STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to

New Zealand Patent Application Number 572213, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to supports and more particularly to an improved support and associated method for supporting and manoeuvring doors, panels and other articles.

BACKGROUND ART

For the purposes of clarity, the present invention will be described with respect to a support for vehicle doors and panels in 'panel-beating' applications for which the present invention has particular application. It should be appreciated that the principles of the present invention may find use in other applications which require support and retention of an article and thus reference herein to 'panel-beating' should not be seen to limit the scope of the invention to same.

Panel beating, painting and other vehicle maintenance often involves removal of doors, panels and other vehicle components that can have considerable weight. As a result, removal of panels and the like typically requires two or more persons in order to complete the job safely and effectively.

A further complication in panel removal is that doors in particular can be particularly troublesome as the door weight must be supported while the hinges are detached. Furthermore, vehicle doors may also include wiring connecting internal door mechanisms, e.g. for electric windows, central locking and audio speakers, which must also be disconnected from the vehicle chassis wiring. Two or three people are thus typically required to remove a door, the first and/or second person supporting the weight of the door while another person disconnects the wiring and detaches the door from the chassis.

One device that attempts to reduce this labour requirement is a 'door lift' produced by Hydraulic Specialists Pty Ltd and is shown on their website htto://www.fleet- hydrol.com.au. This door lift includes vertical post mounted on a base with a castor array. A clamping mechanism is attached to the post and can be attached to a vehicle door or panel. The clamping mechanism is height-adjustable to allow the door to be lifted and support the weight of the door. The castor array allows the post and door to be easily moved about. The clamping mechanism is pivotally attached about a horizontal axis to the post and includes a number of adjustable clamps that can be used to retain the door. The fleet-hydrol door lift thus reduces the labour requirement by providing a support that can be attached to a door and can support the door's weight while the door is disconnected from the vehicle. However, as the range of possible movement is restricted to a number of preset pivot positions, the fleet-hydrol door lift can be difficult to use in confined spaces and when panel beating the door. Furthermore, in order to rotate the attached door about a vertical axis, the entire door lift device has to be rotated by rotating the device on castors rather than just rotating the door itself.

It would thus be advantageous to provide an improved method and apparatus for assisting in the removal of doors and panels from vehicles.

It would also be advantageous to provide an improved support for supporting articles in general. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission - that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be - - attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' 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. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It should be appreciated that reference herein to "rotation" includes both full and limited/partial rotation and should not be seen to be limiting to a specific form of rotation.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a support for supporting an article, said support including: • a base;

• a plurality of retaining arms capable of releasable attachment to the article;

characterised in that the retaining arms are configured to attach to the base via a linkage, said linkage attached to the base and including at least a first and second rotatable connections respectively configured to permit rotation of the retaining arms about a first and second axes extending substantially orthogonal to each other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a support which includes:

• a base;

• at least one attachment portion;

wherein the attachment portion(s) is/are attached to the base via at least one linkage comprising:

• a first axis of rotation; and

• a second axis of rotation which is substantially orthogonal to said first axis of rotation;

wherein said first and second axes of rotation facilitate multi-axial pivotable movement of the attachment portion.

Preferably the linkage is attached to the base via a pivot arm. The pivot arm pivots about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation to allow for the pivot arm to be angled relative to the horizontal. In a more preferred embodiment the pivot arm may be connected to the base via a rotatable upright.

Preferably the attachment portion may be connected to a holding apparatus.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a holding apparatus (HA) capable of releasable attachment to an article, the holding apparatus including a complementary connector portion to facilitate releasable attachment of the holding apparatus to the attachment portion of the support.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the holding apparatus may take any number of forms adapted to the particular article that is being supported by the support; therefore the configuration of the holding apparatus should not be seen as being limiting.

In preferred embodiments the holding apparatus may include a plurality of retaining amis capable of releasable attachment to an article.

According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one of the retaining arms includes an attachment configured to engage with the article to be supported. The attachment may include protrusions, clamps, vacuum cups, pins, rubber pads or any other member/mechanism capable of engaging and retaining the article.

In a further embodiment, the attachment may be fixed to the arm in any one of a plurality of predetermined or adjustable positions such that the distance between the attachment and the connection of the said arm to the linkage is variable.

In one preferred embodiment the holding apparatus may be releasably attachable to an article by way of one or more adjustable clamps. The edges of the panel being clamped by the said adjustable clamps. In other preferred embodiments the holding apparatus may be releasably attachable to the article by way of vacuum cups. Vacuum cups are particularly suited for attachment of the holding apparatus to materials such as glass or the like, but should not be seen as being limited to same.

