US-12622507-B1 - Door removal safety system

Abstract

The door removal safety system may comprise a lifting strap, a pair of lifting hooks, a neck pad, and a spacer. The door removal safety system may be operable as a tool for removing a door from a vehicle having removable doors. The lifting strap may be adapted to be worn by a user on the user's neck such that the pair of lifting hooks hang down in front of the user. The pair of lifting hooks may be adapted to be placed under the bottom of the door while the user squats. The door removal safety system may be adapted to lift the door as the user stands upright while supporting sides of the door with the user's hands.

Inventors

• Scott Dworakoski

Assignees

• Scott Dworakoski

Dates

Publication Date

20260512

Application Date

20240415

Claims (1)

1. 1 . A door-removal safety system comprising: a lifting strap configured to be worn over a neck and shoulders of a user, the lifting strap comprising a left lifting strap segment, a right lifting strap segment, and a neck strap segment joining the left and right lifting strap segments in a generally U-shaped configuration; a pair of lifting hooks respectively and detachably coupled to distal ends of the left and right lifting strap segments, each lifting hook comprising: a planar backplate having a plurality of horizontally spaced length-adjustment slots through which the corresponding lifting-strap segment is looped to permit selective vertical repositioning of the lifting hook relative to the strap segment; and, an upwardly-curved bend formed integrally with a lower edge of the backplate to define a hook trough dimensioned to receive and support a bottom edge flange of a vehicle door having removable hinges; and, a neck pad positioned along the neck strap segment and configured to cushion contact between the neck strap segment and the neck of the user, the neck strap segment passing slidably through the neck pad; and, a spacer assembly positioned below the neck pad and above the pair of lifting hooks, the spacer assembly comprising: a stiffener plate extending laterally between the left and right lifting strap segments to define a fixed separation distance corresponding to the hinge spacing of the vehicle door, a left strap coupler attached to a left side of the stiffener plate and a right strap coupler attached to a right side of the stiffener plate, each coupler forming an encircling loop that slidably receives the corresponding lifting-strap segment while laterally constraining the segment to prevent crossover or twisting; and, a plurality of vertically spaced coupler positions on each side of the stiffener plate enabling the spacer assembly to be selectively positioned along the lifting-strap segments to accommodate doors of differing heights; and, wherein the stiffener plate maintains the separation distance between the left and right lifting strap segments under an asymmetric door load so that the lifting hooks remain aligned beneath opposing corners of the door during lifting; wherein the cooperative relationship among the stiffener plate, the plurality of adjustment slots in each lifting hook, and the neck pad stabilizes the vertical and lateral orientation of the door throughout removal and reinstallation, preventing roll, tilt, or torsional movement of the door relative to the user; and, wherein the system is operable by a single user standing upright after squatting to engage the lifting hooks beneath the door, such that upward movement of the lifting strap transfers load through the stiffener plate and neck pad to the user's shoulders, permitting controlled detachment of the door from vehicle hinges without auxiliary lifting equipment.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS None. FIELD OF THE DEVICE The present device pertains to automotive tools and specifically to systems and methods for safely removing doors from vehicles. It relates more particularly to a device that facilitates the removal of doors from vehicles with removable doors, such as off-road vehicles, jeeps, and certain types of sports and utility vehicles, without the need for additional manual labor or lifting equipment. BACKGROUND OF THE DEVICE The removal of doors from vehicles, especially those designed for off-road or versatile use, is a common practice for vehicle owners seeking to enhance their driving experience or perform maintenance. Traditional methods of door removal often require physical strength and can pose a risk of injury to the user or damage to the vehicle due to the awkward and heavy nature of the doors. Additionally, conventional tools and methods for door removal do not always provide adequate support or stability, making the process cumbersome and potentially unsafe. There exists a need for an improved system that addresses these issues by providing a user-friendly, efficient, and safer means of removing and reattaching vehicle doors. The present invention seeks to fulfill this need and also to offer further related advantages. SUMMARY OF THE DEVICE Embodiments of the present disclosure may encompass a door removal safety system that includes a lifting strap designed to be worn around the user's neck. This lifting strap comprises a left lifting strap segment, a right lifting strap segment, and a neck strap segment that connects the left and right segments. Embodiments of this disclosure may also incorporate a pair of lifting hooks. Each hook is designed to be detachably coupled to the end of each lifting strap segment. These hooks are specifically shaped to engage with the bottom edge of a door on a vehicle that features removable doors. Further, some embodiments include a neck pad aimed at providing cushioning for the user's neck. This neck pad is designed so that the neck strap segment of the lifting strap can pass through it, enhancing user comfort. Additionally, a spacer is included in certain embodiments to ensure a specific spacing between the left and right lifting strap segments. This spacing aids in stabilizing the hooks' engagement with the door's bottom edge, facilitating safer and more secure door removal. The lifting strap can be made from a variety of flexible materials, including but not limited to polyester, nylon, polypropylene, aromatic polyamides, canvas, and leather. This selection allows for durability and user comfort. In detail, each lifting hook in some embodiments features a backplate and an upward bend, creating a hook trough. This trough engages with the bottom edge of the door, while the backplate includes several length adjustment slots. These slots allow for the hook's height adjustment relative to the ground, accommodating doors of different sizes and configurations. Regarding the spacer, it includes a stiffener that determines the spacing between the left and right lifting strap segments. Couplers are attached to both sides of the stiffener, designed to hold each lifting strap segment in place, thus maintaining the necessary spacing for door removal stability. Moreover, the disclosure outlines a method for using the door removal safety system. This method involves preparatory steps such as lowering the door's window, removing hinge screws, and disconnecting any electrical cables and the door check. The user then positions the lifting hooks beneath the door, stands up to engage the hooks, and lifts the door away from the vehicle. The method also covers the storage of the removed door and its re-installation, providing a comprehensive approach to door removal and replacement tasks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a door removal safety system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of a door removal safety system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a detail view of a door removal safety system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an individual lifting hook; and, FIG. 4 is an in-use view of a door removal safety system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a door 910 supported by the left lifting hook 212, the right lifting hook 214, and the user's hands. DESCRIPTIVE KEY 100 door removal safety system200 lifting strap202 left lifting strap204 right lifting strap206 neck strap212 left lifting hook214 right lifting hook220 backplate222 length adjustment slot224 upward bend226 gap228 hook