SE546116C2 - Adaptable hoist device - Google Patents

Abstract

As set out herein, there is provided an adaptable hoist device 10 for instalment in a load carrying space 11 of a vehicle. The adaptable hoist device 10 comprises a lifting device 20 for loading into or unloading from the load carrying space 11, and an adaptable framework 40 for securing said lifting device 20 inside the load carrying space 11 of the vehicle. The adaptable framework 40 comprises at least one of a first set of elongated framework elements (44) extending in a longitudinal (y) direction, a second set of elongated framework (43) elements extending in a transversal (x) direction and a third set of elongated framework elements (42) extending in a vertical (z) direction. Each the first, second and third set of elongated framework elements comprises at least one elongated framework element (42, 43, 44). The longitudinal (y), transversal (x) and vertical (z) directions are perpendicular to each other and correspond to a longitudinal, transversal and vertical direction, respectively, of a vehicle.

Description

There are many situations wherein there is a need for assistance in loading or unloading articles into or from a load carrying space of a vehicle. This may especially be the case for elderly persons or persons who suffer from some type of disability. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are devices which allow those that would othenNise be immobile or have difficulties with mobility to take part in everyday life. Disability vehicles are relatively heavy, often weighing 40 to 150 kg, and therefore much too heavy to be lifted manually. Manually operated wheelchairs are of much lesser weight but may still be more than an elderly or unfit person can lift with ease into or out from a vehicle.

There are a range of hoists for disability vehicles available on the market to allow the automated lifting of disability vehicles into and out of the load carrying space of vehicles. Normally the hoists are permanently installed inside the load carrying space of the vehicle, either by means of bolts fixed to the floor or to one of the side posts of the car body. However, such installments may cause permanent damage to the car which may make it difficult to sell later.

When disabled persons travel, for example by train or an airplane and arrives at their destination, it is desirable for them to have the use of their disability vehicle also at the new destination. This may cause problems since e.g. rental cars are not normally fitted with hoists for loading or unloading the disability vehicle into or from the load carrying space.lt has therefore been an aim of the inventors to develop a hoist that may be adapted to fit into the load carrying space of almost any type of car, and which does not require an installation that will cause permanent damage to the car. A further object has also been to develop a hoist device which is easily dismantled by the user to be stowed in a bag that may be carried onto the train or airplane, and once the user has arrived, the hoist device may be reassembled and fitted into the load carrying space of the car to be used at the new destination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above objects may be achieved with an adaptable hoist device in accordance with claim 1. Further embodiments are set out in the dependent claims, the description and in the drawings.

As set out herein, there is provided an adaptable hoist device for instalment in a load carrying space of a vehicle. The adaptable hoist device comprises a lifting device for loading into or unloading from the load carrying space, and an adaptable framework for securing said lifting device inside the load carrying space of the vehicle. The adaptable framework com prises first set of elongated framework elements extending in a longitudinal (y) direction, a second set of elongated framework elements extending in a transversal (x) direction and a third set of elongated framework elements extending in a vertical (z) direction. Each one of the first, second and third set of elongated framework elements comprises at least one elongated framework element. The longitudinal (y), transversal (x) and vertical (z) directions are perpendicular to each other and correspond to a longitudinal, transversal and vertical direction, respectively, of a vehicle. adaptable framework comprises a first set of elongated framework elements extending in a longitudinal (y) direction, a second set of elongated framework elements extending in a transversal (x) direction and a third set of elongated framework elements extending in a vertical (z) direction. each one of the first, second, third sets of elongated framework elements comprise at least one elongated framework element being adjustable in a length direction of the elongated framework element.Advantageously the first, second and/or third elongated framework elements are telescopically adjustable.

The second set of elongated framework elements and said third set of elongated framework elements together form a front frame structure and a rear frame structure. The front and rear frame structures are connected to each other by means of the first set of elongated framework elements. The front and rear frame structures have a generally arch-shaped configuration.

