Technical field

The present invention relates to an evacuation device, in accordance with the claims.

Technical background and prior art

In a number of applications there is a need to move and/or lift at least one object. To solve this need, a large number of different types of displacement devices, lifting devices and similar equipment have been developed. Despite the majority of equipment being developed which allows for the movement and /or lifting of objects, there are still problems with known types of displacement devices and lifting devices.

Problems with moving and/or lifting objects are present, for example, in connection with the movement of objects into or out of spaces in cisterns, tanks, silos and the like. The possibility of lifting and moving objects into and out of said spaces can be very limited. For example, the movement or lifting into and out of these spaces occurs through so-called manhole covers with a limited cross-sectional area.

Problems arise when working in spaces in cisterns, tanks of silos and the like. Provisions on how work is to take place in said types of spaces have been developed which require that a person inside, for example, a cistern, tank, silos or the like be safely moved out of it, even if the person is unconscious. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to move a person who is unconscious, or has a limited mobility, through a manhole. Therefore, depending on said problem and prescription, there is a need for an equipment or the like with which a person inside a cistern, tank or the like can be moved out, evacuated, through a manhole or the like in a simple and reliable manner.

To evacuate a person located inside a cistern or the like out through the manhole, various equipment has been developed. For example, patent application DE 102007003603 describes a device for moving persons through a manhole in the vertical direction. The construction according to patent application DE 102007003603 differs from the construction in accordance with the present patent application. For example, this equipment is not intended to be used at a manhole where the person moves through it in a horizontal direction. Furthermore, the construction is much heavier and more difficult to handle than the construction according to the present invention.

RECORD COPY TRANSLATION

(Rule 12.4) The publication US20050224289 describes a variant of an evacuation device which is intended to be connected to a structure at an opening to an interior space. The construction of the patent has several deficiencies. For example, the construction according to the document US20050224289 is mainly intended to move a person through the opening in the vertical direction and not in the horizontal direction. The design in accordance with the specification does not solve the technical problems that the construction in accordance with the present patent application solves.

The company Capital Safety markets a variant of equipment which is intended to be connected to the opening in a manhole. The construction differs from the construction in accordance with the present patent application. The construction also has the disadvantage that it is substantially more difficult to use than the construction in accordance with the present patent application.

The W estern Safety company markets variants of evacuation devices intended to be used to displace a person in a vertical direction from a vertically lower space. However, those equipment’s are not intended to be used at a manhole.

The company Western Safety also markets a variant connection device, called "Bolt On Davit Base" for lifting device intended to be used at a manhole. The construction does not provide a reliance on the movement as the construction according to the present invention. There is a significant risk that the person being moved out through the manhole will be further injured in connection with the evacuation.

The company Innova markets a variant of equipment which can be positioned in connection with a manhole with horizontal opening. The construction does not provide a reliance on the movement as the construction according to the present invention. There is a considerable risk that the person being moved out through the manhole door will be further injured during the rescue.

Although this very well fulfills its purposes, this construction causes some shortcomings. For example, the construction has some problems with the control of the line. A further proble with the known construction is that there are problems with the control of the position of the arm in relation to the body' and the person to be saved. The object of the present Invention

The object of the present patent application is to eliminate or substantially reduce at least one of the aforementioned or any of the problems mentioned in the following description of existing types of evacuation devices. The object is solved by an evacuation device in accordance with the claims.

Brief description of figures

In the following detailed description of the present in vention, references and references to the following figures will be made. The figures are briefly described in the following figure list. Note that the figures are schematic and certain parts of the evacuation device which are apparent to one skilled in the art, may be omitted in the figures and in the description, respectively.

Figure 1 show the present evacuation device connected to a manhole in perspective.

Figures 2A and 2B show' the evacuation device in more detail.

Figure 3 shows the body, the head, in more detail.

Figure 4 shows an exemplary wire guide in an exploded view.

Figure 5 shows an alternative application for the evacuation device.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures, an evacuation device 1 according to the present invention will be described in more detail. In alternative other embodiments, it is conceivable that the evacuation device 1 is used for other purposes and in other applications. The evacuation device 1 for these purposes and applications can also be referred to by another name. Thus, the evacuation device 1 is used in further embodiments as lifting device or displacement device and can therefore also be called lifting device or evacuation device.

The evacuation device 1 comprises at least one arm 2, at least one body (alternative name in the text are head, beam holder) 3 or the like, and at least one winch 4 and at least one fastening device 5 with which the evacuation device is connected to structure at at least one opening. The shape of the arm 2 may vary within the scope of the inventive idea. In the exemplary embodiment, this is constituted by a beam construction 6, profile, pipe or the like.

The beam construction 6 comprises, in the exemplary embodiment, a first one (upper) beam part 7 and a second (lower) beam part 8 and an intermediate web 9 between the first beam part 7 and the second beam part 8. In its basic construction, the beam construction 6 comprises known type of beam construction 6, beam or the like. For example, the beam construction may consist of an I-beam, HEB beam or other standardized beam construction 6 suitable for the purpose. In alternative embodiments of the beam construction 6, this is constituted by a specially manufactured beam construction 6. The beam construction 6 may, in alternative embodiments, be defined as an elongated object of another design and type than the exemplified designs and types.

