift the load.

In a second aspect there is provided a method of operating a hoist comprising the steps of: a) fixing a base for mounting the hoist to a vehicle; b) operating at least one first arm member for rotation in a vertical plane which is perpendicular to an aperture that a load enters through for connection thereof; c) operating at least one second arm member connected to an end of the first arm, wherein the load is suspended on the end of the second arm; d) operating a mechanism for controlling the angular relationship between the first and second arm members, the mechanism comprising a four bar linkage of the first and second arm members, a linker and strainer when the second arm is outside the vehicle; and a mechanical stop means and strut for conversion of the four bar linkage into a rigid frame; e) creating an optimum trajectory to keep the load at all times above and clear of a body of a vehicle in operation, while maximising the height of the load which can be stowed without contacting a roof of the vehicle; and f) operating the mechanism to alter the geometry of the first and second arm members thereby reducing the required force to lift the load.

In a third aspect there is provided a method of manufacturing a hoist comprising the steps of: a) supplying a base for mounting the hoist to a vehicle; b) supplying at least one first arm member for rotation in a vertical plane which is perpendicular to an aperture that a load enters through for connection thereof; c) supplying at least one second arm member connected to an end of the first arm, wherein the load is suspended on the end of the second arm; d) supplying a mechanism for controlling the angular relationship between the first and second arm members, the mechanism comprising a four bar linkage of the first and second arm members, a linker and strainer when the second arm is outside the vehicle; and a mechanical stop means and strut for conversion of the four bar linkage into a rigid frame to create an optimum trajectory to keep the load at all times above and clear of a body of a vehicle in operation, while maximising the height of the load which can be stowed without contacting a roof of the vehicle; and wherein the mechanism alters to the geometry of the first and second arm members thereby reducing the required force to lift the load.

Advantages of the above include the requirement of only one actuator/mechanism assembly to drive the full end-to-end motion, in its lower-rated-load variant embodiment for simpler mechanics and less moving parts. In its higher-load-capacity embodiment, optionally the hoist utilises a balanced doublesided version, with two substantially identical assemblies spaced apart, so the load is accommodated in the space between them, typically at either extremity of the left and right of the opening.

Advantageously, this this dual version embodiment spreads the load evenly across the vehicle mounting, avoiding the high torque created by a single cantilever mount, on very light gauge vehicle frame or panelling. There is no requirement for software logic, sensors or timers as the mechanism utilises a mechanical stopper to convert between the three and four link motion, which happens at approximately mid-travel. As aforementioned, this requires no sensors or electronic boards or programming. The hoist is configured to allow its mechanism to be installed low into the trough of the trunk below the lip, thus utilising this space and allowing for improved geometry and performance. Furthermore, as there is no electronic timing, interlocks etc. there are no special tools required for installation or servicing. The adjustments of the mechanism to optimise performance to each vehicle merely requires adjusting the length of the control-rod and the angled adjustable stopper. Finally, integral to efficiently utilising the vehicle's space, is that the hoist optionally provides a solid connect point to the MD with a device specific mounting. In this way, this can utilise a vehicle vertical opening which is approximately 100mm lower than an equivalent prior art device. The hoist also can hold the MD down in a stowed mode, meaning safe travel with no additional anchors manually placed such as ratchet-tiedowns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the apparatus, methods and uses thereof will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a side profile view of one embodiment of the hoist with labelled features as it approaches the transition point;

Figure 2 illustrates close-up side profile view of the base stopper, arm 1 stopper and actuating links;

Figure 3 illustrates a side profile view of the hoist in the fully extended position;

Figure 4 illustrates a side profile view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, but without labels where the hoist is in the four bar configuration, but as it approaches the transition point;

Figure 5 illustrates a side profile view of the hoist at its transition point;

Figure 6 illustrates a side profile view of the hoist past its transition point and is currently in a rigid frame configuration;

Figure 7 illustrates the hoist in the full stowed position;

Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an unassembled second arm member with an adjustable length and detachable or removeable bar; and

Figure 9 illustrates the alternative embodiment of an assembled second arm member of Figure 8 with an adjustable length and detachable or removeable bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, described herein is a hoist for lifting and unloading items into and out of vehicles. In particular, a hoist for lifting in/out an item, preferably a mobility device (MD) such as wheelchair from ground level where it is used, to a travelling position in the vehicle. This position in the vehicle can be the trunk/boot, or it could be a side door in a van or the deck of a ute or even the deck of a trailer. The stow and deploy operations are optionally powered, with an electric control connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

For the purposes of this specification, the term 'about' or 'approximately' and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

The term 'substantially' or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

The term 'comprise ¹ and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements.

The terms 'horizontal' and vertical or grammatical variations thereof should not be seen as limiting in a strict geometrical sense and refers to a generally upright and generally transverse positions.

