WO2008104931A1

WO2008104931A1 - An accessory and a jack

Info

Publication number: WO2008104931A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/050686
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colin Christie
Original assignee: Colin Christie
Priority date: 2007-02-26
Filing date: 2008-02-26
Publication date: 2008-09-04
Also published as: ZA200905810B; WO2008104931B1

Abstract

The invention provides an accessory (1) for a scissor jack (2) and extends to such a jack configured for use with the accessory. The accessory is essentially an elongate strut (3) that is securable to the upper part of a jack. This provides an extension. The strut consists of two spaced apart legs (3.1, 3.2) beatable over a load support (4) of a jack. The free, upper ends of the legs are connected by a plate (5). The legs extend slidably through a brace(14) and locating pins (10.1, 10.2) are, in use, fitted though aligned openings (11, 12, 13) in the legs. The brace locates against a load support of a jack and the assembly is held together by the pins. The scissor jack will preferably have a transverse passage (9) to receive a locating pin for the accessory. The passage is conveniently provided by aligned openings in a pair of side plates (6) adjacent an upper part of the jack. The jack and accessory will preferably be provided as a kit, together in a carry case.

Description

AN ACCESSORY AND A JACK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an accessory for a jack, in particular a scissor jack, and to a scissor jack adapted for use with the accessory.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Jacks are most specifically used to lift motor vehicles. This may be to change a wheel or where a vehicle is stuck. The vehicles vary in size, height and weight.

The difference between a jack in its retracted and extended conditions provides the potential range of lift. However, some of this range must often be spent on getting the jack sufficiently extended to engage the vehicle. It sometimes happens that the balance of the range is insufficient; or the fully extended jack cannot even reach the part of the vehicle which it is desired to engage.

These problems are exacerbated where vehicles, particularly large vehicles, are used in off-road conditions and rough terrain.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an accessory which enables use of a scissor jack under a wider variety of circumstances and a jack adapted for use with such an accessory. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided an accessory for a scissor jack comprising an elongate strut securable to the upper part of a jack.

The invention further provides for the strut to have two spaced apart legs locatable over a load support of a jack and connected at one end by a plate; for the legs to extend through a brace; and for the brace to be locatable against a load support of a jack.

Further features of the invention provide for the legs to have aligned openings for locating pins spaced apart along their length; and for the brace to be slidable along the legs.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a scissor jack for use with an accessory as defined above.

The invention further provides for the jack to be configured to be fitted with the accessory; for the jack to have a transverse passage to receive a locating pin of the accessory; and for the passage to be provided by aligned openings in a pair of side plates adjacent an upper part of the jack.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention there is provided a fit comprising a scissor jack and an accessory as defined above. The kit will preferably include a carry case for the jack and accessory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an accessory for a scissor jack;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the accessory and a jack separately; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the accessory and the jack fitted to each other; and Figure 4 shows a side view of the accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, an accessory (1 ) in accordance with the invention is illustrated together with a scissor jack (2). The invention extends to such a jack (2) for use with the accessory (1 ).

The accessory (1 ) consists essentially of an elongate strut (3). It is secured over a load support (4) at the upper end of the jack (2). An end plate (5) provided at the free end of the strut (3) provides an extended load support (5) when the accessory (1 ) is fitted to the jack (2).

The jack (2) is of the kind described in International application number PCT/IB2006/054465. The full disclosure of that document is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

The jack (2) has a pair of side plates (6) adjacent the load support (4). These plates (6) are mounted on pivots (7) of the upper jack arms (8). A pair of aligned openings (9), one in each of the plates (6), provides a central passage (9) for one of a pair of locating pins (10). The purpose of this is explained below. Only one of the openings can be seen in Figure 1.

The strut (3) is made up of a pair of parallel legs (3.1 ) and (3.2) secured to the end plate (5). The legs are steel channels (3.1 ) and (3.2), each with a tongue formation (21 ) at their upper end. The tongues (21 ) are welded into grooves (22) in the plate (5). A gusset (23) is provided between the two legs (3) and the plate (5). The gusset (23) has four tongue formations (24) - two extending upwardly and one to each side. These are welded into grooves (25) in the legs (3) and in the plate (5).

Portions of the plate (5) adjacent the edges which extend between the legs (3) are bent downwardly. Each such portion has an elongate cutout (33). The gusset (23) has a corresponding cutout (34).

