Background Art Typically, when objects such as hot water systems or air conditioners need to be lifted onto the roof or the ceiling of a building, a crane or several people are required to lift the object to the roof or ceiling.

Obviously, using a crane is an expensive outlay, particularly in light of the relatively inexpensive item being placed on the roof. However, when the object is heavy, when it is difficult to gain access close to the building, or where the roof is higher than one storey, the use of a crane is the only option.

Lifting the object on to the roof with the help of several people also has its problems. Often the object is bulky and difficult to handle. Manual handling of such objects may result in the object being dropped, damaged and/or cause injuries to the people lifting the object.

Also, lifting an object, such as a distribution cassette of an air conditioner system to the ceiling requires the help of several people to position it in the ceiling, or the use of scaffolding to help position and support the cassette in place. These cassettes may weigh up to several hundred kilograms making them difficult to handle. Again manual handling of such objects may result in the object being dropped, damaged and/or cause injuries to the people lifting the object.

The preceding discussion to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or an admission that any of the material

referred to was or is part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

It is an object of this invention to provide a lifting apparatus which assists in raising an object to an elevated surface.

Disclosure of the Invention The present invention provides a lifting apparatus for raising an object to an elevated surface, the lifting apparatus comprises a support structure adapted to support a lifting cable for lifting the object, the support structure comprising a first member pivotally connected to a second member so as to be capable of moving between a first position, whereby the object can be raised to the elevated surface, and a second position, whereby in use the object is located substantially adjacent the elevated surface; and a securing member adapted to releasably secure the support structure with respect to the elevated surface.

Preferably in the first position the first member extends in the same or parallel plane to the second member. In the second position the first member may be positioned to allow easy removal of the object from the first member to the elevated surface.

In use, once the object has been lifted, the position of the object relative to a pivotal axis of the pivotal connection of the first member and second member dictates how much additional force is required to move the first member from the first position to the second position. The higher the centre of gravity of the object is above the pivotal axis of the pivotal connection, the less assistance the first member needs in order for it to move to the second position.

A pivotal axis of the pivotal connection between the first member and the second member may be at a first end of the second member.

The second member may comprise at least one portion extending from an at least one elongate element.

Preferably a first portion and a second portion of the first member extend in opposed directions from the pivotal axis of the pivotal connection of the first member relative to the second member.

The second portion may overlap with the second member when the first member is in the first position.

Preferably the support structure comprises locking means to releasably lock the first member to the second member when in the first position. Release of the locking means allows the first member to pivot with respect to the second member.

Preferably the locking means comprises at least one retractable pin. The at least one retractable pin may be biased into a locking position. This will ensure that, when the first member and second member are locked relative to each other, a positive action is required to release the locking means.

The locking means may be released by a release mechanism located on the first portion of the first member which allows the first member to move from its first position.

The support structure may be adapted to releasably support a guide means for lifting cable.

Preferably the guide means is in the form of a hoist which winds the cable, and/or a pulley for guiding the cable.

In one embodiment of the invention the first member releasably secures the guide means at or adjacent a first end.

The first member may be configured such that the hoist is supported a distance from the longitudinal axis of the first member, such that the longitudinal axis of the hoist is spaced a distance from the longitudinal axis of the support structure.

The guide means may be releasably secured to a projecting support located at a first end of the first member.

In another embodiment of the invention the second member releasably secures the hoist. In such an embodiment a pulley is located on the first member such that the lifting cable passes from the hoist, around the pulley and to the object.

In a further embodiment of the invention the hoist is located separate to the lifting apparatus but aligns with a pulley on the first member such that the lifting cable may pass therearound.

The support structure may be adapted to support the object as it is raised.

The first member and second member may each comprise two elongate elements having a plurality of cross members spanning therebetween.

The second member may be configured to provide a ladder. The cross members of the second member may provide rungs of the ladder. When in use, the ladder may extend between the ground and the elevated surface.

The second member may be adjustable in length. This may be provided by attaching an extension portion, or by other known means.

The second member may have stabilisation means to assist in stabilising the support structure when connected relative to the elevated surface : The stabilisation means may comprise stabilisation arms extending from the second member. The stabilisation arms may also assist in guiding the object on to the second member as the object approaches the support structure.

Where the elevated surface is at an angle of 0° to 90° to the horizontal, the support structure may have at least one protrusion extending upwardly above the

first member when the first member is in its second position, such that in use the at least one protrusion provides a stop, preventing the object from sliding from the first member, and possibly falling to the ground. Preferably the at least one protrusion is located on the second member and protrudes beyond the boundary of the first member as the first member moves towards the second position.

