DESC:ProdyoVidhi Ref. CIHP.0010.IN| 3985/MUM/2013
ELEVATOR
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter generally relates to an elevator.
BACKGROUND
[002] Housing in general has become expensive. This is because the housing space has become scares with the growing demand. Installing an elevator in a house for personal use presents at least one problem that the elevator occupies huge space. The space that is occupied the elevator becomes useless for any practical purpose without regards to how often the elevator is functional. Present day row-houses, pant-houses, bungalows etc are often multi-stories and personal elevators are desirable in such housings. However owing to the fact that these houses are space constraint, elevators are not installed or installed at the cost of huge space. Resulting in either inconvenience in lifting heavy objects, elderly and physically challenged persons or rendering space occupied by the elevators useless. In addition, the conventional elevators are extremely expensive to maintain and install. Therefore there is a need of an elevator that solves the above and other problems.
SUMMARY
[003] Although the subject matter is explained with the help of an example of foldable hydraulic elevator, however, it shall become abundantly clear after reading this specification, that the subject matter may, without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter, also be applied to other similar devices, such as electric based elevator, wind power based elevator, sensor based elevator, Screw based elevator, lever based elevator, portable hydraulic elevator, portable foldable hydraulic elevator, mechanical elevators or other similar devices.
[004] In addition to the problems discussed above the present day elevator do not provide an effective mechanism to utilize gravitational force and rely on external power source to control the movement of the elevators. This often result power hungry and expensive elevators. The subject matter provides a solution that may effectively utilize gravitational force in controlling the movement. The subject matter provides an elevator that may be shelved when not in use. The elevator of present subject matter is a cost effective and low space occupying solution. A customizable elevator is provided that may be customized for installation in different types of locations. In one embodiment, the present subject matter provides an elevator that may be constructed by assembling substantially repeatable blocks to meet the requirement of a customer and provides ease of manufacturing/installing. Further, a substantially pre-fabricated elevator is provided that may be installed without requiring high skills. For example, by simply screwing the elevator in a wall.
[005] The present subject matter provides an elevator comprising: a guide rail and a support frame, the support frame is displaceable along the guide rail; a drive coupled to the guide rail and the support frame and the drive is configured to displace the support frame along the guide rail; a right platform, a left platform and a bottom platform each of the right platform, the left platform and the bottom platform being pivotably coupled to the support frame, wherein: the left platform and the right platform are configured to interlock with the bottom platform to form a chamber, and each of the left platform, right platform and the bottom platform are configured to retract to substantially align with the support frame; and a sensor is configured to disengage the drive and the support frame based on detection of a hazard.
[006] According to an embodiment, the guide rail includes grooves and the support frame includes a retractable protrusion. According to another embodiment, the sensor is configured retractably engage the grooves and the retractable protrusion to prevent displacement of the chamber.
[007] According to a further embodiment, the bottom platform has a first surface external to the chamber and the sensor is provided at the first surface, the sensor is configured to cause disengagement of the drive and the support frame based on detection of a hazard.
[008] According to yet an embodiment, the support frame comprises: a right edge and the right platform is pivotably coupled at the right edge; a left edge and the left platform is pivotably coupled at the left edge and a bottom edge and the bottom platform is pivotably coupled at the bottom edge.
[009] According to yet another embodiment, the bottom platform is configured to pivotably fold to substantially align the bottom platform along the support frame.
[0010] According to yet a further embodiment, the left platform has a left bottom edge and the right platform has a right bottom edge, and the left bottom edge and the right bottom edge are configured to support the bottom platform upon pivotably unfolding bottom platform.
[0011] According to yet an embodiment, the elevator further comprises a door, the door is configured to be mounted substantially perpendicular to the guide rail and the door is configured to be mounted on a floor to allow access to the chamber across the floor.
[0012] According to further yet an embodiment, the drive is a hydraulic drive. According to further yet another embodiment, the drive is thread based mechanical drive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The subject matter shall now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a elevator according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0015] FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show schematic diagrams of the elevator showing unfolding/folding of the elevator in accordance with one embodiment of the subject matter;
[0016] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show schematic diagrams of the elevator with door and a floor in accordance with one embodiment of the subject matter;
[0017] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram in more details of grooves and retractable protrusion according to an embodiment of the subject matter; and
[0018] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the elevator according to the present subject matter in that FIG. 9 is a side of the elevator.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0019] Before the present subject matter is described in further detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0020] Conventional elevator generally takes up about 20 square feet or more space for installation. Sparing such space in already space constraint houses for elevators is difficult. The present subject matter provides elevator that may be installed in a fraction of space that conventional elevators take. In some embodiments, the space occupied by the elevator of the present subject matter is as small as 3 square feet. In addition, the elevators of the present subject matter may be shelved in a wall. The present elevator further provides a number of advantages as compared to the conventional elevators, these advantages shall become clear after reading this specification. Reference is now made to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7.