The space between the channels (3.1 ) and (3.2) corresponds to the shape and size of the load support (4) on the jack (2). Three pairs of aligned openings (1 1 ), (12) and (13) are equally spaced along the length of the legs (3). These openings provide for two positions of the accessory on the jack (2).

The legs (3) of the accessory extend slidably through a brace (14). This is provided by a suitably configured steel plate (14). The plate (14) has a pair of slots (15) shaped and spaced to receive the legs (3). Two downwardly extending flanges (26) are welded into grooves (27), which extend between the slots (15). The flanges (26) are a close fit to the load support (4).

Each locating pin (10) is used with an R-clip (16). This is used in a hole (28) at one end and secured to the pin (10) by a cable (29) connected to a ring (30). The ring (30) is located in a hole at the other end.

Figure 2 shows the accessory (1 ) in a first, higher position - that is with the locating pins (10) in the middle (12) and lower openings (1 1 ). For assembly, the upper pin (10.2) is located through the legs (3). The brace (14) is positioned on the load support (4). The legs (3) are inserted into slots (15) and lowered to straddle the load support (4) of the jack (2) until the pin (10.2) comes to rest against the brace (14). The other, lower pin (10.1 ) is inserted through the openings (9) in the side plates (6) of the jack (2). The R-clips (16) lock the components in place. When the accessory (1 ) is so fitted to the jack (2), the brace (14) is located between the upper pin (10.2) and the load support (4) of the jack (2). In this condition, the accessory (1 ) is fixed to the jack (2) and forms an extension for lifting where greater height is required.

In use, the load is transmitted through the upper pin (10.2) and brace (14) to the load support (4) and through the lower pin (10.1 ) to the side plates (6). The two spaced apart pins (10) and close fitting components provide rigidity to the assembly.

The plate (5) will have a rubber pad (not shown) secured over its upper surface to deter against slipping. The accessory (1 ) and jack (2) will be provided as a kit, together in a suitable carry case. A suitable web belt (not shown) will also be provided. This can be inserted through cutouts (33; 34) and wrapped around a vehicle part which is to be lifted. Hook and pile material on the belt will hold it in place. This will also prevent the jack from slipping out from under the load.

It will be appreciated that the accessory (1 ) can be fitted in a second, lower position by moving the locating pins (10) to the upper (13) and middle (12) openings. The accessory (1 ) therefore forms an adjustable extension to the jack (2). Several further positions of the accessory (1 ) can obviously be provided for by adding appropriately spaced aligned openings to the legs (3).

As an alternative, the accessory (1 ) may be pivotably mounted to a jack (2). One locating pin may secure the accessory (1 ) in place but allow it to be pivoted to the side of the jack (2). In use, it is pivoted into an erect position and a second pin inserted to lock the extension (1 ) in place. As another option, the accessory (1 ) can be slidably retained on the jack (2). This may be achieved by having stops at the bottom of the legs (3) which will abut the lower side of the jack load support (4). When it is not used, the plate (5) will rest on the support (4). Two locating pins (10) will again secure the accessory (2) in an extended condition. A person suitably skilled in the art will also appreciate that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the strut may be in the form of a tube with a yolk to engage over the jack at one end. Also, the accessory may be telescopic to provide additional adjustability.

Claims

1. An accessory for a scissor jack comprising an elongate strut securable to the upper part of a jack.

2. An accessory as claimed in claim 1 in which the strut has two spaced apart legs locatable over a load support of a jack and connected at one end by a plate.

3. An accessory as claimed in claim 2 in which the legs extend through a brace.

4. An accessory as claimed in claim 3 in which the brace is locatable against a load support of a jack.

5. An accessory as claimed in claim 3 in which the legs have aligned openings for locating pins spaced apart along their length.

6. An accessory as claimed in claim 5 in which the brace is slidable along the legs.

7. A scissor jack for use with an accessory as claimed in claim 1.

8. A jack as claimed in claim 7 configured to be fitted with the accessory.

9. A jack as claimed in claim 8 having a transverse passage to receive a locating pin for the accessory.

10. A jack as claimed in claim 9 in which the passage is provided by aligned openings in a pair of side plates adjacent an upper part of the jack.

1 1. A kit comprising an accessory as claimed in claim 1 and a jack as claimed in claim 7.

12. A kit as claimed in claim 1 1 which includes a carry case for the accessory and the jack.