The securing member may be adapted to be releasably retained to a roof structure, or a wall.

Preferably the securing member is connected to the second member.

In an embodiment of the invention the securing member cooperates with an inclined surface such as a roof structure to releasably retain the support structure thereto. The securing member may be pivotally connected to the second member. The securing member may have a first end pivotally connected to the first end of the second member. Preferably the securing member can be locked in position relative to the second member to maintain the angle therebetween. This will add further stability to the lifting apparatus. Typically the securing member will be locked relative to the second member such that the securing member aligns with the elevated surface. The securing member, when in position, may bear against the elevated surface to assist in securement of the lifting apparatus, in addition to spreading any load thereto.

In another embodiment of the invention the securing member is adapted to cooperate with a vertical structure such as a wall to releasably retain the support structure thereto. The securing member may be connected to the second member, below the pivotal axis of the first member and second member.

The securing member may comprise a support frame and attachment means to releasably secure the lifting apparatus relative to the elevated surface.

Preferably the support frame is adapted to distribute the load to the surface the support structure is attached. The support frame may be adjustable.

The hoist may be manually operated or maybe machine driven.

The second member may be adapted to permit the hoist to be connected thereto for other applications, such as to assist in fitment of an object, such as an air conditioner to a wall. In such an application the securing member is adjusted to the desired length and is locked relative to the second member before being placed against a surface, such as a wall. In this application the lifting apparatus, typically minus the first member, provides an extremely stable framework which can be easily configured to allow for lifting on objects adjacent vertical or near vertical surfaces.

The present invention further provides a lifting apparatus for raising an object to an elevated surface, the lifting apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a first elongate member pivotally connected to a second elongate member, so as to be capable of moving between a first position, whereby the object can be lifted to the elevated surface, and a second position, whereby the object is located substantially adjacent the elevated surface, the support structure being adapted to support an object when it is lifted ; a securing member adapted to releasably secure the support structure with respect to the elevated surface; and a hoist releasably secured to the first elongate member and capable of lifting the object.

The present invention further provides a lifting apparatus for raising an object to an elevated surface, the lifting apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a first elongate member pivotally connected relative to a second elongate member, so as to be capable of moving between a first position, whereby the object can be lifted to the elevated surface, and a second position, whereby in use the object is located

substantially adjacent the elevated surface, the support structure being adapted to support an object when it is lifted ; a securing member adapted to releasably secure the support structure with respect to the elevated surface; and a pulley secured to the first elongate member and capable of supporting a cable for lifting the object.

The present invention provides a lifting apparatus for raising an object to an elevated surface, the lifting apparatus comprises a support structure adapted to support a lifting means for lifting the object, the support structure comprising a first member pivotally connected to a second member so as to be capable of moving between a first position, whereby the object can be raised to the elevated surface, and a second position, whereby in use the object is located substantially adjacent the elevated surface ; and a securing member adapted to releasably secure the support structure with respect to the elevated surface.

The present invention further provides a method of lifting an object on to an elevated surface using a lifting apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: securing a securing member of the lifting apparatus to the elevated surface; locking a first member of the lifting apparatus to a second member connecting the object to a hoist which is secured to a first end of a support structure of the lifting apparatus hoisting the object upwardly along the second member such that it is guided thereby;

terminating the hoisting process when the centre of gravity of the object is at a predetermined position with respect to the pivotal axis of a pivotal connection between the first member and the second member; releasing a locking means to allow the first member to move from its first position to a second position wherein the first member is located adjacent the elevated surface disconnecting the object from the hoist and positioning the object where required on the elevated surface.

The present invention further provides a lifting apparatus for raising an object to an elevated surface, the lifting apparatus comprises: a support structure adapted to support a platform for lifting the object, the platform being movable relative to the support structure from a lowermost position, whereby the object can be positioned thereupon, to an uppermost position whereby the object is raised to a predetermined position; a securing member adapted to sliding secure the platform relative to the support structure; and a lifting means to raise and lower the platform.

Preferably the support structure comprises a first member pivotally connected to a second member.

The first member and second member may each comprise two elongate elements having a plurality of cross members spanning therebetween.

The first member may be configured to provide a ladder. The cross members of the first member may provide rungs of the ladder.

The support structure may comprise locking means to releasably lock the platform in a desired position, preventing upward or downward movement of the platform.

The lifting means may comprise a hoist which operates a cable. The support structure may be adapted to releasably support the hoist.

The lifting means may also comprise a pulley for supporting and guiding the cable. The pulley may be supported by the support structure.

Preferably the hoist and pulley are supported by the first member. The pulley may be located adjacent a first end of the first member, whilst the hoist is positioned a distance therefrom. Preferably the cable extends from the hoist around the pulley before being releasably connected to the platform.

The securing member may comprise a hollow housing which sliding receives the platform. The housing may be secured to the pulley. The housing may also be secured to a cross member spanning between the first and second elongate elements of the first member.

Preferably the securing member is retained in position relative to the support structure to maintain the angle therebetween. Preferably the securing member is retained relative to the support structure such that the housing of the securing member supports the tray of the platform in a horizontal orientation.

The platform may be adapted to support the object as it is raised.

The platform may comprise a tray upon which the object is positioned prior to lifting, and an elongate support extending from a bottom surface of the tray. The elongate support may be sliding received in the housing of the securing member. An end of the elongate support distal from the tray may be adapted to releasably secure an end of the cable. Preferably the pulley is positioned higher than the end of the elongate support.

The end of the elongate element may be adapted to receive a second elongate support to assist in raising the tray higher.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lifting apparatus secured to a roof and in its first position according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a view similar to figure 1 but in its second position; Figure 3 is a view similar to figure 1 but with an object to be lifted connected thereto; Figure 4 is a view similar to figure 3 but with the object raised to the roof; Figure 5 is a view similar to figure 4 but with the object positioned adjacent the roof; Figure 6 is a view of the lifting apparatus with the first member detached from the second member; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a lifting apparatus secured to a roof and in its first position according to a third embodiment; Figure 8 is a cross sectional side view of figure 7a; Figure 9 is a view similar to figure 8a but in its second position; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a lifting apparatus with a first member in its first position according to a third embodiment; Figure 11 is a view of the lifting apparatus with the first member detached from the second member;

Figure 12 is a side view of the lifting apparatus ready to commence the lifting of an object; Figure 13 is a view similar to figure 11 but with the object adjacent the elevated surface and the first member in its second position; and Figure 14 is a perspective view of a lifting apparatus with a first member in its first position according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 15 is a side view of the lifting apparatus ready to commence the lifting of an object; Figure 16 is a view similar to figure 15 but with the first member approaching its second position; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a lifting apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 18 is a side view of figure 17; Figure 19 is a view similar to figure 17 but with the platform at its uppermost position; Figure 20 is a view similar to figure 19 but with a second elongate support being positioned for further lifting ; Figure 21 is a view of another application of the invention; and Figure 22 is a view of a lifting bar.

Best Mode (s) for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to Figures 1 and 6, the invention according to a first embodiment is in the form of a lifting apparatus 11 for raising an object 13 to an elevated surface such as a roof 15 of a building 17.

The lifting apparatus 11 comprises a support structure 18 and a securing member 23. The support structure 18 comprises a first member 19, and a second member 21. The first member 19 is adapted to releasably secure a hoist 25, which operates a lifting cable 26, and is pivotally connected to the second member 21.

The hoist 25 may be machine driven, as shown in the drawings, but may also be of the type which is manually operated.

As shown in figure 1, when in the first position the first member 19 is in the same plane as the second member 21, and has a first portion 29 extending from a first end 33 of the second member 21 in the same plane, and a second portion 21 also extending from the first end 33 but in an opposed direction to the first portion 29 such that the second portion 31 aligns with the second member 21.

The lifting apparatus 11 also comprises a locking means 27. The locking means 27 releasably locks the first member 19 to the second member 21 in a first position.

The locking means 27 is released by a release mechanism 35 located on the first member 19. The locking means 27 comprises two pins 37 which are retractable from a locking position upon activation of the release mechanism 35. Each pin 37 is biased into a locking position such that when the first member 19 is locked relative to the second member 21, a positive action on the release mechanism 35 is required to retract each pin 37 and hence release the locking means 27.

The first member 19 has a support 39 which is adapted to releasably support the hoist 25. The support 39 is positioned such that when the hoist 25 is mounted thereto the longitudinal axis of the hoist 25 is spaced a distance from the longitudinal axis of the first member 19.

The first member 19 and second member 21 each comprise two elongate elements 41 which are connected by a plurality of cross members 43 spanning therebetween.

The second member 21 is configured to provide a ladder with the cross members 43 forming rungs 45. As shown in figures 1 to 5 the ladder 47 extends from the ground to the roof 15.

The securing member 23 secures the support structure 18 to the roof 15 and is pivotally connected to the first end 33 of the second member 21. As shown in figure 1 the securing member 23 of this embodiment comprises a securing means, in the form of a rope 49 which is tied to a rafter 51 of the roof 15, and a support frame 53 which rests against the roof 15, spreading any load thereto.

The support structure 18 of this embodiment also has an extension portion 55 attached to a bottom end of the second member 21. The extension portion 55 may be used when the second member 21 is unable to span the distance between the roof 15 and the ground.

Referring to figures 3,4 and 5 the application of the lifting apparatus 11 is illustrated. In use the securing member 23 is positioned and locked relative to the second member 21 such that when the lifting apparatus 11 is in position, the support frame 53 of the securing means rests against the roof 15. The object 13 can then be connected to the hoist 25. The hoist 25 is activated and the object 13 is caused to rise towards the roof 15.

During the lifting process the elongate elements 41 of the second member 21 assist to guide the object 13. When the object 13 has reached the desired position, as shown in figure 4, the hoist 25 is deactivated and the lifting movement is terminated. The desired position will be determined by the size, weight and shape of the object 13. The higher the object's centre of gravity is above the pivotal axis of the first member 19 and second member 21, the faster the first member 19 will move towards its second position when the locking means 27 is released. Hence, by varying the position of the centre of gravity of the object 13 with respect to the pivotal axis, the operator can vary how quickly the first member 19 will move when released. Obviously, if the centre of gravity of the object 13 substantially aligns with the pivotal axis minimal force is required to move the first member 19 when released.

When the object 13 is in the desired position the release mechanism 35 is used to cause the pins 37 of the locking means 27 to retract and allow for movement of the first member 19 to its second position, where the first portion 29 aligns substantially adjacent and parallel with the roof 15 as shown in figure 5.

As the first member 19 moves to the second position, two protrusions 59 integral with the first end 33 of the second member 21, protrude from the boundary of the first member 19, as best shown in figure 5. These protrusions provide a stop which prevents the object 13 sliding from the first member 19, when the first member 19 is in the second position, and when the hoist has been disconnected from the object 13.

When in the second position the hoist 25 is disconnected from the object 13 and the object 13 may be placed where required on the roof.

A further embodiment is shown in figures 7 to 9. This second embodiment is very similar to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment the securing member 23 can be fitted to the support structure 18 such that it is fixed thereto. The securing member 23 can then be positioned on a roof 15 before the securing member 23 is secured thereto using a rope (not shown). In this embodiment the hoist 25 is secured to a bottom portion of the second member 21. The lifting cable 26 extends from the hoist 25 to a pulley 113 located at a first end 114 of the first member 19, before being secured to the object 13, as best shown in figure 8.

The operation of the lifting apparatus 11 in this embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment.

A third embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 10 to 13. In this embodiment, the lifting apparatus 111 is used to lift the object 13 on to a roof 115, whereby the roof 115 is located lower than the height of the supporting wall 157.

As best shown in figures 12 and 13, a securing member 123 of the lifting apparatus 111 is adapted to fit over the end of the wall 157 so as to secure the lifting apparatus 111 thereto.

The securing member 123 comprises a support frame 153 which is adapted to bear against an inner surface 158 of the supporting wall 157.

The securing member 123 is secured to the second member 121 a distance below the pivotal axis of the pivotal connection of the first member 19 relative to the second member 121. In effect, the securing member 123 allows for the second member 123 to be hooked onto the end of the wall.

The securing member 123 is adjustable such that in use the securing member 123 can be adjusted according to the thickness of the supporting wall 157.

Typically in this application of the invention, the second member 121 of the support structure 118 will not be in contact with the ground. The second member 121 incorporates stabilisation arms 155 extending from the second end 91 of the second member 121. In use, the stabilisation arms 155 may locate against the supporting wall 157 to add stability to the lifting apparatus 11. The stabilisation arms 155 also assist in guiding the object 13 onto the second member 121 as it approaches the support structure 118.

In use the operation of the invention according to this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. However, when the first member 19 is in its second position, as shown in figure 13, the first member 19 is substantially horizontal, allowing for the object 13 to be easily released from the hoist 25 before being removed from the lifting apparatus 11.

The invention according to a fourth embodiment is shown in figures 14 to 16. This embodiment has a similar application as the third embodiment in that it can be secured to a supporting wall 157 which terminates above the roof 115. The lifting apparatus 211 of this embodiment is smaller in size and is adapted to be easily transported. This allows an operator to carry to it to a roof top, secure it to the top of the supporting wall 157 and then lift an object to the roof.

The first member 19 of the lifting apparatus 211 has a pulley 213 retained at a first end 215. The pulley 213 supports a lifting cable 226 as shown in figures 15 and

16. The cable 226 is controlled by a hoist 225 located separate to the lifting apparatus 211.

The second member 23 comprises an elongate element having two extending portions extending from an end thereof.

This embodiment is particularly designed to lift the lifting apparatus 111 described in the third embodiment above to the roof 115 so that it can be fitted to the supporting wall 157. This application may be required where the roof 115 is particularly high making the manual lifting and positioning of the lifting apparatus 111 of the third embodiment particularly difficult.

To assist in moving the first member 19 from the first position to the second position, the first member 19 incorporates a handle 217 adjacent its first end 215.

In this embodiment the first member 19 and second member 21 each comprise single elongate elements.

Referring to figures 17 to 20, the invention according to a further embodiment is in the form of a lifting apparatus 311 for raising an object (not shown) to an elevated surface such as a ceiling (not shown).

The lifting apparatus 311 comprises a lifting means 313, a platform 315, a support structure 318 and a securing member 323.

The lifting means comprises a hoist 325, a cable 326 and a pulley 327.

The support structure 318 comprises a first member 319, and a second member 321 pivotally connected thereto. The first member 319 releasably secures the hoist 325 on a support 339. The hoist 325 operates the lifting cable 326. The pulley 327 is releasably secured to the first member 319 adjacent a first end 320 thereof, such that the pulley 327 is positioned above the hoist 325.

The hoist 325 may be machine driven, as shown in the drawings, but may also be of the type which is manually operated.

The first member 319 and second member 321 each comprise two elongate elements 341 which are connected by a plurality of cross members 343 spanning therebetween. The first member 319 is configured to provide a ladder with the cross members 343 forming rungs 345.

The securing member 323 secures the platform 315 to the support structure 318.

The securing member 323 is connected to the first member 319 in a manner which retains the securing member 323 in a set position relative to the first member 319. As best shown in figures 18 to 20 the securing member 323 is attached to the first member in two positions, one being with respect to the pulley 327, whilst the other is secured to a cross member 343a.

The securing means 323 comprises a hollow housing 351 which sliding receives the platform 315.

The platform 315 comprises a tray 353 and an elongate support 355 extending from the bottom surface 357 thereof. The elongate support 355 has an end 56 adapted to releasably retain an end of the cable 326.

In operation, the lifting apparatus 311 may be used to raise a cassette of an air conditioner into place in the ceiling. In order to do this the tray 353 is first positioned at its lowermost position, as shown in figure 18, such that the cassette may be placed thereupon.

The hoist 325 is then activated, causing the cable 326 to wind back onto the hoist 325. As this occurs the hoisting action causes the elongate support 355 to slide upwardly with respect to the housing 351 of the securing member 323, raising the tray 353 to the predetermined position.

As the securing member 323 is fixed relative to the support structure 318, the platform is guided by the orientation of the securing member 323.

As shown in figure 20, the end of the elongate element 355 is also adapted to receive an end of a further elongate element 355a using a connector 361, allowing the tray 353 to be raised higher if required.

Figure 21 shows use of components of the lifting apparatus 11 in another application, whereby the second member 21 releasably secures the hoist 25 adjacent its first end 33. In this application the securing member 23 is adjusted to the desired length and positioned before being locked relative to the second member 21. The securing member 23 keeps the second member 21 spaced a distance from a vertical or near vertical surface such as a wall 57, thus providing clearance for the hoisting of an object 13 therebetween. The object 13 can then be connected to the hoist 25, the hoist activated and the object raised to a position which aligns with its desired location on the wall 57. The object 13 may then be secured to the wall before being removed from the hoist 25. The locking together of the securing member 23 and the second member 21 provide a strong framework which can support the hoisting of objects such as air conditioners.

Figure 22 shows an object 13 secured to a lifting arm 93. The lifting arm 93 can be attached to the object 13 to enable the object 13 to be easily attached to the cable of the hoist before it is lifted.

This invention is very portable and has numerous applications, particularly where access to elevated surfaces is limited, or where cranes would otherwise be required to lift the objects. For instance this invention may be used in factories to lift objects onto mezzanine levels, construction sites to lift objects to a different floor, or established buildings to lift objects on to the roof.

Modifications and variations such as that would be apparent skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise"or variations such as"comprises"or"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.