The present invention thus provides a support for supporting an article, (e.g. door panel, fender car panel and the like), by holding the article with a holding apparatus that has a wide range of motion, in particular, a range of motion about two orthogonal axes. In contrast, the range of motion (with respect to the base) of the prior art is limited to varying height, movement of the entire device or pivoting about a horizontal axis.

Preferably, said linkage includes:

• a said first connection which rotatably connects the second connection to the holding apparatus; and

• a said second connection which rotatably connects the base to the first connection.

Preferably, the linkage includes a further 'third' independently rotatable connection, said third connection rotatably connecting the first and second connections to the base via a pivot arm and being rotatable about a third axis orthogonal to said second axis and substantially parallel with respect to the base.

According to a further aspect, the linkage may include a further 'fourth' independently rotatable connection, said fourth connection rotatably connecting the third connection to the base and being rotatable about a fourth axis orthogonal to said third axes and substantially vertical. Preferably, at least one said connection includes a brake for selectively inhibiting rotation of a said connection.

Preferably, said brake is a friction brake. Such a friction brake allows the connection to be releasably restrained in any position by applying the brake. In contrast, sliding pin and hole mechanisms or other similar brake arrangements only provide a number of discrete predetermined positions thus proving less adaptable than friction brakes.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a friction brake may include: clamps, impinging friction pads, variable-force bearing surfaces or any other mechanism capable of variable frictional contact between parts movable relative to each other.

In one preferred embodiment the linkage includes a pivot arm having a working end and an actuating end. The working end of the pivot arm being attached to an attachment portion through one or more links, and the actuating end being attached to an actuator, wherein movement of the actuating end of the linkage results in corresponding motion of the working end of the linkage about at least one rotatable connection.

In preferred embodiments manipulation of the actuating end of the pivot arm results in a corresponding motion of the working end of the pivot arm about at least one rotatable connection.

In preferred embodiments the pivot arm rotatable connection is the said third independently rotatable connection.

In preferred embodiments the rotatable connection is disposed between the actuating end and the working end of the pivot arm. It will however be apparent to a person skilled in the art that such a lever arrangement could be configured in a number of ways and therefore the central disposition of the rotatable connection should not be seen as being limiting. In one preferred embodiment the ratio provided by the length of the working end of the pivot arm to the length of the actuating end of the pivot arm is adjustable. It would be apparent to a person skilled in the art that such a configurable ratio would allow for a correspondingly adjustability between the range of motion provided by the working end and the mechanical advantage provided by the pivot arm for lifting heavy articles.

Preferably, the pivot arm includes at least one adjustable spacer for adjusting the spacing between the base and the actuating end of the said pivot arm.

In some preferred embodiments, the said adjustable spacer may include a jack such as a pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical jack or similar.

In especially preferred embodiments the adjustable spacer is a lead screw or similar.

In preferred embodiments the lead screw is electronically operable.

Preferably, a said adjustable spacer is connected to the base and the actuating end of the pivot arm and is capable of selectively adjusting the spacing between the base and the second connection of the linkage. The spacer thus provides a means for adjusting the height of the linkage and therefore also the holding apparatus and any attached article.

Preferably, the holding apparatus is releasably attached to the first connection of the linkage. The user may thus attach the holding apparatus to the article without encumbrance from the rest of the support and then attach the holding apparatus, and attached article, to the linkage.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a support, wherein the base includes:

• a support post; • at least two legs;

wherein the at least two legs are pivotably attached to the support post so as to be moveable between a first spread position and a second compacted position.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the pivotable arrangement of the legs could be facilitated in any number of ways, therefore the exact arrangement of the said legs and pivot in relation to the support post should not be seen as being limiting.

In preferred embodiments the present invention includes a lever for facilitating movement between said first spread position and second compacted position.

In especially preferred embodiments the lever includes a locking mechanism wherein — the lever-locks in position when in either of the first spread position or the second compacted position.

In some embodiments the lever may be restricted in its available travel, so as to restrict the distance by which the legs can be spread apart or moved together.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of supporting an article using a support substantially as hereinbefore described, said method including:

• optionally detaching the holding apparatus from the support;

• releasably attaching the retaining arms of the holding apparatus to an article to be supported;

• optionally attaching the holding apparatus and attached article to the support; • rotating the retaining arms and attached article about at least one of the first and second axes.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of detaching a vehicle panel, such as a door, roof or wall panel or the like, from a vehicle using a support substantially as hereinbefore described, said method including:

• optionally detaching the holding apparatus from the support;

• releasably attaching the retaining arms of the support to the panel to be supported;

• optionally attaching the holding apparatus and attached article to the support;

• lifting the panel using an adjustable spacer to increase the distance between the retaining arms and base, the support thereby bearing the panel weight;

• detaching the panel from the vehicle;

• rotating the retaining arms and attached article about at least one of the first and second axes.

