Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Hand bars and hand barrows – Opposing jaws
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-20
2001-08-21
Cherry, Johnny D. (Department: 3652)
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Hand bars and hand barrows
Opposing jaws
C294S118000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276732
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to lifting devices and, more particularly, to devices for lifting and moving relatively heavy objects having both regular and irregular shapes.
BACKGROUND
One of the most common injuries sustained by construction workers, maintenance crews and those engaged in similar work involves the back due to stresses placed on it by lifting and carrying heavy and awkward objects. Injuries to the hands and feet are also relatively common as workers are frequently required to lift and move heavy objects which do not have proper handles and consequently are difficult to grasp. Objects of this category include but are not limited to maintenance hole covers, catch basin covers and their respective frames.
Numerous existing lifting devices utilize pincers or friction pads with the opposinglever concept in their application to convey a specific item such as masonry, meat and logs. In this regard, the prior art is replete with patents relating to devices and methods designed to assist in the lifting and moving of objects.
Some examples of these prior patents include recently issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,559, dated Feb. 3, 1998, to McClarin, et al that describes a device intended to raise fence posts and to lift certain objects including manhole covers. This patent discloses a first-class lever system in which a hook, at one end of an elongate arm, is attached to a manhole cover that in turn is raised by forcing downwardly the distal end of the arm. The fulcrum of the lever is located close to the end to which the manhole cover is connected. This device provides a lifting system, but is not readily adaptable to moving and subsequently positioning the manhole cover. U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,855, which issued Aug. 11, 1998, to Dixon, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,668, which issued Dec. 15, 1998, to Kafrissen, both relate to arrangements having a frame with wheels and means to raise and carry objects by first raising the object to a sufficient height to allow the carrying device to slide underneath. In other words, some lifting by the user is required before the device can be used.
In spite of the previous efforts to design an effective lifting device, there remains a need for a convenient and safe means of lifting relatively heavy objects while safeguarding the users from back and/or leg and feet injuries.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide a lifting device for safely lifting heavy, regular and odd shaped, objects.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a lifting device that can be used to conveniently move objects from one point to another after they has been lifted.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a lifting device that can be used by two individuals to raise and lower heavy objects with minimum strain and effort.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a lifting device that can be operated with cables and hooks using boom trucks, backhoes, etc.to lift objects that are too heavy to be lifted by two individuals.
Therefore, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lifting device comprising a pair of elongated arms pivotally connected to provide a pair of upper ends and a pair of cooperating lower ends; lifting means on each upper end for use in raising the lifting device; and gripping means on each lower end for gripping an object to be lifted; wherein an upward force on the lifting means causes the gripping means to be forced inwardly thereby clamping the object to be lifted.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the gripping means include a pair of articulated plate members attached to the lower end of the elongated arms. Preferably, the plate members include a central arcuate portion that may be coating with a rubberized material.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of lifting objects comprising: providing a lifting device having a pair of elongated arm members pivotally connected to form a pair of spaced upper ends and a pair of cooperating lower ends, the upper ends having raising means and the lower ends having gripping means; placing the lifting device over the object such that the gripping means lie on opposite sides of the object; and applying upward movement to the raising means thereby clamping the gripping means to the object and lifting the same.
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patent: 3572808 (1971-03-01), Miller
patent: 4572566 (1986-02-01), Terrington
patent: 4929010 (1990-05-01), Lahti
patent: 5009558 (1991-04-01), Savedra
(Marks & Clerk)
Cherry Johnny D.
Omni-Lift U.S.A.
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