US PATENT CLASS 187
Class Notes


Current as of: June, 1999
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187 /   HD   ELEVATOR, INDUSTRIAL LIFT TRUCK, OR STATIONARY LIFT FOR VEHICLE



DEFINITION

Classification: 187/

This class is the locus for apparatus (i.e., elevator) for shifting a discrete load, in its entirety, from an entry level to a vertically spaced exit level along a fixed path when the apparatus includes (1) a reciprocating, load-underlying, support surface (e.g., car), (2) rigid or semirigid means for contacting and limiting the travel of the

load support surface to the fixed vertical path, and (3) either (a) drive means* (e.g., fluid motor, manually operated linkage) for transmitting to the load support surface the force necessary to shift the load between the levels or (b) motion resisting means (e.g., counterweight) for slowing the travel of the load supporting surface when moving from a higher load entry level to a lower load exit level.

In addition, this class is the locus for a fixedly mounted apparatus (i.e., vehicle lift) which elevates a discrete vehicle, in its entirety, from a lower entrance and exit level to a significantly higher upper level where the vehicle is intended to be repaired or inspected when the apparatus includes both (1) a vertically reciprocating, vehicle-underlying support surface and (2) drive-means* for transmitting to the support surface the force necessary for it to elevate the vehicle.

Further, this class is the locus for a mobile wheeled or tracked apparatus (e.g., forklift) which travels to, picks up, and shifts a discrete load, in its entirety, from one level to another vertically spaced level and then carries the load, while still fully supported thereby, a short horizontal distance (e.g, length of a warehouse) to a load discharge point; when the apparatus includes (1) a vertically reciprocating load support surface (e.g., forks) which travels only along a confined linear path and (2) drive-means* for transmitting to the support surface the force necessary for it to elevate the load.

This class also provides for a subcombination of one of the above types of apparatus when (1) no specific locus for the subcombination exists in another class and (2) the subcombination is limited to use with the above types of apparatus by a structural modification.

Finally, this class also provides for an ancillary device (e.g., call registration system) which is (1) used exclusively with and (2) has its operation either influencing or being influenced by the operation of one of the above types of apparatus when no particular locus exists for the device in another class.

LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES

Elevating apparatus otherwise proper for this class which is either (a) specially modified for use with or within another disparate apparatus (e.g., machine tool, furnace), (b) in combination with structure for treating the discrete load or vehicle in some manner (e.g., work cutting) or (c) claimed in combination with specific details of a distinct disparate apparatus (e.g., endless feeding belt) or distinct structure (e.g., rack) is classified in other classes (e.g., Class 414, subclass 564, Class 414, subclasses 592+).

Elevating apparatus which is constructed in such a manner that the support surface for the load or vehicle is inherently self-charged or self-discharged during movement along its fixed generally vertical path of travel is excluded from this class and is classified in other handling classes (e.g., Class 414, subclasses 595+).

An apparatus including a load or vehicle support surface which travels in a circuit around a fixed pathway having both a vertical and a horizontal segment is excluded from this class and is found in other handling classes (e.g., Class 198, subclasses 321+).

The load or vehicle support surface of an apparatus proper for this class is intended to support the load or vehicle only for a short period of time during handling and is not intended for either (a) supporting an article in a nonuse storage location (e.g., Class 312, subclass 247 vertically moveable cabinet) (b) supporting a useable machine or tool (e.g., Class 248, subclasses 646+ movable machinery support) or (c) moving one portion of a machine or article relative to another portion thereof (e.g., an operator). In the situation when a vehicle is supported, the surface may also support the vehicle during the time necessary for its repair or inspection.

The line between an elevator proper for this class (187) and a jack proper for Class 254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force is as follows:

(A) Class 187 provides for elevating apparatus which (1) lifts the entire load a significant distance, (2) is either stationary, nonmanually transported as a unit between use locations, or supported, at least in part, by a building it services in use, and (3) has a load supporting surface intended to be guided along or confined to (e.g., located within a shaft) a linear path; and

(B) Class 254 provides for "jacking" apparatus which either (1) elevates only one portion of the load, (2) is manually pulled as an assembled self supporting unit between use locations or carried and is also positioned under the load, or (3) is stationary mounted at a particular location and is capable of lifting the load only a relatively short distance (e.g., far less than the distance between the floor and ceiling of a room).

The discrete load proper for this class (187) is either (a) an animal, (b) an article, (c) a unitized bulk material (e.g., cotton bail, ice block) or (d) a group or mix thereof moved as a unit between levels.

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

52, Static Structures, (e.g., Buildings),

30, for an elevator combined with building structure other

than that necessary to support or guide the elevator. 104, Railways,

35+, for structure shifting railroad vehicles through use of a turntable and subclasses 127+ for an elevator having its operation interconnected with that of an elevated railway.