The present invention may thus provide substantial improvements over the prior art, including a support that can be used to lift and hold an article, e.g. a car door or panel, such that the article can be manoeuvred about at least two orthogonal axes to provide convenient access to a user wanting to manipulate the article in some way, e.g. panel beating or painting. The support can bear the weight of vehicle panels such as doors or the like while they are detached from the vehicle, i.e. uncoupling the door from its hinges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a left-rear isometric view of a support according to a first

• preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a right-front isometric view of the support of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a right-front isometric view of the support of Figure 1 in a compacted position;

Figure 4a shows an end view along axis Z of the first and third rotatable connections of the support of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4b shows a side view of the first and third connections shown in Figure 3a;

Figure 4c shows a plan view of the first and third connections shown in Figures 3a and 3b;

Figure 4d shows an opposing side view (to Figure 3b) of the first and third connections shown in Figures 3a-3c; and

Figure 5 Shows a side view of an attachment apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figures 1 and 2 show a support 1 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. The support 1 is configured to support an article (not shown) such as a vehicle door or panel.

The support 1 includes a base 2 and attachment portion 28a. Attachable to the attachment portion 28a is holding apparatus 11 (not shown in Figure 1, but shown independently in Figure 5, to which we now refer). Holding apparatus 11 includes three retaining arms 3 (of which only 2 can be seen) capable of being releasably attached to the article (not shown) via attachments 4 that extend from the each retaining arm 3.

Each attachment 4 has an elongate threaded tube 5, the distal end of which includes two protruding parts 5a, 6b that are spaced from each other to provide an opening in which an edge of a vehicle door panel or the like can be positioned. The panel can thus be securely retained by the arms 3 and attachments 4 as there are three such attachments 4 substantially opposing each other to engage with the panel in three places.

A threaded rod 6 (not completely shown) extends into the tube 5 and engages with an internal thread of the tube 5. A nut 6a is connected to the rod 6 on an opposing side of the arm 3 to the tube 5, thereby clamping the arm 3 therebetween. Each retaining arm 3 includes a slot (not shown) to which the attachment 4 is slideably connected. The attachment 4 can be fixed in position relative to the arm 3 by turning the nut 6a (the rod and tube threads engaging) to clamp the retaining arm 3 adjacent the slot between the tube 5 and nut 6a. Washers (not shown) are positioned on either side of the arm between the tube 5 and nut 6a. Optionally rod 6 extends all the way through the tube 5 and contacts a protruding part 6b. The two heads 5a, 6b can thus be brought together or away from each other by turning the nut 6a and attached threaded rod 6 in the sheath to pull the sheath toward the nut 6a while simultaneously clamping the arm 3' between the tube 5 and nut 6a. The two heads 5a, 6b thus form two parts of a clamp. In use the two heads 5a, 6b are placed either side of a portion of a door panel or other article and then brought together (by tightening nut 6a) to hold the article in position relative to the retaining arms 3.

It should be appreciated that either of the aforementioned attachment configurations can be applied to one or all of the attachments 4.

Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, the attachment portion 28a is configured to attach to the base 2 via a linkage generally indicated by arrow 7 which has first 8, second 9, and third 10 rotatable connections capable of respectively rotating about first X, second Y and third Z axes wherein the first X, and third Z axes extend substantially orthogonal to the second Y axis. The third axis Z is a substantially horizontal axis while the second axis Y is substantially co-axial to the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm 20. The first axis X extends orthogonal to and can be rotated about the second axis Y.

The first connection 8 rotatably connects to the attachment portion 28a while the second connection 9 rotatably connects the pivot arm 20 to the first 8 connection. The third connection 10 connects the pivot arm 20 to the base 2.

It will be appreciated that in another embodiment, a fourth' independently rotatable connection may be provided for rotatably connecting the third connection to the base to provide rotation about a fourth axis orthogonal to said third axis. The fourth axis being substantially vertical with respect to the base. As shown more clearly in figure 4, the first connection 8 is formed by an axle 12 that extends through the cross-bar 13c of a T beam 13. This cross-bar terminates at either end with discs 15.

The second connection 10 is formed by a pivot arm 20 that is inserted into the base of the T beam 13. The T beam 13 is thus rotatable about the longitudinal axis of pivot arm 20 (not shown in Figure 4).

