ARTICULATING ROLLER ASSEMBLY FOR FOUR-POST VEHICLE LIFT

摘要

An automotive lift system includes a plurality of posts and yoke assemblies. The yoke assemblies are slidably coupled to the posts such that the yoke assemblies are vertically moveable between a lowered position and a raised position. A pair of runways are secured between a respective pair of yoke assemblies and are configured to engage an automobile to thereby communicate vertical movement of the yoke assemblies to the automobile. The yoke assemblies include a structural frame and a pair of contact assemblies configured to engage opposing surfaces of the posts. The contact assemblies include an axle assembly having a pair of contact members (e.g., rollers, sliders, etc.) that are configured to engage an interior or exterior surface of the post. The axle assemblies are rotatable and/or articulable about a vertical axis parallel with the posts to thereby maintain proper engagement between the posts and the pairs of contact members.

主权项

1. An apparatus for raising/lowering an automobile, the apparatus comprising:
(a) at least one post, wherein the at least one post is arranged substantially vertically; (b) at least one yoke assembly, wherein the at least one yoke assembly is engaged with one or more of the at least one post, wherein the at least one yoke assembly is vertically moveable along the at least one post between a first vertical position and a second vertical position, wherein the at least one yoke assembly comprises:
(i) a structural frame, wherein the structural frame comprises a hollow interior,(ii) at least one contact assembly secured to the structural frame, wherein the at least one contact assembly comprises an axle assembly having a pair of contact members configured to engage the at least one post, wherein the axle assembly is rotatable about a vertical axis to thereby maintain engagement between the at least one post and the pair of contact members; and (c) an automobile engagement feature, wherein the automobile engagement feature is secured to the structural frame of the at least one yoke assembly, wherein the automobile engagement feature is configured to engage the automobile to thereby communicate vertical movement of the at least one yoke assembly to the automobile.