Modular Pit Structure for a Lifting System, Such Lifting System and Method for Building Such Pit Structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular pit structure for an inground lifting system. The pit structure includes: a first end part; a second end part; at least one intermediate part, wherein the at least one intermediate part has a length, a width and a height; and a frame configured to be placed in an assembled pit structure. After assembling of a pit, the length of the intermediate part extends in a substantially horizontal direction between the first and second end parts and an interlock between adjacent parts of the pit structure extends in a substantially vertical direction.

Claims

1. A modular pit structure for an inground lifting system, the pit structure comprising: a first end part; a second end part; at least one intermediate part, wherein the at least one intermediate part has a length, a width and a height; and a frame configured to be placed in an assembled pit structure, wherein after assembling of a pit, the length of the intermediate part extends in a substantially horizontal direction between the first and second end parts and an interlock between adjacent parts of the pit structure extends in a substantially vertical direction.

2. The modular pit structure of claim 1, wherein the intermediate parts have a first predetermined length.

3. The modular pit structure of claim 2, wherein the intermediate parts have a second predetermined length.

4. The modular pit structure of claim 3, wherein the first predetermined length is about 3 ft (914 mm).

5. The modular pit structure of claim 4, wherein the second predetermined length is about 4 ft (1219 mm).

6. The modular pit structure of claim 1, wherein the intermediate parts have a U-shape.

7. The modular pit structure of claim 2, wherein the intermediate parts have a U-shape.

8. The modular pit structure of claim 1, wherein a connection between adjacent parts of the pit structure comprises a form closure.

9. The modular pit structure of claim 7, wherein a connection between adjacent parts of the pit structure comprises a form closure.

10. The modular pit structure of claim 1, further comprising a cover.

11. The modular pit structure of claim 1, wherein the intermediate parts comprise connecting elements configured for connecting the pit structure with a lifting system or lifting device.

12. The modular pit structure of claim 10, wherein the intermediate parts comprise connecting elements configured for connecting the pit structure with a lift.

13. The modular pit structure of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a number of anchors.

14. The modular pit structure of claim 1, further comprising a number of filling plates.

15. A lifting system comprising a modular pit structure and a lift device, the pit structure comprising: a first end part; a second end part; at least one intermediate part; and a frame configured to be placed in an assembled pit structure, wherein the at least one intermediate part has a length, a width and a height, wherein after assembling of a pit the length of the intermediate part extends in a substantially horizontal direction between the first and second end parts and an interlock between adjacent parts of the pit structure extends in a substantially vertical direction.

16. The lifting system of claim 15, wherein the lifting device comprises a vehicle lift.

17. A method for building a pit structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a modular pit structure, the pit structure comprising: a first end part; a second end part; at least one intermediate part; and a frame configured to be placed in an assembled pit structure, wherein the at least one intermediate part has a length, a width and a height, wherein after assembling of a pit the length of the intermediate part extends in a substantially horizontal direction between the first and second end parts and an interlock between adjacent parts of the pit structure extends in a substantially vertical direction; installing and assembling the pit structure; placing the frame in the assembled pit structure; and installing a lifting device in the pit structure.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of calculating the number of intermediate parts.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of installing a cover.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of providing a seal between adjacent parts and filling a recess around the frame to make a structural and level connection to a workshop floor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of a lifting system and/or the method according to the present invention are described here below on the basis of a non-limitative exemplary embodiment therefor that is shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a modular pit structure in an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 shows the pit structure of FIG. 1 with an additional frame;

[0028] FIG. 3 shows frames that are stacked for transport;

[0029] FIG. 4A shows a lifting system that can be positioned in the pit structure with lifting devices of a piston type;

[0030] FIG. 4B shows a cover for the pit structure;

[0031] FIG. 5 shows the lifting system when lifting a vehicle;

[0032] FIG. 6 shows an alternative lifting system of the scissor type.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. While the disclosure is described as having exemplary attributes and applications, the present disclosure can be further modified. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice of those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. Accordingly, the following description of certain embodiments and examples should be considered merely exemplary and not in any way limiting.