The elongated framework elements may be connected by connecting elements, wherein the connecting elements are bent elongated elements.

The first and second frame structures are configured to be connected to cargo restraining attachments by securing elements. The elongated framework elements are provided with fastening points. The securing elements are straps or cargo tighteners The lifting device comprises a foldable lifting arm pivotally connected to the adaptable framework. The foldable lifting arm is foldable between a load position and a storage position.

The foldable lifting arm comprises a first section and a second section pivotally connected to each other. The foldable lifting arm is provided with an electric motor.

An effective length of the foldable lifting arm is made variable along a length direction of the foldable lifting arm by the provision of an extension element adjustably fixed to it.

The adaptable framework is arranged to be transformed between an operating configuration and a transport configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 discloses the adaptable hoist device 10 of the invention.

Figure 2 discloses how the adaptable hoist device 10 is fitted into the load carrying space 11 of a vehicle.

Figures 3A-F disclose the loading of a wheelchair into the load carrying space 11 of a vehicle by means of the adaptable hoist device 10 of the invention.Figure 4 discloses an alternative way of loading a wheelchair into the load carrying space 11 by means of the adaptable hoist device 10 of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED E|\/|BOD||\/IENTS lt is to be understood that the drawings shown herein are schematic and that individual components are not necessarily drawn to scale. The adaptable hoist device 10 shown in the figures is provided as an example only and should not be considered limiting to the invention as disclosed herein. ln particular, it should be understood that the adaptable hoist device 10 as disclosed herein may be utilized for loading or unloading any type of article into or out from a load carrying space 11 of a vehicle, although herein it will be described for loading or unloading wheelchairs. Furthermore, the size and shape of the adaptable hoist device 10 may be different from what is shown in the figures.

Figures 1-4 disclose an adaptable hoist device 10 that may be installed into a load carrying space 11 of a vehicle and used for loading or unloading articles into or from the load carrying space 11. The adaptable hoist device 10 comprises a lifting device 20 fitted to an adaptable framework 40 for securing said lifting device 20 inside the load carrying space 11 of the vehicle.

The adaptable framework 40 is comprised of a plurality of elongated framework elements 42, 43, 44 which are connected together to form a stable three-dimensional frame that will support the lifting device 20 when loading or unloading articles into or from the load carrying space 11. The adaptable framework 40 is fixedly connected inside the load carrying space 11 by means of securing elements 41 which secures the adaptable framework 40 to cargo restraining attachments 12 provided in the interior of the load carrying space The adaptable framework 40 comprises a first set of elongated framework elements 42 extending in a longitudinal (y) direction, a second set of elongated framework elements 43 extending in a transversal (X) direction and a third set of elongated framework elements 44 extending in a vertical (z) direction, wherein each one of the first, second and third sets of elongated framework elements 42, 43, 44 comprise at least one elongated framework element. The longitudinal (y), transversal (X) and vertical (z) directions are perpendicular to each other and correspond to a longitudinal, transversal and vertical direction, respectively, of the vehicle (see figure 1). The elongated framework elements 42, 43,are preferably hollow tubes made from a lightweight material such as eg. aluminum. Theelongated framework elements 42, 43, 44 may have a circular, oval, square, rectangular or hexagonal cross-section. Advantageously the cross section of the framework elements 42, 43, 44 is Circular.

One advantage of the adaptable hoist device 10 described herein is that it can be adjusted to fit inside the load carrying space 11 of almost any vehicle on the market having a hatchback or station wagon shape. The design of the adaptable framework 40 used for securing the lifting device 20 inside the load carrying space 11 enables the framework 40 to be adjusted in the longitudinal, transversal and vertical directions to accommodate for any length, width or height of a vehicle's load carrying space 11, regardless of vehicle brand.

