Protecting device for a user of an aerial lift and aerial lift comprising such a device

• US 9,238,573 B2
• Filed: 12/18/2012
• Issued: 01/19/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Haulotte Group (Solem)
• Original Assignee: Haulotte Group (Solem)
• Inventors: Beji, Slaheddine, Luminet, Philippe, Lagoutte, Charles
• Primary Examiner(s): Mitchell, Katherine
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHAVCHAVADZE, COLLEEN MARGARET
• Application Number:
  US13/718,926
• Publication Number:
  US 20130153335A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,127 Days
• Field of Search: 182/3, 182/4, 182/18, 2/214, 2/4, 290/5, 290/6, 231/0, 231/1, 231/2, 340/4.11
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 1/002 adapted to accommodate electronic equipment patients' garments for medical monitoring A41D13/1281; luminous ornaments A41D27/085
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/046 Means for detecting hazards or accidents
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 11/04 for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations Working platforms on fork-lift trucks B66F9/127; vehicle aspects of service vehicles B60P3/14; platforms for cleaning windows A47L3/02; devices for rescuing persons from buildings A62B1/02; liftable or lowerable platforms for use on ladders E06C7/16; maintenance travellers for bridges E01D19/10; scaffolds on an extensible sub-structure E04G1/22
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 17/006 for working platforms

Abstract

The device (100) according to the invention for protecting a user (U) of an aerial lift comprises a clothing element (100) designed to be worn by the user (U) and equipped with a signaling mechanism (101-103) connected to a controller (73) of the lift. Said alert means (101-103) comprise a member, such as a button (101) or a pull-tab, designed to be actuated by the user (U) to trigger an emergency stop when the user detects a potentially dangerous situation.

Claims

1. A device for protecting a user of an aerial lift, said device comprising an element configured to be worn by the user and equipped with a signaling mechanism connected to a controller of the lift, wherein the signaling mechanism comprises a member configured to be actuated by the user to trigger an emergency stop of the lift, wherein the member is to be actuated by the user to send an alert signal in order to trigger an emergency stop of the lift, such that actuation of said member doesn'"'"'t effect any physical connection of the said element to said aerial lift.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the element configured to be worn by the user is a harness, vest, belt, bracelet, or helmet.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the signaling mechanism is matched with the controller, which is specific to a lift or a group of lifts.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the element configured to be worn by the user is equipped with proximity sensors configured to detect an obstacle and to send to the controller of the lift an emergency signal in the case of an imminent collision.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is equipped with at least one sensor for monitoring a health condition of the user.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is equipped with a component configured to signal an emergency situation, the component being a light component, a sound component, a vibration component, or a component configured for remote voice communication.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device comprises an autonomous electrical power supply for the signaling mechanism, as well as a wireless connection with the controller of the lift.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein an electrical power supply for the signaling mechanism or transmission of information between said signaling mechanism and the controller is connected to or takes place through a wired connection incorporated into a tether of the clothing element to a platform of the lift.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device comprises a mechanism for identifying the user or managing authorization level of the user.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is equipped with anti-impact protection elements.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the member designed to be actuated by the user to trigger an emergency stop of the lift is capable of being positioned adjacent to a user'"'"'s chest.

12. An aerial lift that comprises a chassis equipped with a platform, an elevator for elevating the platform relative to the chassis, and a controller of movement of the elevator, wherein said aerial lift comprises a device according to claim 1, and the signaling mechanism of the device is connected to the controller of movement of the elevator.

13. The device according to claim 5, wherein said device is further equipped with at least one memory for storing values read by the at least one sensor.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the member is an emergency stop button.