[0034] The lift control system of the present invention is suitable for use with lifting systems comprising any number of lifting devices that require height control columns, including systems having one, two, four or another number of lifting systems. The lifting systems may achieve lifting and lowering capability by any means known to those of skill in the art, including hydraulically, electrically, mechanically, and electromechanically. Lifting systems compatible with the present lift control system may involve wired and/or wireless communication. With reference to the figures, like element numbers refer to the same element between drawings.

[0035] Pit structure 2 (FIG. 1A,B) in ground structure G comprises first end part 4 and second end part 6, and also intermediate parts 8. In the illustrated embodiment intermediate part 8 is provided with a U-shape 10. Pit structure 2 further comprises first side 12, second side 14 and bottom 20. Adjacent intermediate parts 8 are connected with form closure or interlock 22. In the illustrated embodiment interlock 22 comprises tongue and groove elements. In the illustrated embodiment joint 24 is provided with a sealant. Edge 26 is provided to carry a frame. Pit structure is provided with pit length L.sub.pit, width W and height H. Pit length L.sub.pit is the sum of the lengths of the modular end parts 4,6 L.sub.end and intermediate part(s) 8 L.sub.intermediate.

[0036] Frame 28 (FIG. 2) is provided in pit structure 2 and carried by edge 26 thereof. Frames 28 (FIG. 3) and U-shaped intermediate parts 8 (FIG. 1B) are relatively easily transported to the desired location. Intermediate parts 8 have bottom 8a, and two side walls 8b.

[0037] Frame 28 (FIG. 3) is provided with anchors 30 to connect frame 28 to intermediate parts 8 and/or end parts 4, 6. Lifting structure 32 can be provided in pit structure 2.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 4A) lifting system 32 comprises stationary piston lift 34 in combination with movable piston type lifting device 36. System 32 is provided with carrier 38 for movable lifting device 36. Carrier 38 is provided with cover plates 40, 42 on opposite sides thereof. Additional cover plates 44, 46 are provided. It will be understood that the actually used number of cover plates can be chosen in view of the pit structure dimensions. In the illustrated embodiment cover plate 40 may move underneath intermediate cover plate 44. Both cover plates 40, 44 may move underneath cover plate 46 and, optionally, the stack or set of cover plates 40, 44, 46 may move underneath top plate 48 of spacer module 50. In the illustrated embodiments spacer module 50 determines the distance between stationary lifting device 34 and the minimal distance to movable lifting device 36. Similarly, cover plate 42 may move underneath top plate 52 on the opposite side of carrier 38.

[0039] Alternatively, a rolling cover embodiment 54 (FIG. 4B) is provided as an alternative to cover plate embodiment 32 (FIG. 4A). Rolling cover embodiment 54 comprises rolling cover 56 that is preferably also connected to the opposite sides of carrier 38.

[0040] In an embodiment pit structure 2 is provided with lifting devices 34, 36 (FIG. 5). In the illustrated embodiment stationary lifting device 34 lifts the front side of vehicle 58. It will be understood that alternatively also movable lifting device 36 may lift vehicle 58.

[0041] In a different embodiment of the invention, piston type lifting devices 34, 36 are replaced by scissor type lifting devices 60, 62. It will be understood that this type of lifting device can also be applied to the different embodiments of the illustrated piston type configurations.

[0042] Manufacturing pit structure 2 preferably starts with calculating the desired dimensions and the number of intermediate parts 8. After manufacturing the modular elements 4, 6, 8, and preferably also frame 28, the elements are transported to the desired location. After preparing the modular element, each element is installed adjacent to other elements and connected to adjacent elements. After positioning modular elements 4, 6, 8, frame 28 is positioned relative to pit structure 2. During assembly a seal is provided between adjacent parts and a recess around the frame is filled with concrete to make a structural and level connection to a workshop floor. Lifting devices such as piston type lifting devices 34, 36 and/or scissor type lifting devices 60, 62 are installed. Preferably, a cover is positioned relative to pit structure 2, such as the cover plate embodiment of FIG. 4A or the rolling cover embodiment of FIG. 4B.

[0043] The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.