This is feasible mainly through the adjustable framework 40 of the adaptable hoist device 10 shown ln Fig. 1 wherein the adaptable framework 40 comprises a front frame structure 45 located at the front end of the load carrying space 11, i.e. the end facing towards the front of the vehicle, and a rear frame structure 46 located towards the rear end of the load carrying space 11, i.e. the end facing towards the opening of the load carrying space 11 at the rear of the vehicle. The front and rear frame structures 45, 46 are connected together by means of two or more elongated framework elements 42a, 42b of the first set of elongated framework elements located close to the ceiling of the load carrying space A lifting device 20 is advantageously connected to the rear frame structure 46 and to one of the elongated framework elements 42 of the first set of elongated framework elements and is located close to the ceiling at the rear right-hand corner of the load carrying space 11. The lifting device 20 may of course also be located at the rear left-hand corner of the load carrying space As best seen in Fig. 1, the front and back frame structures 45, 46 each comprises a pair of elongated framework elements 44a and 44b belonging to the third set of elongated framework elements extending in the vertical direction z. Each one of the elongated framework elements 44a and 44b is connected to a first end of connecting elements 47a and 47b. The second ends of the connecting elements 47a are connected to at least one elongated framework element 43 belonging to the second set of elongated framework elements extending in the transversal direction X. Advantageously the cross sections of the elongated framework elements 44a, 44b and 43 are slightly larger than the cross sections of the connecting elements 47a and 47b to enable the elongated framework elements 44a, 44b and 43 to slidably fit inside the first and second ends respectively of the connecting elements 47a and 47b.The height of the framework 40 of the adaptable hoist device 10 is adjusted by sliding the first ends of the connecting elements 47a and 47b into the elongated framework element 44a and 44b belonging to the third set of elongated framework elements until the required height in the vertical direction z inside the load carrying space 11 is reached. The elongated framework elements 44a and b and connecting elements 47a and 47b are advantageously locked relative to each other by a locking mechanism 53, such as e.g. a flip lever clamp fitted to the elongated framework elements 44a and 44b which clamp the connecting elements 47a and 47b inside the elongated framework element 44a and 44b, preventing them from sliding relative to each other. Also the elongated framework element 43 belonging to the second set of framework elements 43 is in each end fitted with a locking mechanism 53, such as e.g. a flip lever clamp enabling the locking of the elongated element 43 in relation to the second end of connecting elements 47a and 47b after the appropriate length in the transversal direction X has been adjusted.

The front and rear fame structures 45, 46 are connected to each other by means of two or more adjustable elongated framework elements 42a, 42b belonging to the first set of elongated framework elements extending in the longitudinal direction y. The framework elements 42a, 42b advantageously each comprises a first and a second part wherein the first part has a larger cross section than the second part, and wherein the second part is arranged to slidably fit inside the first part of the elongated framework element 42a, 42b. The length is adjusted by sliding the first part inside the second part until the required length of the elongated framework element 42a, 42b is reached. The first and second parts of the elongated framework element 42a, 42b are locked relative to each other by a locking mechanism 53, such as e.g. a flip lever clamp fitted to the first part of the elongated framework element 42a, 42b. The locking mechanism 53 enables clamping of the second part inside the first part, preventing the two elongated framework element parts 42a, 42b from sliding relative to each other. ln a slightly different embodiment of the framework, each individual elongated framework element 42, 43, 44 comprises a first and a second part wherein the first part has a larger cross section than the second part, and wherein the second part of the elongated framework element 42, 43, 44 is arranged to slidably fit inside the first part of the elongated framework element 42, 43, 44. The length is adjusted by sliding the first part inside the second part of the elongated framework element 42, 43, 44 until the required length is reached. The first and second parts of the elongated framework element 42, 43, 44 are locked relative to each other by a locking mechanism 53, such as e.g. a flip leverclamp fitted to the first part of the elongated framework element 42, 43, 44. The locking mechanism 53 enables clamping of the second part inside the first part, preventing the two elongated framework element parts from sliding relative to each other. The adjustable feature of the elongated framework elements in each one of the first, second and third sets of elongated framework elements 42, 43, 44 enables the framework of the hoist device 10 to be adjusted in any one of the longitudinal, transversal or vertical directions as required when fitting the adjustable hoist device 10 inside a load carrying space Alternatively, each one of the first, second, and third sets of elongated framework elements 42, 43, 44 comprises at least one elongated framework element being adjustable in a length direction of the elongated framework element, i.e. an adjustable elongated framework element. The adjustable elongated framework elements 42, 43, 44 are advantageously telescopically adjustable wherein the adjustable elongated framework element 42, 43, 44 comprises an outer elongated hollow member and the outer member slidably receives an end of an inner elongated member, whereby a part of said inner member extends out of said outer hollow member (not shown). The length of the adjustable elongated framework element can be adjusted by sliding the inner member inside the outer member, thereby changing the length of the part of the inner member extending out of the outer member. The inner and outer members may be locked relative to each other e.g. by means of a friction dependent locking mechanism known in the art.