Referring to Figure 5, holding apparatus 11 includes retaining arms 3 connected to hub 14 which is in turn releasably connectable to attachment portion 28a of support 1 (shown in Figures 1-3) via pins, bolts or clamping apparatus (not shown). The hub 14 is a hollow tube which receives attachment portion 28a of the support 1 and can be fixed in place by locking pins 29 which pass through apertures (not shown) in the hub 14 and attachment portion 28a. The hub 14 and arms 3 are therefore releasably attached to the support 1 such that a user can detach the hub 14 and arms 3 from the support 1 and then attach the arms 3 via attachments 4 to an article without encumbrance from the rest of the support 1.

Figure 4 shows the first 8 and second 9 connections and brakes 16, 17 in greater detail.

The first 8 and second 9 connections each respectively have a friction brake 16, 17. These brakes 16, 17 selectively inhibit rotation at the respective connection 8, 9.

The first brake 16 has two clamping parts 16a, 16b, located either side of the periphery of the disc 15 at the first connection 8. The second clamping part 16b is connected to the first clamping part 16a, by a bolt 19 or the like. A rotatable clamping arm 18 is connected to the first clamping part 16a and has a threaded pin 18a that engages with a threaded aperture (not shown) in the first clamping part 16a. In use, the clamping arm 18 is rotated clockwise and the head (not shown) of the pin 18a engages with the disc 15 to apply a frictional force via the pin head and second clamping part 16b, thereby inhibiting relative movement of the disc 15 and hub 14, i.e. preventing rotation of the hub 14 and arms 3 about the first axis X. The clamping force can be released by rotating the clamping arm 18 anti-clockwise.

The second brake 17 is formed in a similar way to the first brake 16. The middle projection of T beam 13 has two parts, first part 13a is attached to the cross-bar 13c at one end and to a disc 21 at the other end. The disc end of first part 13a includes a receiving portion in the form of a round hole (not shown) into which a corresponding shaft (shown as dotted detail) of second part 13b fittingly locates, thus providing second connection 9 therebetween. The second part 13b of cross-bar 13c (which may optionally form the pivot arm 20 or part thereof) has two clamping parts 22a, 22b which are located either side of the disc 21 at its periphery. The second brake 17 has a clamping arm 23 with a threaded pin 23a that engages with a threaded aperture (not shown) in the first clamping part 22a. Thus, when the clamping arm 23 is rotated clockwise, the pin 23a will push against the disc 21 and apply a frictional force via the pin head and second clamping part 22b thereby opposing or preventing rotation of the second connection 9 relative to the second part 13b of T beam 13. This clamping force can be released by rotating the clamping arm 23 anti-clockwise.

The pivot arm 20, as shown in Figures 1 - 3, is optionally, part of, or is connected to, the second part 13b of T beam 13. Where the pivot arm 20 forms part of second part 13b, a shaft (not shown) projects coaxially from the working end 20a of pivot arm 20. This shaft is received by the round hole (shown in dotted detail) of first part 13a of crossbar 13. The second connection 9 is connected to the base 2 by the third connection 10 which is located partway down the length of the pivot arm 20 and forms the fulcrum about which the working end 20a of the pivot arm 20 and actuating end 20b of the pivot arm 20 rotate. The actuating end 20b of the pivot arm 20 extends past third connection 10 to an actuator 26 in the form of a leadscrew 27 drive, pivot armTo rotate the third connection 10 the leadscrew 27 is driven by actuator 26 to extend or retract. Extension of the leadscrew 27 raises the actuating end 20b of the pivot arm 20 resulting in a corresponding lowering of the working end (20a) of the pivot arm (20).

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the location of the third connection 10 with respect to the actuating end 26b of the pivot arm may be variably positionable along the length of the pivot arm 20, this is achieved by collar 500, which may be loosened by way of a bolt and clamping arrangement so as to be able to slide along the pivot arm 20 and be tightened at any location therealong. This variable positioning allows adjustability of the fulcrum provided by the third connection 10 to provide a corresponding adjustability between the maximum vertical movement of the working end 20a of the pivot arm 20 and the maximum mechanical advantage for lifting heavy articles.

The pivot arm 20 allows for adjusting the vertical spacing between the base 2 and the attachment portion 28a. The leadscrew 27 provides motion to the pivot arm 20 about third axis 10 and therefore the corresponding motion of attachment portion 28a, any attached holding apparatus 11 and also any article (not shown) attached to the holding apparatus 11.