[0021] FIG.1 through FIG. 9 show schematic diagrams of various views of an elevator 100 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In that: FIG.1 through FIG. 6 are various views of the elevator 100 and FIG. 7 is more detailed schematic diagram of grooves and retractable protrusion arrangement according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The elevator 100 is a foldable hydraulic elevator. The elevator 100 comprises a guide rail 105, a support frame 113, a left platform 115, a right platform 117, a bottom platform 119, a chamber 121, a pulley 111, a power pack 101, a hydraulic cylinder 103, a left frame 107, a right frame 109, a sensor 151, a retractable protrusion 153, grooves 154, a first surface 155, a right edge 157, a left edge 159, a bottom edge 161, a left bottom edge163, a right bottom edge 165, a door 167, a floor 169, a plane 173, springs 175 and hinges 171.
[0022] According to the embodiment of FIG. 1 through FIG. 8 the elevator 100 shown is a hydraulic operated and monitored elevator. The power pack 101, pulley 111 and the hydraulic cylinder 103 along with other elements such as cables etc form a drive of the elevator 100 in this embodiment. The drive of this embodiment is a hydraulic drive. According to one embodiment the power pack 101 is a hydraulic power pack. More details of the hydraulic power pack and its operation shall become clear in subsequent discussion.
[0023] The drive is configured to displace the support frame 113 along the guide rail 105. The support frame 113 includes the left frame 107, and the right frame 109. The support frame 113 is mounted on the guide rail 105. The support frame 113 is displaceable along the guide rail 105.
[0024] Each of the right platform 117, the left platform 115 and the bottom platform 119 are coupled on the support frame 113 with the help of hinges 171. Each of the right platform 117, the left platform 115 and the bottom platform 119 may be made of carbon fiber, wood, aluminum, steel, Iron, a combination thereof or other materials. The hinges 171 enable pivotal movement of each of the left platform 115 and the bottom platform 119 in relation to the support frame 113. The pivotal movement enables folding and unfolding of the right platform 117, the left platform 115 and the bottom platform 119. The folding or unfolding may be performed manually or automatically using electronic processor, motor, actuators, and corresponding algorithm to operate these elements. The right platform 117 is coupled at the right edge 157, of the support frame 113. The left platform 115 is coupled at the left edge 159 of the support frame 113. The bottom platform 119 is coupled at the bottom edge 161 of the support frame 113.
[0025] Each of the right platform 117, the left platform 115 and the bottom platform 119 are configured to pivotably fold to substantial align the bottom platform 119 along the support frame 113. Further each of the right platform 117, the left platform 115 and the bottom platform 119 are configured to pivotably unfold to form the chamber 121. According to this embodiment, while folding, the bottom platform 119 is folded first and subsequently any one or both of the right platform 117 and the left platform 115 may be folded. Similarly while unfolding the bottom platform 119 is unfolded last. Upon unfolding the right platform 117, the left platform 115 and the bottom platform 119 get interlocked to form the chamber 121. Similarly, upon folding the right platform 117, the left platform 115 and the bottom platform 119 get substantially aligned with the support frame 113.
[0026] The left platform 115 has the left bottom edge 163. The right platform 117 has the right bottom edge 165. The bottom platform 119 is configured such that when the bottom platform 119 is unfolded, the bottom platform 119 rests upon the right bottom edge 165 and the left bottom edge 163. Having a configuration of this type provides security against accident; this shall become clearer in the following discussion. Because the elevator 100 is foldable and may be shelved, there is no need to provide additional enclosure to enclose the elevator 100. This frees the space otherwise occupied by the enclosure, when the elevator 100 is not in use. However at the same time, it also creates a different type of challenge, that is to say, when the elevator is in use, there is a chance that an object may come under the chamber 121. While the present subject matter provides a number of security features –which shall become clear after reading this specification– to handle such situation and avoid any accidents, in the worst case if all the security measures fail, the configuration of folding of the chamber 121 as discussed above provides a last and substantially reliable line of defense against such situation. Because the bottom platform 119 rests upon the left bottom edge 163 and right bottom edge 165, when an object pushes the bottom platform 119 vertically upwards from the bottom of the chamber 121, the bottom platform 119 tend to fold to align itself with support frame 113. Therefore substantially reducing damage to the object as well as to the elevator 100 as compared to the damage that may be cause by a platform that does not fold or have a rigid mechanism to fold.