At least one elongated framework element 43 from the second set of elongated framework elements (i.e. elongated framework elements extending in the transversal direction X), is connected together with at least two elongated framework elements 44a, 44b of the third set of elongated framework elements (i.e. elongated framework elements extending in the vertical direction z), to form a front frame structure 45 and a rear frame structure 46 respectively. The front and rear frame structures 45, 46 are connected to each other by means of two or more elongated framework elements 42a 42b of the first set of elongated framework elements (i.e. elongated framework elements extending in the longitudinal direction y).

Advantageously, the lengths of the elongated framework elements 42a, 42b, 43, 44a, 44b in each one of the first, second and third sets of elongated framework elements are adjustable such that the adaptable framework 40 can be arranged to fit closely to the interior walls and ceiling of the load carrying space 11. ln order to obtain an optimized fit along the walls and ceiling, the elongated framework elements 43, 44a, 44b are advantageously connected together by connecting elements 47a, 47b which are bentelongated framework elements, enabling the front and rear frame structures 45, 46 to have a generally arch-shaped configuration. The close fit of the adaptable framework 40 to the interior walls and ceiling of the load carrying space 11 provides a large volume for fitting articles inside the load carrying space 11 despite the adaptable hoist devicebeing installed therein.

The adaptable framework 40 is installed inside the load carrying space 11 by means of securing elements 41, such as straps or cargo strap tighteners connected to cargo restraining attachments 12 provided inside the load carrying space 11 of the vehicle. A plurality of cargo restraining attachments 12 are often provided along the walls inside the load carrying space 11 of vehicles which may be used for tying and/or restraining cargo inside the load carrying space 11 (see Fig. 2). The same cargo restraining attachments 12 may be used for firmly securing the framework 40 in a safe way to be able to withstand the weight for loading and/or unloading articles such as wheelchairs into or from the load carrying space 11. One or more fastening points 50, such as e.g. hooks, loops or rings are provided on the elongated framework elements 42, 43, 44 which may be used when securing the framework 40 to the cargo restraining attachments 12 by means of the securing elements 41. Advantageously the securing elements 41 are cargo strap tighteners provided with ratchet handles which enable the user to secure the adaptable framework 40 in a fast and efficient manner.

A lifting device 20 is connected to a fixation plate 21 provided on the rearframe structure 46 close to the ceiling of the load carrying space 11 (see Figs. 1 and 3a, b, c. d and e). The lifting device 20 comprises a foldable lifting arm 22 provided with a motorized lifting means 23 for lifting the article to be loaded into or unloaded from the load carrying space 11. The lifting arm 22 comprises a first section 24 having a first end 25 pivotally connected to the fixation plate 21 by means of a first pivotal connection 27 for movement of the foldable lifting arm 22 in a horizontal plane. A second end 26 of the first section 24 is pivotally connected by means of a second pivotal connection 28 to a first end 30 of a second section 29 of the lifting arm 22, for pivotal movement of the second section 29 in relation to the first section 24 in a horizontal plane.