The leadscrew 27 is operable by an electronic controller (30), the user activating the leadscrew 27 by selecting a direction of extension and engaging the leadscrew drive 26. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the controls for selecting the direction and activating the leadscrew 27 will be located on the base 2 whilst in other embodiments the controls may be located on a remote (not shown). The support 1thus allows a user to lift the weight of the article without excessive manual effort. For example, when lifting car doors, in the prior art, one or two people would lift the door and bear its weight until the hinges were released and the door could be removed. With the support 1 of the present invention, only one person is required as the arms 3 can be attached to the door via attachments 4 and then the leadscrew 27 is operated to lift the arms 3 and door and bear its weight while the user releases the hinges.

The base 2 of the support 1 includes two legs 35 each with a foot 36 to which a wheel, castor 37 or the like is rotatably attached. A third castor 38 is included below the support post 31 from which the two legs 35 branch, thereby forming a stable triangular base structure 2.

Each castor 37 and 38 also includes a shaped over-centre locking wheel-brake (not shown) but which is well known in the art. The wheel brake (not shown) can be pivoted downwards to press a pad (not shown) against the wheels 37 to prevent the wheels 37 rotating. Thus, a user can move the support 1 to the position required and then engage the wheel-brakes (not shown) to prevent rolling movement of the support 1.

Each of the legs 35 are pivotably attached to the support post 31 via base pivots 34. The base pivots 34 are located on substantially opposite sides of, and provide pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support post 31. A lever 40, including a handle, a locking plate 41 and a travel limiter 42 is positioned between the base pivots 34 to facilitate movement of the legs between either one of a first spread position (shown in figures 1 and 2) and a second closed position (shown in figure 3). Connected adjacent to the lever fulcrum 42, one above and one below, are arms 43a, 43b. Arm 43a connects to one leg 35 and other arm 43b connects to the other leg 35.

The lever 40 is bent so as to be biased towards the support post 31 and locking plate 41. The lever 40 is sized to fit within the left 41a and right 41b notches of locking plate 41 as it passes over them. In order to move the lever 40, the user must pull the lever 40 away from the support post and out of the notch 41a or 41b in locking plate 41 that the lever 40 is located in. Pulling the lever 40 away from the support post 31 overcomes the natural bias of the lever 40. Once the lever is clear of the locking notch 41 a or 41 b the lever is rotated about its fulcrum 42 toward the other locking notch 41 b or 41a, the lever 40 falls naturally into the other locking notch 41b or 41a as it passes over that other notch due to the lever 40 bias. The lever 40 has a travel limiter 39 in the form of a slot 44 in the lever 40 through which a projection 45 on the support post 31 locates. When the lever 40 is moved the slot 44 moves about the projection 45, until the maximum desired lever 40 travel is reached, whereupon the projection 45 abuts the end of the slot 44 corresponding to the direction of travel, thereby preventing any further travel of the lever 40 in the same direction.

Movement of the lever 40 from a first locked position, lever located in notch 41a, with the legs spread (shown in figures 1 and 2) is achieved by pulling the lever forward away from the support post 41 and rightwards (as viewed in Figure 2). The rightward movement rotates the arms 43a and 43b about the lever fulcrum 42, thereby pulling arm 43b rightward and arm 43a leftward, therefore pulling the legs 35 together and reducing the footprint of the support (shown in figure 3). The lever 40 will cease moving rightwards once the projection 45 of the travel limiter 39 abuts the left end of the slot 44 in the lever 40. The lever 40 will at this point have located into notch 41 b due to the natural bias of the lever 40 towards the support post 30. The process is reversed in order to move the legs 35 into a spread position (shown in figure 1 and 2).

The support 1 is thus configured to assist a user in detaching and supporting an article, e.g. vehicle door, while providing an extensive range of movement capabilities for the article, including movement of the article:

- in rotation about three axis X, Y, Z, i.e. via connections 8, 9, 10;

- through linear vertical movement along axis Y, i.e. via jack 27;

- in linear and rotating directions in a horizontal plane on which the support 1 is located, i.e. through rolling movement of wheels 37. The support 1 can also retain the article in any number of positions by using the aforementioned brakes 16, 17 to fix the rotatable connections 8, 10 in any rotated position and/or by engaging the wheel-brakes 38 to prevent the wheels 37 rotating.

The attachments 4 can be fixed in a number of positions relative to the arms 3 and thus allows the attachment head 5a to be engaged with parts of the article with various spacings or different articles altogether.

The support 1 may thus provide substantial improvements over the prior art, including providing a support 1 that can be used to lift and hold an article, e.g. a car door or panel, such that the article can be manoeuvred throughout a range of rotating and linear directions to provide convenient access to a user wanting to manipulate the article in some way, e.g. by panel beating or painting.

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 thereof.