In a first aspect there is provided a hoist comprising: a base for mounting the hoist to a vehicle; at least one first arm member for rotation in a vertical plane which is perpendicular to an aperture that a load enters through for connection thereof; at least one second arm member connected to an end of the first arm, wherein the load is suspended on the end of the second arm; a mechanism for controlling the angular relationship between the first and second arm members, the mechanism comprising a four bar linkage of the first and second arm members, a linker and strainer when the second arm is outside the vehicle; and a mechanical stop means and strut for conversion of the four bar linkage into a rigid frame to create an optimum trajectory to keep the load at all times above and clear of a body of a vehicle in operation, while maximising the height of the load which can be stowed without contacting a roof of the vehicle; and wherein the mechanism alters to the geometry of the first and second arm members thereby reducing the required force to lift the load.

In one embodiment, the hoist may comprise just one actuator and mechanism assembly to drive the full end-to-end motion, in its lower-rated-load variant. However, this should not be seen as limiting as in other embodiments, it is envisaged in its higher-load-capacity variant, optionally the hoist may use a balanced double-sided version, wherein two identical assemblies are spaced apart, so the load is accommodated in the space therebetween, typically at either extremity of the left and right of an opening of an automobile e.g. boot or trunk of the automobile. In this way, this dual actuator and mechanism assembly variant may spread the load evenly across the vehicle mounting, avoiding the high torque created by a single cantilever mount, on very light gauge vehicle frame or panelling.

Preferably, in a single-sided lifter embodiment (i.e. one actuator and mechanism assembly mechanism), a bar may be detachable or removeable. In this configuration, this may allow the car boot to be better utilised when not loading any items.

Preferably, the hoist may use a mechanical stopper to convert position between a three and four link motion, which may occur at approximately mid-travel. In this way, there is has no requirement for sensors and/or electronic boards or programming.

The hoist may be configured to allow its mechanism to be installed low into the trough of a trunk below the lip, thus utilising this space and allowing for improved geometry and performance. Furthermore, as there is no electronic timing, interlocks etc. there are no special tools required for installation or servicing.

Preferably, adjustments of the mechanism to optimise performance to each vehicle may only require adjusting the length of the control-rod and the angled adjustable stopper.

The hoist may provide a solid connect point to the MD with a device specific mounting that may utilise a vehicle vertical opening which may be approximately 100mm lower compared to an equivalent prior art device.

Preferably, the hoist may hold the MD down in a stowed mode. In this way, it is safe to travel with the MD with no requirement for additional anchors that are usually required to be manually placed such as ratchet-tiedowns.

In a typical use of such a hoist, the base may be mounted inside an automobile or vehicle and may be used for unloading and loading an SDM vehicle.

The hoist may lift in/out a load from ground level where it is used, to a travelling position in a vehicle. Preferably, the position in the vehicle may be a trunk/boot, a side door in a van or the deck of a ute or a deck of a trailer or the like.

In one embodiment, the stow and deploy operations may be powered with an electric control connected to a vehicle's electrical system.

Optionally, the hoist may have its own hatch/door opener or a separate product may be utilised for this purpose.

The first arm member may rotate in a vertical plane which may be perpendicular to an aperture of which an MD enters through for connection to the hoist.

The second arm member may be connected to the end of the first arm member such that a load may be suspended on the end of the second arm member.

In one embodiment, the second arm member may have an adjustable length. The length may be adjustable with at least three pre-set locations during assembly without the requirement for further drilling. Advantageously, the addition of the adjustable arm member support provides for more torsional strength for single sided applications.

In preferred embodiments, a mechanism may control the angular relationship between the two arm members, wherein the mechanism may comprise a four bar linkage while an outer end is outside of a vehicle.

Preferably, the Mechanism may comprise a stopper and gas strut that may convert the four bar linkage into a rigid frame to alter its trajectory. In this way, this mechanism provides the optimum angular relationship trajectory to keep the MD at all times above and clear of a trunk floor, the rear threshold and bumper, and an optional towbar (if installed). Furthermore, this optimum angular relationship trajectory may maximise the height of the MD which may be stowed without touching a vehicle's roof at any point during operation and stowage.

The hoist may utilise a combination of its own weight, gas strut, stopper and four bar linkage to reduce the force on the actuator. Preliminary testing by the inventors have demonstrated a reduction of at least 17% of force on the actuator.

Preferably in the stowed configuration, the MD may rest on the trunk floor or retention location on the trunk floor and in the deployed configuration, the MD may rest on the ground surface.

In one embodiment, the arm member assembly may be mounted on a frame with provision for repositioning of the lateral configuration of the arm member assembly.

A single actuator may drive the first arm member relative to the mounting frame, and may drive all of the movement of the arm member assembly.