The first pivotal connection 27 enables the foldable lifting arm 22 to be moved in a horizontal plane and close to the ceiling between an extension towards the front of the load carrying space towards the back of the load carrying space 11. The second pivotalconnection 28 enables the second section 29 of the lifting arm 22 to be folded towards and away from the first section 24 of the lifting arm 22 along the horizontal plane.

The lifting arm 22 is foldable betvveen a load position and a storage position. ln the storage position the first section 24 of the foldable lifting arm 22 points towards the front of the vehicle and in the load position the first section 24 points towards the back of the vehicle. To bring the foldable lifting arm 22 from a storage position to a load position the foldable lifting arm 22 is folded around the first pivotal connection 27 along the horizontal plane to point in the longitudinal direction ytowards the opening of the load carrying space 11, and the second section 29 is folded around the second pivotal connection 28 and away from the first section 24 to extend in the longitudinal direction yout through the opening of the load carrying space 11 to the outside of the vehicle (see Fig. 3c).

To bring the foldable lifting arm 22 from a load position to a storage position the second section 29 of the foldable lifting arm 22 is folded towards the first section 24 around the second pivotal connection 28, and thereafter the folded lifting arm 22 is folded around the pivotal connection 27 towards the front of the load carrying space 11, to reach a storage position (see Fig. 3e).

The second section 29 of the lifting arm 22 is further provided with the motorized lifting means 23 to be used during the lifting movement of the article (see Figs. 1 and 3b). The motorized lifting means 23 advantageously comprises a pulling means 32 actuated by an electric motor 33, the pulling means 32 being connected to a coupling means 34 adapted for coupling to the article to be lifted. The pulling means 32 may be a chain, wire, belt, cord, band, rope, or a cable wherein its first end is connected to a winding means of the electric motor 33 and its second end is arranged around a pulley 35 arranged at the second end 31 of the second section 29 and connected to the coupling means 34. The coupling means 34 is adapted to accommodate the lifting of an article and may be fitted with a hook, a carabiner, a loop or a circular eye, a spreader bar etc. A spreader bar is advantageously used for lifting a wheelchair.

The effective length of the foldable lifting arm 22 is advantageously made variable along a length direction of the foldable lifting arm 22 by the provision of an extension element 36 adjustably fixed to it. This way the lengthwise extension of the lifting arm 22 may be adjusted to accommodate different size vehicles.

The electric motor 33 of the lifting means 23 used for lifting the article is advantageously connected to a 12V socket arranged inside the load carrying space 11, thereby enabling the lifting movement during loading or unloading of the article. A remote control may be used to manipulate the loading/unloading action of the article.

The great advantage of the hoist device 10 disclosed herein is that it does not require a fixed installation. lnstead it is easily assembled by the user to fit inside the load carrying space 11 of almost any vehicle having a station wagon or hatchback design. Thus, the hoist device 10 can easily be moved from one vehicle to another without much effort or causing permanent damage to the vehicle.

The skilled person realizes that the different elements of the hoist device 10 as disclosed herein may be assembled in a different order to fit inside a load carrying space 11. However, one advantageous way of assembling the adaptable framework 40 into an operating configuration may be as follows: For each one of the front and rear frame structures 45, 46, tvvo adjustable elongated framework elements 44a, 44b belonging to the third set of elongated framework elements extending in the vertical direction z are each connected to first ends of connecting elements 47a, 47b. The combined length of the elongated framework elements 44a, 44b belonging to the third set of elongated framework and the connection element 47a, 47b is adjusted to fit the height of the load carrying space 11, i.e. the length of the load carrying space 11 extending in the vertical direction z of the vehicle.

The second ends of two connecting elements 47a, 47b are joined by means of an adjustable elongated framework element 43 belonging to the second set of elongated framework elements extending in the transversal direction X. The length of the adjustable elongated framework element 43 is adjusted such that the adjustable elongated framework element and the two connection elements 47a, 47b together fit the width of the load carrying space 11, i.e. the length of the load carrying space 11 extending in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle.

