Energy absorbing lift bracket

Abstract

A lift bracket ( 300 ) includes a topmost portion ( 304 ) having an opening ( 302 ) arranged for engagement with an engagement portion of a lifting apparatus. The topmost portion ( 304 ) is substantially flat and defines a first plane (A-A). A base portion ( 320 ) of the lift bracket ( 300 ) has at least one fastener opening ( 322 ) for fastening the base portion to the engine. The base portion ( 320 ) also lies in the first plane (A-A). A yield structure ( 305 ) is disposed between the topmost portion ( 304 ) and the base portion ( 320 ), and includes a mid-portion ( 312 ) that defines at least one second plane (B-B) that is spaced and parallel to the first plane (A-A). When a tensile force is applied to the topmost portion ( 304 ), the yielding structure ( 305 ) yields, the topmost portion displaces away from the base portion ( 320 ), and the second plane (B-B) displaces towards the first plane (A-A).

1 . A lift bracket on an engine for engagement with a lifting apparatus and intended to be used in tandem with a second lift bracket, the lift bracket comprising:
 a topmost portion having an opening formed therein, wherein the opening is arranged for engagement with the lifting apparatus, and wherein the topmost portion is substantially flat and defines a first plane;   a base portion having at least one fastener opening for fastening the bracket to the engine, wherein the base portion is substantially flat and lies in the first plane; and   a yield structure disposed between the topmost portion and the base portion and configured for absorbing energy when the second lift bracket on the engine fails, wherein the yield structure includes a mid-portion that defines at least one second plane that is spaced and parallel to the first plane;   wherein when a tensile force is applied to the topmost portion, the yielding structure yields, the topmost portion displaces away from the base portion, and the second plane displaces towards the first plane.   
   
   
       2 . The lift bracket of  claim 1 , further comprising a first inclined portion disposed between the topmost portion and the mid-portion, wherein the first inclined portion is disposed at an angle α with respect to the first plane, and wherein a first radiused portion connects the topmost portion with the first inclined portion and a second radiused portion connects the first inclined portion with the mid-portion. 
   
   
       3 . The lift bracket of  claim 2 , further comprising a second inclined portion disposed between the mid-portion portion and the base portion, wherein the second inclined portion is disposed at an angle α with respect to the first plane, and wherein a third radiused portion connects the mid-portion portion with the second inclined portion and a fourth radiused portion connects the second inclined portion with the base portion. 
   
   
       4 . The lift bracket of  claim 1 , further comprising a spacer disposed on the base portion, wherein the spacer has a central opening aligned with the at least one fastener opening of the base portion, and wherein the spacer is connected to the base portion along an area surrounding the at least one fastener opening. 
   
   
       5 . The lift bracket of  claim 1 , further comprising a tab that is disposed at an outer edge of the base portion and configured to have an interference fit with the engine for preventing a rotation of the engine with respect to the lift bracket when the second lift bracket fails. 
   
   
       6 . The lift bracket of  claim 5 , wherein the tab extends substantially perpendicularly away from the first plane. 
   
   
       7 . The lift bracket of  claim 5 , wherein the tab has a general “hook”-shape and defines a component cavity. 
   
   
       8 . The lift bracket of  claim 1  wherein the yield structure comprises a plurality of peaks that are formed alternatively with a plurality of valleys. 
   
   
       9 . The lift bracket of  claim 1 , further comprising an extension portion formed adjacent to the base portion, wherein the extension forms at least one additional fastener opening. 
   
   
       10 . The lift bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the topmost portion, the yield structure, and the base portion are integrally formed. 
   
   
       11 . The lift bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the yield structure comprises a first link and a second link, wherein the first link and the second link surround a slit opening, and wherein the first link meets the second link at a first junction adjacent to the topmost portion and at a second junction adjacent to the base portion. 
   
   
       12 . A lift bracket on an engine for engagement with a lifting apparatus, the lift bracket comprising:
 a topmost portion having an opening formed therein, wherein the opening is arranged for engagement with the lifting apparatus, and wherein the topmost portion is substantially flat and defines a first plane and the opening is normal to the first plane;   a generally elongate mid-portion extending from the topmost portion in the first plane;   a base portion having at least one fastener opening for fastening the bracket to the engine, wherein the base portion is substantially flat and defines a second plane that is normal to the first plane and the at least one fastener opening is normal to the second plane, wherein the base portion is generally triangular shaped, with a first side of the triangle abutting the mid-portion.