It is envisaged that a single actuator may drive the motion of the hoist, wherein the actuator may drive a linkage mechanism attached between the first arm member, the actuator and the base.

The second arm member connection to the MD may assist the securing of the MD in the travelling position without or reducing the need of separate difficult-to-apply anchors by the end user, and this may be dependent on any relevant vehicle safety requirements and jurisdiction.

It is further envisaged that hoist may not require any manipulation of the MD, once a connection has been made between the MD and the second arm member of the hoist.

Preferably, once the hoist is in the stowed configuration, the lifting arm member may press the load down into retaining locators on the vehicle floor, thus making the primary securement for travel. This is a major advantage for disabled people, making independent mobility feasible where conventional tiedown requirements and prior art hoists are unworkable.

Preferably, the mounting base of the device may be configured to be positioned into a trunk of a vehicle substantially at least 100mm below the trunk lip. In this way, this configuration leaves all the vertical opening height clear for the MD, and the load to be secured lower in the trunk for rear visibility and stability.

In one embodiment, the load securing point may be configured to be below the maximum height of the MD. In this way, there may be no vertical height capability lost compared to a suspending cable of a crane type hoist apparatus.

It is envisaged that components of the hoist may be configured with some mobility device specific attachment hardware configured to allow more convenient connection to such devices that may include, but should not be seen as limited to Omeo™ or similar self-balancing devices, scooters, wheel chairs and the like. For example, a connection frame may lift the Omeo™ and a spring loaded latch assembly may hold the Omeo™ in place in the vehicle. The hardware may connect directly to the second arm member without the requirement of a bar between the arm members.

The scooter attachment hardware may also provide suitable connections to the scooter in order to lift and hold the scooter during transit. It has been found that as scooters are generally heavier and are above the lifting capacity of a single arm assembly, preferably a dual arm lifter may be utilised.

In wheelchair connection hardware embodiments, this may be configured for a single arm lift, having a horizontal tube below which the chair may be suspended.

In other embodiments, the hoist may be configured to connect with a tray-device or the like useful for variable format loads such as fertiliser, and cement, etc.

In a second aspect there is provided a method of operating a hoist as substantially described above.

In a third aspect there is provided a method of manufacturing a hoist as substantially described above.

The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

WORKING EXAMPLE

The above described apparatus, methods and uses is now described by reference to a specific example.

EXAM PLE 1

With reference to Figure 1 an exemplary hoist is shown comprising a first arm member 1, second arm member 2, linker 3, strainer 4, actuating link 5, actuator 6, base link 7, gas strut 8, base stopper 9, arm 1 stopper 10 and base 11. As can be seen, it shows the four "bar" linkage configuration comprising fours "bars": (first arm member 1, second arm member 2, linker 3 and strainer 4.). The four bar linkage mechanism allows the changes in the geometry from a four bar linkage to a rigid frame altering its trajectory to keep the height of the bars low so that they don't contact the roof of a vehicle (not shown), i.e. the arm 1 stopper 10 and the gas strut 8 keep the linker 3 in position and as the first arm member 1 comes in further from the outwards position towards the boot or trunk of the vehicle, the arm 1 stopper 10 will come in contact with the linker 3 causing the transition and change in the geometry from a four bar linkage to a rigid frame altering its trajectory. The base stopper 9 can be placed in four locations and is best seen in Figure 2 where the base stopper 9 is shown at location 3 with actuating link 5, base link 7, and first arm member 1 driven from the actuator 6.

The hoist is designed to operate as follows:

Figure 3 shows the hoist in the fully extended position where it is currently in its four bar linkage stage of motion where first arm member 1, second arm member 2, link 3 and strainer 4 comprise the four links. The linker 3 is being held by the base stopper 9 and the gas strut 8 ensures that the linker 3 remains in the desired location. As the actuator 6 drives the linkage mechanism, the first and second arm members 1, 2 move to the transition point best seen in Figure 5. This is when the linker 3 is in contact with both the base stopper 9 and arm 1 stopper 10. This transition point can be changed by moving the base stopper 9 to one of the other locations as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 6 shows the first and second arm members 1,2 past its transition point where it is in a rigid frame configuration where the arm 1 stopper 10 is in contact with the linker 3. In this configuration, the gas strut 8 ensures that the linker 3 remains in contact with the arm 1 stopper 10 to assist with reducing the load on actuator 6. Further actuation of actuator 6 leads to the hoist being in its fully stowed position as best seen in Figure 7. The process is repeated in reverse order back to the fully extended position for loading of a MD.

Figures 8 and 9 respectively show a single sided version of second arm member 2 in an unassembled and assembled state having an adjustable length and detachable or removeable bar for storage. The adjustable length arm member 2 utilises three set locations for adjusting the length during assembly without the requirement for further drilling. The removable bar connected to second arm member 2 is removably detached by a locking tab that is lifted and locked back into position.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.