108, Horizontally Supported Planar Surfaces,

20+, for a power driven surface and subclasses 144.11+ for a vertically adjustable surface which supports a load (e.g., lowers as articles are being stacked) but does not transport it as a unit between vertical locations.

182, Fire Escape, Ladder, or Scaffold,

141+, for a platform having elevating or lowering means which is used to either escape a fire or in the maintenance of a building.

186, Merchandising,

22+, for an elevator or drop used to service a store and subclasses 47 and 51 for an elevator used in servicing a dining room.

212, Traversing Hoists,

319, for a traveling bridge-type crane having a load engager (other than a platform, cage, or similar device) which is mounted for guided vertical movement toward and away from the bridge.

244, Aeronautics,

137.1+, for means (e.g., elevator ) to load cargo or a passenger onto an aircraft. 312, Supports: Cabinet Structure,

247, for a vertically movable cabinet.

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, appropriate subclasses for electric motor controls, per se.

405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,

3, for means for lifting a marine vessel during portage, launching, or removing.

414, Material or Article Handling, as following subclasses: 246, 247+, 249+, 260, and 264 for a vertically moving vehicle carrier, which carrier is adapted for charging or discharging a facility for the parking of wheeled vehicles;

281, for a means for charging or discharging plural, static

structures, and wherein the means includes a portable elevating device having a load sustaining surface; subclasses 364+, for the combination of a pivotably or tiltably movable structure for supporting a wheeled, load-transporting type vehicle and reorienting the vehicle into a load-releasing attitude, and the vehicle being unloaded thereby, and wherein the axis of pivot or tilt of the structure is vertically shiftable (e.g., by means in the nature of an elevator or hoist); subclasses 422+, for a receptacle emptying device of an elevator type; subclasses 427, for a wheel and wheel type article handler and transporter having a wheel engaging means of an elevator type; subclasses 441, for a motion responsive load handler and transporter wherein the handler is operated by a ground-engaging wheel and is guided for rectilinear movement in a vertical or inclined path; subclasses 458+, for a vehicle having load handling means in the nature of spaced, shelf-like load engaging portions which portions engage the load from opposite sides and elevate it for transport; subclasses 460+, for a vehicle which straddles a load and elevates it onto load supporting structure; subclasses 471, for a self-loading or unloading vehicle having a load receiving portion which is pivotable relative to the horizontal, and wherein means is provided for also raising or lowering the portion and its axis of pivot; subclasses 495+, for a self-loading or unloading vehicle having a load receiving portion which is movable in a vertical or inclined path; subclasses 540+, for a self-loading or unloading vehicle having a load handling means which raises or lowers a load in a path which includes vertical rectilinear movement; subclasses 564, for a combination of carriers, at least one of which is an elevator or hoist and another is an endless or rotary carrier; subclasses 589+, for a load support which moves linearly in a vertical direction and has additional movement for aligning and mounting its load; and subclasses 592+, for the combination of an elevator or hoist and a loading or unloading means therefor; subclasses

452, Butchering,

178, for an elevator combined with or having particular structure limiting it to use with, butchering means.

472, Amusement Devices, appropriate subclasses, particularly

2, for an amusement device which lifts an individual during a ride. GLOSSARY:

Repetitive terms used in the titles or definitions of the class definition and its indented subclasses in a special or limited sense are set forth below with the meaning each is to have. For economy of space, an asterisk (*) following a word located in the definition or notes indicates that reference should be made to this Glossary for the specific meaning thereof. In addition, an asterisk (*) following a hyphenated phase (e.g., drive-means*) indicates that the entire

hyphenated phase has been defined in this Glossary.

CABLE*

A flaccid, elongated, flexible element which can transmit force only when under tension (e.g., rope, wire, chain).

CONTROL*

Means for regulating the operation of a separate and distinct force generating, transmitting, or retarding device (e.g., motor, drive-means*, brake) which moves or stops the movement of a relatively movable component of apparatus proper for this class (e.g., elevator car), and includes both (1) an information input component (e.g., sensor, information storage means, manual push button) and (2) a distinct component which effects the operation of the force generating, transmitting, or retarding device in a particular manner based on the input information.

DRIVE-MEANS*

Means for supplying a motive force to an element to be moved which includes both force generating means (e.g., motor) and structural linkage (e.g., gears) needed to transmit the force from the generating means to the element.

LANDING*

An in situ floor within a structure (e.g., building) located adjacent to an elevator shaft* and to or from which a load (e.g., passenger, cargo) transfers during the charging or discharging of the load-underlying support surface of an elevator.

SHAFT* A long, narrow, in situ passageway within a structure (e.g., building, ship, mine) which defines the fixed path between the vertically spaced load entrance and exit levels traveled by the load-underlying support surface of an elevator. notorieties