Adjustable vehicle service area and service walkway

• US 5,979,605 A
• Filed: 10/03/1997
• Issued: 11/09/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas J. Popp
• Original Assignee: Thomas J. Popp
• Inventors: Popp, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Noland, Kenneth W.
• Application Number:
  US08/943,627
• Time in Patent Office: 767 Days
• Field of Search: 187/205, 187/203, 187/215, 187/272, 187/273, 254/93 R, 254/93 HP, 254/93 L, 254/87 R
• US Class Current: 187/205
• CPC Class Codes: B25H 5/00 Tool, instrument or work supports or storage means used in association with vehicles; Workers' supports, e.g. mechanics' creepers collecting or removing exhaust gases in workshops B08B15/002; vehicle lifting devices, e.g. jacks, platforms or ramps B66F
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 7/0633 Mechanical arrangements not covered by the following subgroups
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 7/08 hydraulically or pneumatically operated
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 7/085 pneumatically operated
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 7/28 Constructional details, e.g. end stops, pivoting supporting members, sliding runners adjustable to load dimensions

Abstract

A service area is provided with a service area floor having a service pit sunken therein. A service lift is then provided within the service pit, and the service lift includes a service platform which is adjustable between a lowermost height to an uppermost height substantially equal to the height of the service area floor. Service personnel situated on the service platform within the service pit may thus actuate the service platform to various heights within the pit to allow comfortable servicing of the underside of a vehicle without the need to crouch or resort to the use of stepladders. The service platform can also be lifted to its uppermost height to effectively close the service pit, thereby enhancing the safety of the service area. The service lift most preferably uses air springs to effect the actuation of the service platform.

Claims

1. A service area comprising:

a. a service platform restrained to move in a vertical direction with respect to an operating environment;

b. a coarse lift including;

(1) a bar pivotally linked to the service platform;

(2) a coarse fluid actuator connected to the bar to lift the service platform;

c. a fine lift including a fine fluid actuator having a datum end fixed with respect to the operating environment and a service platform end acting against the service platform, the fine fluid actuator being actuable to exert force between the first and service platform ends.

2. The service area of claim 1 wherein the operating environment includes a service area floor having a service pit sunken therein, wherein the service platform is situated within the service pit.

3. The service area of claim 2:

wherein the coarse lift is actuable to move the service platform to varying heights across a lift range defined by a lowermost height and an uppermost height, the uppermost height being substantially equal to the height of the service area floor,

and further wherein the fine lift is actuable to move the service platform to varying heights between the lowermost height and an intermediate height below the uppermost height.

4. The service area of claim 3 wherein the service platform disengages from the fine lift when moved above the intermediate height.

5. The service area of claim 1 wherein the service platform end of the fine fluid actuator is unconnected to the service platform, the service platform thereby being movable with respect to the service platform end.

6. The service area of claim 3 wherein the service area includes a lock selectively affixing the platform at its uppermost height.

7. A service area comprising:

a. a service platform restrained to move in a substantially vertical direction across a lift range defined by a lowermost height and an uppermost height, and

b. a fine lift actuable to move the service platform between the lowermost height and an intermediate height below the uppermost height.

8. The service area of claim 7 further comprising a coarse lift actuable to move the service platform between the lowermost height and the uppermost height, wherein the service platform disengages from the fine lift when moved above the intermediate height.

9. The service area of claim 7 wherein the service platform is situated within a service pit sunken within a service area floor, and wherein the uppermost height is substantially equal to the height of the service area floor.

10. The service area of claim 7 further comprising a lock selectively affixing the service platform at its uppermost height.

11. A service area comprising:

a. a service area floor having a service pit sunken therein, the service pit having a service pit floor, and

b. a service lift within the service pit, the service lift including;

(1) a service platform adjustable to varying heights across a lift range defined by a lowermost height and an uppermost height, the uppermost height being substantially equal to the height of the service area floor; and

(2) a fine lift engaging the service platform, the fine lift being adapted to lift the service platform to varying heights between the lowermost height and an intermediate height below the uppermost height.

12. The service area of claim 11 wherein the service lift includes a coarse lift engaging the service platform, the coarse lift being adapted to lift the service platform to varying heights across the lift range.

13. The service area of claim 12 wherein the fine lift disengages from the service platform when the service platform is lifted to heights between the intermediate height and the uppermost height.

14. The service area of claim 11 wherein the service lift includes a frame bearing a coarse lift adapted to lift the service platform to varying heights across the lift range.

15. The service area of claim 14 wherein the coarse lift includes a bar pivotally linked to the service platform and a coarse fluid actuator acting on the bar to lift the service platform.

16. The service area of claim 11 including a lock selectively affixing the service platform in its uppermost height.