After the front and rear frame structures 45, 46 have been adjusted in the vertical and transverse directions to fit inside the load carrying space 11, they are connected to each other by means of at least a first and a second adjustable elongated framework element 42a, 42b belonging to the first set of elongated framework elements extending in the longitudinal direction y. The lengths of the two adjustable elongated framework elements 42a, 42b are adjusted such that the adjustable elongated framework elements 42a, 42b fit the length of the load carrying space 11 extending in the longitudinal direction yof the vehicle.The total lengths of the elongated framework elements 44a, 44b, 43, 42a, 42b belonging to the first, second and third sets of elongated framework elements when connected to the connection elements 47a, 47b are adjusted in a way that allows the adaptable framework 40 to fit closely to the walls and ceiling of the load carrying space 11 of the particular type of vehicle. lfthe hoist device 10 is installed in a load carrying space 11 of a different vehicle, the total lengths of the elongated framework elements 44a, 44b, 43, 42a, 42b connected to the connection elements 47a, 47b may have to be adjusted differently.

After the size of the adaptable framework 40 has been adjusted to fit inside the load carrying space 11, it is secured to cargo restraining attachments 12 provided inside the load carrying space 11 by means of securing elements 41. Securing elements 41 are connected to the one or more fastening points 50 arranged on each one of the elongated framework elements 42, 43, 44 and thereafter attached to the cargo restraining attachments 12. Advantageously the securing elements 41 are cargo strap tighteners that may be tensioned by means of ratchet handles to enable a secure and tight installment of the framework to the cargo restraining attachments 12 inside the load carrying space The lifting device 20 is normally already connected to a fixation plate 21 attached to one of the elongated framework element 42a, 42b belonging to the first set of elongated framework elements extending in the longitudinal direction y. When in place the cord from the electrical motor is connected to the 12V socket arranged inside the load carrying space When loading an article, e.g. a wheelchair into the load carrying space 11 of the vehicle, the wheelchair is placed on the ground next to the open tailgate of the vehicle. The foldable lifting arm 22 should be in a load position, i.e. extending out from the opening of the load carrying space 11 as seen in Figs. 3a and b. Advantageously the extension element 36 is extended from the second section 29 to reach as far as possible to avoid accidental contact between the car body and the wheelchair to be lifted. Depending on the type of wheelchair to be loaded a spreader bar or a carabiner is used to connect the pulling means 32 to the wheelchair. Once the wheelchair is safely connected, the electric motor 33 of the lifting means 23 is actuated either by a manual switch or a remote control to start winding the pulling means 32 and thereby lifting the wheelchair off the ground (see Fig. 3C).

When the wheelchair has been lifted high enough to enter the load carrying space 11, extension element 36 is pulled in and the second section 29 of the lifting arm 22 starts folding in the horizontal direction around the second pivotal connection 28 towards thefirst section 24 of the lifting arm 22 (see Fig. 3D), while at the same time the first section 24 is folded towards the front of the load carrying space 11 around the first pivotal connection 27 (see Fig. 3E), thereby transferring the wheelchair to the inside of the load carrying space 11. The wheelchair may be put to rest onto the floor of the load carrying space 11. The wheelchair is thereafter optionally disconnected from the coupling means 34 and the foldable lifting arm 22 is put into storage position.

