Power lift system

Abstract

A power lift system is disclosed for use in association with scaffolding type systems. The system is designed to be erected in close proximity to a building wall or other support structure and is used to lift substantial loads to a desired elevation. The lift system has particular application for use in association with construction and/or the repair of a structure where a crane or elevator is not suitable or available. The power lift system comprises at least one vertical lift combination that comprises an upright member and an associated carrier, the upright member has a rack portion on an exterior surface thereof that extends in the length of the upright member, the carrier is mounted on and moveable in the length of the upright member with the carrier sleeving the upright member, an open slot is provided in the carrier opposite the rack portion and this slot extends the length of the carrier, the vertical lift combination includes a self breaking motor drive and gear train mounted on the carrier and including a drive port in the carrier on a surface of the carrier opposite the open slot with a gear of a gear train extending through the port and engaging the rack portion, the carrier above and below the motor drive includes the means for releasably receiving load arms and these load arms are designed to support a work surface outwardly of the carrier. The power lift system preferably includes at least two vertical lift combinations spaced apart from one another and maintained in a parallel manner. A common work deck can be supported between the two vertical lift combinations.

1 . A power lift system comprising
 at least one vertical lift combination with each vertical lift combination comprising an upright member and an associated carrier;   said upright member having a rack portion on an exterior surface thereof and extending in a length of said upright member;   said carrier being mounted on and moveable in the length of said upright member with said carrier sleeving said upright member;   said carrier including an open slot on a surface thereof opposite said rack portion and extending the length of said carrier;   said vertical lift combination including a self braking motor drive and gear train mounted on said carrier, said carrier including a drive port on a surface of said carrier opposite said open slot with a gear of said gear train extending through said drive port and engaging said rack portion;   said carrier above and below said motor drive including means for releasably receiving load arms, said load arms supporting a work surface outwardly of said carrier.   
     
     
         2 . A power lift system as claimed in  claim 1  comprising at least two vertical lift combinations spaced and maintained in a parallel manner. 
     
     
         3 . A power lift system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said system has two power lift combinations and said carriers jointly secure a work platform between said upright members. 
     
     
         4 . A power lift system as claimed in  claim 3  wherein each upright member includes a series of securement ports aligned with said open slot of the associated carrier. 
     
     
         5 . A power lift system as claimed in  claim 4  including a tie off member designed to releasably engage any of said securement ports and form a mechanical connection with said upright member, said tie off member being elongate and extending through said open slot of said carrier as said carrier moves past the tie off member. 
     
     
         6 . A power lift system as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said tie off member is a rigid member including means for fixedly securing thereof to a building structure to maintain said upright in a vertical orientation. 
     
     
         7 . A power lift system as claimed in  claim 6  including guide wire securing members engagable with said uprights adjacent an upper edge of said uprights. 
     
     
         8 . A system as claimed in  claim 7  including at least one guide wire securing each upright member and extending downwardly and outwardly from said upper edge of the upright member. 
     
     
         9 . A system as claimed in  claim 8  including a rigid structural brace secured between said upright members at said upper edges. 
     
     
         10 . A system as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said drive motors are commonly controlled to operate in a synchronized manner. 
     
     
         11 . A system as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said means for releasably receiving load arms includes two pairs of carrier bars on opposite sides of said carrier, each pair of carrier bars being rigidly secured to said carrier and generally perpendicular to a length of said carrier, said pairs of carrier bars defining parallel securing slots on opposite sides of said carrier sized to slidably receive a securing fork of said load arms and means for releasably maintaining said securing fork between said pairs of carrier bars. 
     
     
         12 . A system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein said load arms extending forwardly and rearwardly of said carrier.