Maneuvering device for heavy flat plates
First Claim
1. Apparatus for facilitating the entire support and handling of heavy objects having generally flat, parallel and spaced opposite surfaces such as manhole covers, storm drain grates and the like comprising:
- a gripper assembly including first and second plate means and an elongated frame means with said first and second plate means rigidly attached to said frame means and extending outwardly therefrom in spaced and substantially parallel relation with respect to one another so as to accept a heavy object inserted therebetween with the center of gravity of the object being disposed outward from said first and second plate means;
said first plate means including means for engaging one of the object surfaces in at least one pressure point adjacent an edge of an object when the object is inserted between said first and second plate means;
said second plate means including means for engaging the other of the object surfaces adjacent the edge of the object and in at least two pressure points when the object is inserted between said first and second plate means wherein said two pressure points are established in laterally spaced relation on opposite sides of said first plate means pressure point;
means for pivoting said gripper assembly in a direction generally perpendicular to at least one of the surfaces of the object when it is positioned between said first and second plate means, said pivoting of said gripper assembly thereby causing the object to be wedged between said pressure points by virtue of the relative positions of the object center of gravity and said pressure points; and
roller means attached to said gripper assembly for permitting movement of said apparatus into a position for receiving the object between said pressure points and for subsequently transporting said apparatus after said gripper assembly is pivoted in an upward direction relative to the plane of at least one of the object surfaces.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Large, flat objects such as manhole covers, storm drain grates and the like, are lifted and maneuvered. A tool includes a gripper assembly which receives the object at or near an edge and establishes control by an arrangement of at least one concentrated contact area or pressure point on one surface of the object and a pair of such concentrated contact areas or pressure points on the other surface. A long lever handle allows pivoting to raise the object; rollers on the tool accommodate maneuvering afterwards. Avoidance of runaway rolling and maintenance of positive movement control is possible by a stub or pin which is attachable is desired to engage the ground, street or the like, after the object is lifted.
22 Citations
8 Claims
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1. Apparatus for facilitating the entire support and handling of heavy objects having generally flat, parallel and spaced opposite surfaces such as manhole covers, storm drain grates and the like comprising:
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a gripper assembly including first and second plate means and an elongated frame means with said first and second plate means rigidly attached to said frame means and extending outwardly therefrom in spaced and substantially parallel relation with respect to one another so as to accept a heavy object inserted therebetween with the center of gravity of the object being disposed outward from said first and second plate means; said first plate means including means for engaging one of the object surfaces in at least one pressure point adjacent an edge of an object when the object is inserted between said first and second plate means; said second plate means including means for engaging the other of the object surfaces adjacent the edge of the object and in at least two pressure points when the object is inserted between said first and second plate means wherein said two pressure points are established in laterally spaced relation on opposite sides of said first plate means pressure point; means for pivoting said gripper assembly in a direction generally perpendicular to at least one of the surfaces of the object when it is positioned between said first and second plate means, said pivoting of said gripper assembly thereby causing the object to be wedged between said pressure points by virtue of the relative positions of the object center of gravity and said pressure points; and roller means attached to said gripper assembly for permitting movement of said apparatus into a position for receiving the object between said pressure points and for subsequently transporting said apparatus after said gripper assembly is pivoted in an upward direction relative to the plane of at least one of the object surfaces. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification