IP-2024-000057 - [2025] EWHC 1687 (IPEC)

The experts agreed a joint statement on the common general knowledge (CGK) of the skilled person. Central to the dispute at the trial was the means of adjusting the relative positions of components of a hoist. The joint statement included this:

The ‘stepped’ arrangements referred to what would typically involve a locking device being placed into spaced holes along one of the components. This way the components may be locked at fixed positions relative to each other, the available fixed positions depending on how the holes are spaced. The ‘compression/friction’ arrangement typically relies on a grub screw in a first component being turned and pressed against the side of the second component so that the components become fixed relative to each other due to friction between the grub screw and the second component. This arrangement allows relative spacing of the components without being limited to fixed alternative positions.