[0027] The present subject matter further provides the sensor 151. The sensor 151 is configured to disengage the drive and the support frame 113 based on detection of a hazard. According one embodiment, the guide rail 105 is provided with a number of grooves 154 and the support frame 113 is provided with a retractable protrusion 153. When the sensor 151 detects a hazard it causes the retractable protrusion 153 to protrude outwardly and engage with one or more of the grooves 154 thereby preventing motion of the chamber 121 along the guide rail 105. It shall become clear to a person, after reading this specification that the grooves 154 and the retractable protrusion 153 need not to be necessarily on the guide rail 105 and the support frame 113 respectively, in fact, in some embodiments, the guide rail 105 may have the retractable protrusions and the support frame 113 may have the grooves. In another embodiment, the sensor 151 may cause a motor stop or start to prevent motion of the chamber 121. In some other embodiments, the sensor 151 may cause a solenoid valve to open or close. In some other embodiments, the sensor 151 may cause a number of actions that may effect in disengaging of the drive and the support frame 113 and thereby preventing any motion of the chamber 121 or holding the chamber 121 at a place where it stands. In one embodiment, the sensor 151 may be a motion sensor. In some embodiment the sensor 105 may be an optical sensor. In some other embodiments, the sensor 151 may be an acoustic sensor. In some other embodiments, the sensor 151 may be a mechanical based sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor 151 detects hazard based on the proximity of an object. In some other embodiments, the sensor 151 detects hazard based on an object being in contact with the sensor 151.
[0028] The example of the elevator 100 shows a mechanical sensor deployed at the first surface 155. The bottom platform 119 has the first surface 155. The first surface 155 is external to the chamber 121. The sensor 155 includes the plane 173 and the springs 175. The plane 173 is disposed at the first surface 155 with the help of the springs 175. When an object contacts the plane 173 and applies a force, the springs 175 are actuated, causing a relay (not shown) to trip and this tripping of relay may cause one or more actions. In some embodiment, a lever may be actuated by the sensor 155. For example, the trip of relay may stop or start a motor to cause halting of the chamber 121 or even to cause a reverse motion of the chamber 121. In some other embodiments, the pressing of the spring 175 may actuate a lever causing the retractable protrusion 153 to protrude and engage with the grooves 154.
[0029] The present subject matter further provides the door 167. The door 167 may be mounted on the floor 169. The door 167 is configured such that it remains closed all time except when the elevator 100 is in use. Thereby making space over the door 167 available for other use. In some embodiments, the door 167 may be a spring based door. In some embodiments, the door 167 may open by sliding along the floor 169. In some other embodiments, the door 167 opens in a perpendicular direction to the floor 169. In one embodiment when the elevator 100 moves upwards, it pushes the door 167 upwards causing the door 167 to open. Thereby allowing access of the floor 169 to the elevator 100. Similarly when the elevator 100 moves downwards the spring based door 167 may close as the elevator 100 leaves the floor 169.
[0030] Further details of operation of the drive according to an embodiment of the present subject matter shall be discussed. The power pack 101 generates hydraulic power to operate the elevator 100. The power pack 101 comprises an electrical motor and hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump supply hydraulic oil from oil reservoirs to various valves such as pressure control valve, direction control valve, check valve etc. The electrical panel of the hydraulic power pack 101 provides pre-determined electrical signals, which mainly control the upward and downward movement of the elevator 100. The electrical signals are of low voltage direct current (D.C.) to prevent any adverse incidents. The electric motor configured to connect with external power source. The electric motor gets power from external power source to generate the hydraulic pressure. The power pack 101 is configured to be engaged with hydraulic cylinder 103. The hydraulic cylinder 103 is configured to be supported with the left frame 107, the right frame 109, the support frame 113 and the guide rail 105. The guide rail 105 is configured to be attached to the rigid and static object to fix the elevator 100.The guide rail 105 is configured to be engaged with the left frame 107 and the right frame 109. The left frame 107 and right frame 109 is configured to be connected with the pulley 111. The pulley 111 supports the upward and downward movement of the elevator 100. In one embodiment, the pulley 111 comprises a plurality of rope or wire or chain or belt. The rope/wire/chain/belt have one end attached to the chamber 121 by a rope hitch and the opposite end is anchored in the hoistway and assist in the upward and downward movement of the elevator 100. The ropes extended over a sheave/pulley 111 mounted on the upper end of a piston. Movement of piston is guided by yoke engaged with the pair of guide rails. During operation, the piston moves within the cylinder and causes to sheaves to raise and lower within the hoistway. Movement of sheave causes the chamber 121 to raise and lower in the hoistway via the engagement with the rope.
