Object lifting device that converts opposing angled lifting forces to girthing forces
First Claim
1. An object lifting device, comprising:
- a plurality of compression straps, each of which is configured to bear against a surface of an object to be lifted;
a plurality of gathering loops, each of which is comprised of a flexible material that is slidably engaged with at least two of the compression straps to draw an end of one compression strap toward an opposing end of another compression strap when the gathering loops are pulled;
a plurality of handles, each of which is attached to a gathering loop and adapted to pull the respective gathering loop when an object is lifted; and
a length adjusting mechanism adapted to adjust the length of a gathering loop between the handle and the compression strap to which the gathering loop is attached.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An embodiment of an object lifting device includes compression straps to which gathering loops and handles are secured. In use, the straps and gathering loops encircle an object to be lifted. A pulling force applied to the handles causes the gathering loops to draw the ends of the straps toward each other, which results in the straps bearing upon the object to be lifted. While the object is held suspended, the weight of the object helps maintain the pulling pressure on the gathering loops and the consequent girthing action by the straps. The object is thus firmly secured by the device allowing it to be safely and easily lifted and transported.
21 Citations
30 Claims
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1. An object lifting device, comprising:
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a plurality of compression straps, each of which is configured to bear against a surface of an object to be lifted;
a plurality of gathering loops, each of which is comprised of a flexible material that is slidably engaged with at least two of the compression straps to draw an end of one compression strap toward an opposing end of another compression strap when the gathering loops are pulled;
a plurality of handles, each of which is attached to a gathering loop and adapted to pull the respective gathering loop when an object is lifted; and
a length adjusting mechanism adapted to adjust the length of a gathering loop between the handle and the compression strap to which the gathering loop is attached. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An object lifting device, comprising an arrangement of compression straps and gathering loops that, when connected, encircle an object to be lifted,
wherein each compression strap has a first end and a second end, wherein each gathering loop is configured to detachably connect the second end of one compression strap to the first end of another compression strap in sliding engagement whereby pulling tension on the gathering loops draws the first and second ends of the respective compression straps toward each other and causes the compression straps to bear against a surface of an object to be lifted, and wherein detachment of a gathering loop from a compression strap enables the object lifting device to be laterally removed from the object without bringing the device over the top or under the bottom of the object.
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18. An object lifting device, comprising:
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straps, each of which is formed using a single mold design and including a first part of a two-part detachable connecting mechanism; and
gathering loops, each of which is formed of a flexible material that carries a second part of the two-part detachable connecting mechanism, wherein the two-part connecting mechanisms are configured to connect the straps to each other in a series and encircle an object to be lifted, said straps bearing against a surface of the object to be lifted when the gathering loops are pulled. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. An object lifting device, comprising:
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strap means for bearing against a surface of an object to be lifted; and
loop means for detachably connecting the strap means around an object to be lifted and for drawing the strap means against the object to be lifted when the loop means are pulled, wherein detachment of the loop means from the strap means enables the object lifting device to be laterally removed from the object to be lifted without bringing the device over the top or under the bottom of the object. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification