Mast lift machine

Abstract

A portable mast lift includes a base unit having a mast and a platform lifting system. A work platform is raised and lowered on the mast of the lifting system. The mast lift is transportable and operable by a single user. In one arrangement, a machine weight of the mast lift is less than 200 lbs. Additionally, the mast lift is preferably supported in use at two support points. Multiple embodiments of the mast lift provide for varying maximum reach and load limits.

1 . A mast lift for personnel comprising: 
 a mast;    a personnel work platform movably secured to the mast; and    a lift system coupled between the work platform and the mast, the lift system effecting raising and lowering of the work platform on the mast,    wherein the mast lift is a portable stand-alone unit, either free-standing or supportable against a support surface, and wherein a machine weight of the mast lift is less than 200 pounds.    
   
   
       2 . A mast lift according to  claim 1 , wherein the work platform comprises a safety rail at least partially about its perimeter.  
   
   
       3 . A mast lift according to  claim 2 , wherein the safety rail is foldable into a transport position.  
   
   
       4 . A mast lift according to  claim 1 , wherein the lift system is coupleable with a power source.  
   
   
       5 . A mast lift according to  claim 4 , wherein the power source comprises a battery pack.  
   
   
       6 . A mast lift according to  claim 4 , wherein the power source comprises a hand-held drill.  
   
   
       7 . A mast lift according to  claim 1 , further comprising a stand supporting the mast, wherein the mast lift requires two support points, and wherein the stand defines one of the two support points.  
   
   
       8 . A mast lift according to  claim 7 , wherein the stand comprises extendible and retractable legs each having a dual lock mechanism that locks the legs in an engaged position.  
   
   
       9 . A mast lift according to  claim 8 , wherein the dual lock mechanism is engaged based on (1) a position of the legs and (2) a load on the legs.  
   
   
       10 . A mast lift according to  claim 9 , wherein the dual lock mechanism is configured to prevent raising of the work platform on the mast unless the dual lock mechanism is engaged.  
   
   
       11 . A mast lift according to  claim 7 , further comprising a mast arm coupled with the mast, wherein the mast arm defines the other of the two support points.  
   
   
       12 . A mast lift according to  claim 11 , wherein the mast arm is pivotable between a transport position and a use position.  
   
   
       13 . A mast lift according to  claim 1 , wherein the mast comprises telescoping sections positionable between a stowed position and an extended position.  
   
   
       14 . A mast lift according to  claim 13 , further comprising a mast arm coupled with the mast, the mast arm being pivotable between a transport position when the telescoping sections are in the stowed position and a use position when the telescoping sections are in the extended position.  
   
   
       15 . A mast lift according to  claim 14 , wherein the mast arm is biased toward the use position, and wherein a pivot bracket engages the mast arm when the telescoping sections are in the stowed position.  
   
   
       16 . A mast lift according to  claim 15 , wherein the mast arm is locked in the use position via an over-center arrangement.  
   
   
       17 . A mast lift according to  claim 1 , wherein a machine weight of the mast lift is less than 150 pounds.  
   
   
       18 . A mast lift according to  claim 1 , wherein a machine weight of the mast lift is less than 120 pounds.  
   
   
       19 . A mast lift according to  claim 1 , wherein mast comprises at least one telescoping section, and wherein the lift system effects raising and lowering of the telescoping section.  
   
   
       20 . A mast lift for personnel configurable with a plurality of independent components, the independent components comprising: 
 a base unit including a mast, a stand and a platform lifting system;    a personnel work platform attachable to the base unit; and    an optional power pack engageable with the platform lifting system,    wherein the mast lift is a portable stand-alone unit, either free-standing or supportable against a support surface, and wherein the independent components are interchangeable with like components such that the mast lift comprises a modular construction.    
   
   
       21 . A mast lift according to  claim 20 , wherein a machine weight of the assembled mast lift is less than 200 pounds.  
   
   
       22 . A mast lift for personnel comprising: 
 a mast;    a personnel work platform movably secured to the mast, wherein the work platform comprises a safety rail at least partially about its perimeter;    a lift system coupled between the work platform and the mast, the lift system effecting raising and lowering of the work platform on the mast; and    a stand supporting the mast, wherein the mast lift requires two support points, and wherein the stand defines only one of the two support points,    wherein the mast lift is a portable stand-alone unit.    
   
   
       23 . A mast lift according to  claim 22 , wherein a machine weight of the mast lift is less than 200 pounds.  
   
   
       24 . A portable platform lifting machine comprising a base unit having a mast and a platform lifting system, and a personnel work platform that is raised and lowered on the mast by the lifting system, wherein the lifting machine is transportable and operable by a single user as a stand-alone unit, and wherein the lifting machine is supported in use at two support points.