[0031] FIG.8 shows a schematic diagram of an elevator 900 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The elevator 900 is a lever operated foldable elevator. The elevator 900 comprises a drive system 905, a rod 907, a support frame 903, set of platforms to form chamber 901. The platforms comprises a left platform 951 of the elevator, a right platform 953 of the elevator and a bottom platform 955 of the elevator engaged together to form chamber 901.
[0032] The chamber 901 comprises the left platform 951, the right platform 953 and the bottom platform 955. According to this embodiment the left platform 951, and the right platform 953 comprises intern-linked rods 957 the intern-linked rods 957 collapse to fold and align the bottom platform 955 with the support frame 903. According to this embodiment, the drive system 905 is a mechanical drive. The mechanical drive of the elevator 900 has a thread based drive. The drive comprises a motor (not shown) and the rod 907 which is threaded. FIG.9 shows side view of the elevator 900 after folding the elevator. According to an embodiment, a sensor (not shown) may be employed with the elevator 900 substantially similar to the sensor described with reference to the elevator 100 of FIG. 1 through FIG. 7.
[0033] It would become abundantly clearly to a person in the art, after reading this specification that the subject matter also provides a foldable elevator, more specifically foldable hydraulic elevator without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter. It would also become clear to a person in the art that the subject matter also provides methods for manufacturing the elevator. While the subject matter may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described herein. Alternate embodiments or modifications may be practiced without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter. The drawings shown are schematic drawings and may not be to the scale. While the drawings show some features of the subject matter, some features may be omitted. Alternatively, in some other cases some features may be emphasized while others are not. Further, the methods disclosed herein may be performed in manner and/or order in which the methods are explained. Alternatively, the methods may be performed in manner or order different than what is explained without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter. It should be understood that the subject matter is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the subject matter is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter.

ProdyoVidhi Ref. CIHP.0010.IN| 3985/MUM/2013 ,CLAIMS:ProdyoVidhi Ref. CIHP.0010.IN| 3985/MUM/2013
What is claimed is:
1. An elevator comprising:
a guide rail and a support frame, the support frame is displaceable along the guide rail;
a drive coupled to the guide rail and the support frame and the drive is configured to displace the support frame along the guide rail;
a right platform, a left platform and a bottom platform each of the right platform, the left platform and the bottom platform being pivotably coupled to the support frame, wherein:
the left platform and the right platform are configured to interlock with the bottom platform to form a chamber, and
each of the left platform, the right platform and the bottom platform are configured to retract to substantially align with the support frame; and
a sensor is configured to disengage the drive and the support frame based on detection of a hazard.
2. The elevator of claim 1, wherein the guide rail includes grooves and the support frame includes a retractable protrusion.
3. The elevator of claim 2, wherein the sensor is configured retractably engage the grooves and the retractable protrusion to prevent displacement of the chamber.
4. The elevator of claim 1, wherein the bottom platform has a first surface external to the chamber and the sensor is provided at the first surface, wherein the sensor is configured to cause disengagement of the drive and the support frame based on detection of a hazard.
5. The elevator of claim 1, wherein the support frame comprises: a right edge and the right platform is pivotably coupled at the right edge; a left edge and the left platform is pivotably coupled at the left edge and a bottom edge and the bottom platform is pivotably coupled at the bottom edge.
6. The elevator of claim 1, wherein the bottom platform is configured to pivotably fold to substantially align the bottom platform along the support frame.
7. The elevator of claim 1, wherein the left platform has a left bottom edge and the right platform has a right bottom edge, and the left bottom edge and the right bottom edge are configured to support the bottom platform upon pivotably unfolding bottom platform.
8. The elevator of claim 1, wherein the elevator further comprises a door, wherein the door is configured to be mounted substantially perpendicular to the guide rail and the door is configured to be mounted on a floor to allow access to the chamber across the floor.
9. The elevator of claim 1, wherein the drive is a hydraulic drive.
10. The elevator of claim 1, wherein the drive is thread based mechanical drive.
Dated this the 19th day of January 2015.

K. Pradeep
Of ProdyoVidhi
Agent for Applicant
Registration Number: IN/PA-865

ProdyoVidhi Ref. CIHP.0010.IN| 3985/MUM/2013