When unloading the wheelchair from the load carrying space 11 the coupling means 34 is connected to the wheelchair. The user should make sure that the pulling means 32 with the coupling means 34 are pulled closely to the lifting arm 22. Thereafter the second section 29 of the lifting arm 22 is folded along the horizontal plane away from the first section 24 to point in a direction extending out through the opening of the load carrying space 11. The user actuates the electric motor 33, either by switch or a remote control, which starts unwinding the pulling means 32 and thereby lowers the wheelchair to the ground at the outside of the vehicle. The coupling means 34 is disconnected from the wheelchair and pulled towards the lifting arm 22 by winding the pulling means 32 using the electrical motor. Thereafter the foldable lifting arm 22 is returned to the storage position inside the load carrying space Figure 4 shows an alternative way of loading a wheelchair into the load carrying spaceof the vehicle. ln situations when the adaptable hoist device 10 has to be moved to a different vehicle, it is easily transferred from the operational configuration, i.e. the hoist device being installed inside the load carrying space 11, to a transport configuration, wherein the hoist device 10 is disassembled and stored inside a bag. The hoist device 10 is transferred from the operational configuration to the transport configuration by disconnecting the cord for the electrical motor from the 12V socket. The securing elements 41 are disconnected from the cargo restraining attachments 12 releasing the framework 40. Thereafter the elongated framework elements 42, 43, 44 and the connecting elements 47a, 47b are disconnected from each other and put in a bag together with the foldable lifting arm 22 and the securing elements 41.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS An adaptable hoist device (10) for instalment in a load carrying space (11) ofa vehicle, said adaptable hoist device (10) comprising a lifting device (20) for loading an article into or unloading from the load carrying space (11); and an adaptable framework (40) for securing said lifting device (20) inside the load carrying space (1 1) of the vehicle, said adaptable framework (40) comprising a first set of elongated framework elements (42a, 42b) extending in a longitudinal (y) direction, a second set of elongated framework elements (43) extending in a transversal (x) direction and a third set of elongated framework elements (44a, 44b) extending in a vertical (z) direction, said longitudinal (y), transversal (x) and vertical (z) directions being perpendicular to each other and corresponding to a longitudinal, transversal and vertical direction, respectively, of a vehicle characterized in that each of said first, second and third set of elongated framework elements (42a, 42b, 43, 44a, 44b) comprising at least elongated framework elements being adjustable in a length direction of the elongated framework element, wherein elongated framework elements of the second and third sets of elongated framework elements (43, 44a, 44b) are connected by connecting elements (47a, 47b), wherein connecting elements (47a, 47b) are bent elongated elements. The adaptable hoist device (10) according to claim 1, wherein said first, second and/or third elongated framework elements (42a, 42b, 43, 44a, 44b) are telescopically adjustable. The adaptable hoist device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second set of elongated framework elements (43) and said third set of elongated framework elements (44a, 44b) together form a front frame structure (45) and a rear frame structure (46), said front and rear frame structures (45, 46) being connected to each other by means of said first set of elongated framework elements (42a, 42b). The adaptable hoist device (10) according to claim wherein said front and rear frame structures (45, 46) have a generally arch-shaped configuration. The adaptable hoist device (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the elongated framework elements of said third set of elongated framework elements (44a, 44b) are provided with fastening points (50) adapted to be connected to cargo restraining attachments (12) provided inside said load carrying space (11) by securing elements (41), thereby securing said adaptable hoist device (10) to the inside of said load carrying space (11). The adaptable hoist device (10) according to claim 5, wherein said securing elements (41) are straps or cargo tighteners. The adaptable hoist device (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lifting device (20) comprises a foldable lifting arm (22) pivotally connected to said adaptable framework (40). The adaptable hoist device (10) according to claim 7, wherein said foldable lifting arm (22) is foldable between a load position and a storage position. The adaptable hoist device (10) according any one of the preceding claims 7-8, wherein said foldable lifting arm (22) comprises a first section (24) and a second section (29) pivotally connected to each other. The adaptable hoist device (10) according any one of the preceding claims 7-9, wherein said foldable lifting arm (22) is provided with an electric motor (33). The adaptable hoist device (10) according any one of the preceding claims 7-10, wherein an effective length of said foldable lifting arm (22) is made variable along a length direction of the foldable lifting arm by the provision of an extension element (36) adjustably fixed to it. The adaptable hoist device (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptable framework (40) being arranged to be transformed between an operating configuration and a transport configuration.