Referring to Figure 2, a variant of a body 3, head, is shown, which is intended to be used. The body 3, or the head, is intended to be reliably connected to at least one structure (an object) at an opening 10, or bushing, with the fastening device. When used in accordance with the first application, this is intended to be connected to t e structure at the opening of a manhole door 11. The evacuation device 1 is preferably used for inserting or removing a person from the inner space 12 through the opening, for example to rescue a person inside in an inner space 11 in a cistern or the like.

The body 3 comprises at least a first fastening part 13, first end, and a bearing housing 14, bushing, tubular part (housing, bearing housing). The fastening part 13 is, or comprises, in the exemplary embodiment, a disc-shaped part 15 having a number of holes 16, recesses or the like. The tubular part in the exemplary embodiment is a pipe 17, profile pipe or the like. The body 3 further comprises at least one second fastening part 18, second end, connecting part or the like. The second fastening part 18 comprises holes 19, connecting means or the like to which at least one fastening means 20 is connected one end. In the exemplary embodiment, a first fastener 20 and a second fastener 20 are connected to the bod 3. The other end of the fastener 20 is connected to a hole in the flange of the manhole. To adjust the length of the fastener, it includes at least one adjusting device such as, for example, a screw screw. In alternative embodiments, the adjusting device may consist of other adjusting device suitable for the purpose.

At least one handle 21 , handle part, is connected or integrated to the body. The construction of the handle 21 may vary within the scope of the inventive idea. In the exemplary embodiment, this is constituted by a disc-shaped part 22 with at least one recess 23 which forms a grip part. The handle 21 is preferably connected to the body.

The arm 2 is connected through the bushing 24 of the bearing housing 14 in the body 3. The arm 2, when using the evacuation device 1, is connected to the body 3. This is done by one end 25 of the arm 2 being passed through the bushing 24 until the first end 25 of the arm 2 extends out through the bushing 24 in the body 3 in one direction and the second end 26 of the arm 2 extends out through the bushing in the body 3 in the other direction (the axial direction of the hole and the bushing). The arm 2 is movably arranged in relation to the bushing in the body 3. Preferably, the arm 2 is mounted in relation to the body 3 via at least one first bearing 27. Preferably, the arm 2 is mounted to the body 3 via at least one first bearing 27 and at least one second bearing 28. The bearing 27, or the bearings 27 and 28, consist of layers of known type according to conventional storage technology. In the exemplary embodiment, this bearing consists of needle bearings. In other embodiments, the bearings consist of sliding bearings, roller bearings or the like.

The fastening device 5 comprises at least one first fastening means 30 and preferably at least one first fastening means 30 and at least one second fastening means 31. The fastening means 30 and 31 may be a plurality of different types of fastening means. The positions of the fasteners 30 and 31 relative to the body 3 can be adjusted in at least one direction with at least one adjusting device and positioning device 32, fork. The positioning device 32 comprises at least one first positioning means 33, fork. In the exemplary embodiment, adjustment device comprises at least one first positioning means 33 and at least one second positioning means 34. Preferably, the positioning means 33 and 34 can be adjusted in positions with respect to the body 3 in at least two directions.

In the exemplary embodiment, the adjusting device 32, or adjusting means, is connected between the fastening part 13 and the one to be connected, such as holes 35 in the flange 36 to a manhole door 11, by means of at least one screw joint. In alternative embodiments, connection to the manhole 11 can take place in a different manner suitable for the purpose. In further al ternati ve embodiments, connection of the moving device 1 can take place to other object suitable for the purpose than to the flange 36 in a manhole 11.

In order to eliminate said problem which arises in connection with the movement of the arm 2 in relation to the body 3, the lifting device comprises at least one locking device 37. The locking device 37 prevents the arm 2 from moving freely in at least one direction relative to the body 3. The ami 2 movement relative to the body 3 can be limited stepwise or steeples. This can be done, for example, by the evacuation device comprising the said locking device 37. The locking device 37 can be constructed in a number of different ways. Preferably, the latch means 37 comprises at least one first type of latch means 38. Said first type of latch means 38 is notched 39, or protruding segments which cooperate with at least one second latch member 40. The second latch means 40 may be formed by a spring loaded latch 41. one direction, the arm 2 can be freely moved relative to the body. In the other direction, the latch means prevents the relative movement of the arm 2 relative to the body so far as the spring loaded latch 41 is lifted from the tooting or the notch.

The evacuation device 1 further comprises at least one winch 4 or the like. The winch 4 may be of various types. In the exemplary embodiment, the winch 4 is a hand-driven winch. In alternative embodiments, the winch 4 is a motorized winch. By motorized winch is meant a winch 4 with integrated or connectable motor, which motor is driven by a suitable drive technique for the purpose. The winch is preferably connected to the arm with at least one quick coupling such as locking pins or the like. In alternative embodiments, the winch may be connected to the arm with other end-to-end technology .

The winch 4 comprises at least one drum 42, roller or the like on which at least one wire 43, rope or the like is intended to he roll ed on and off in conjunction with the use of the moving device 1. The wire 43 runs from the drum 42 in the direction of the arm 2 to a wire guide (lens control) 44 the end of the arm 2, or the end of the vicinity of the arm 2.

Referring to Figure 4, in an exploded view, an exemplary wire guide (lint guide) 44 is shown. The wire guide 44 includes at least one guided pulley 45 over which the wire 43, or rope, mns. The wire guide 44 further comprises at least one first guide member 46 which controls the wire, or rope, position relative to and at the guided pulley 45. In the exemplary wire guide 44, it includes at least one first bracket 47 for the guide member 46 and preferably at least one first bracket 47 for the guide member 46 and a second bracket 48 for the control means 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the wire guide also comprises at least one first spacer 49 and at least one second spacer 50, as well as a second guide means 51. The construction and shape of the second control means may vary within the scope of the present patent application.

The winch 4 may preferably be connected to the arm 2 via a quick coupling, not shown in figures. The quick coupler can be of a previously known type of quick coupler which is suitable for the purpose. When moving the displacement device 1 , the winch 4 is preferably disconnected from the arm 2. Movement of the displacement device 1 from one location to another can furthermore take place with at least one box, a bag or the like, not shown in figures, or the like, a design suitable for the purpose.

When using the moving device 1 , the moving device 1 is moved to the place where the moving device 1 is to be used. The movement can take place, for example, in a specially designed displacement device such as a box or in another suitable manner for the purpose.

Said location for use may, for example, consist of the opening in a manhole 11, such as for instance the opening of a manhole 11 in a cistern, tank or the like through which a person moves horizontally in and out of the cistern, the tank or the like. The positions of the connecting members are adjusted in relation to the hole pitch in the flange 32 in a manhole door 11. Thereafter, the body is connected to the flange 32 in the manhole by, for example, screw- joints, bolt joints, or other connecting means suitable for the purpose. After the body 3 is connected to the flange 32, the arm 3 is connected, preferably after the winch 4 is connected to the ar 3, to the body 2 via the bushing 10 in the body (bearing housing) 3.

The connection of the evacuation device 1 to the manhole 11 preferably takes place already before at least one person moves into the interior space of the cistern, the roof or the like. If the person who has moved into the internal space through the manhole becomes injured or ill, the evacuation device is already ready for use. The displacement device can of course be connected to the manhole after at least one person has moved through the opening in the manhole into the internal space of the cistern. The displacement device can also be used for moving, or lifting, objects other than persons into or out of the interior space of the cistern, the tank or the like.

When saving and / or evacuating an unconscious person, the wire is connected directly, or indirectly, to the person to be evacuated. The connection of the ware to the person can for instance take place via a harness or the like which the person carries on the body. In alternative embodiments, the wire may be connected to a seat stmt or the like which the person is placed in and then winched out of the inner space. In order to position the person being moved and lifted, at least one second line can be connected to the person being lifted.

Referring to Figure 5, a first alternative use of the present evacuation device 1 is shown. In this alternative use, the evacuation device 1 is intended to be connected to a manhole with a vertical passageway to a space. In the embodiment, the body 3 is connected via at least one fastening device 5 to the manhole flange 36. The fastening devices 20 of the evacuation device 1 are connected to holes in the manhole flange 36.

The arm 2 comprises two or more holes 52 at different distances from the end of the arm. The holes 52 are intended to be used to adjust the position of the arm 2 relative to the body 3. This occurs through at least one shaft 53, pin or the like which is passed through holes in the body and through at least one hole 52 in the arm. By selecting holes 52, different vertical relative positions between the arm 2 and the body 3 can be achieved.

In a further alternative embodiment, the evacuation device 1 is intended to be connected to a stand (not shown in figures) or the like. The stand is in the embodiment standing in connection with manhole door through which a person can be moved in the vertical direction. In alternative embodiments, the frame may be connected to an opening, well or the like. Through the design, vertical movements are also made possible.

I n a second alternative use of the present invention, the evacu ation device is used as a lifting device. The lifting device is intended to be connected to a vehicle, to a scaffold or the like.

In the detailed description of the present patent application, details of the evacuation device ma be omitted which are apparent to one skil led in the art in the fiel d of the evacuation device. Such obvious details are included to the extent required for a satisfactory operation to be obtained for the present evacuation device.

Although some preferred embodiments have been shown in more detail, variations and modifications of the device may be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All such modifications and variants are within the scope of the appended claims. The connection to the flange at the manhole can be done with other suitable technology.

Advantages of the Invention

With the present invention, numerous advantages are achieved. The most important thing is that at least one of the problems described in the background is eliminated or reduced. For example, the advantage of the present invention is that evacuation of a person who is inside an interior space is facilitated. Furthermore, the advantage is achieved that the equipment can also be used in other contexts than the one stated.