GB2407807A

GB2407807A - Cradle lifting clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2407807A
Application number: GB0325893A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Daly; David James Ollivier; Paul Andrew Jerram
Original assignee: Pioneer Lifting Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Pioneer Lifting Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2003-11-06
Filing date: 2003-11-06
Publication date: 2005-05-11
Also published as: GB0325893D0

Abstract

The Cradle Lifting Clamp includes two lifting legs (1 and 2) welded to a lifting handle or arm (4). When two clamps are fitted to each end of the the rectangular object to be lifted, with the lifting arms facing in opposite directions, the object can be lifted by two persons in unison, simultaneously raising and lifting the handles so that the clamps twist in opposite directions. Upon twisting, the striker plate (3) locks against the object and as a result it can be safely lifted, by a grip force resulting of friction developed by the opposing forces exerted by the legs on the outer upright surfaces of the rectangular object to be lifted. The handles (4) are long enough to space the user away from the danger zone when lifting.

Description

CRADLE LIFTING CLAMPS

This invention relates to a Lifting Clamp that can be used to carry rectangular shaped objects to be used within the Construction Industry. Examples of such objects would include kerbstones, lintels, building blocks.

Traditionally within the Construction Industry such objects have been carried by hand or by using tools that lift using either a 'scissor grip' action that clamps, or 'end to end' lifters that clamp from each end.

These type of clamps have to be rigidly fixed and can have handling problems. These handling problems can include difficult lifting and walking positions with an injury risk to feet and legs.

The object of this invention is to provide a safe lifting and carrying method from a loose fitting clamp.

According to this invention, Cradle Lifting Clamps are fitted near each end of the object to be lifted. Each clamp comprises two angled lifting legs and a lifting arm. The clamps are fitted on the object so that the lifting arms are facing in opposite directions. The clamps are loose fitted, but on lifting, a 'twist', 'lock' and 'lift' action enables the object to be safely lifted and carried.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective a Cradle Lifting Clamp; Figure 2 illustrates the clamps fitted over the object to be lifted; and Figure 3 illustrates the object being manually lifted and carried.

Referring to the drawing in Fig I, the Cradle Lifting Clamps comprise two lifting legs ( I & 2), a striker plate (3) and a lifting arm (4). The assembly is welded together.

In order to carry the object, the clamps are drop fitted over the ends of the object in opposite directions, as shown in Fig 2.

Two people standing at either side and end of the object now lift, as shown in Fig 3. The object is lifted in unison by a "lift, twist and lock" action, and can be safely carried by forward walking.

For release, the clamps and object are lowered in unison. When the object being carried is safely on the ground the clamps can easily be removed from above.

Claims

1 The Cradle Lifting Clamps, each comprising two angled lifting legs that fit over each end of the object to be lifted, with handles in opposite directions. The Clamps are loosely fitted, but on lifting, the "lift, twist and lock" action comes into play to safely lift and carry the object.

2 A Cradle Lifting Clamp as claimed in Claim I wherein a striker plate is used to lock' the clamp automatically to aid lifting and prevent sliding and dropping.

3 A Cradle Lifting Clamp as claimed in Claim I and Claim 2 wherein the long carry handles space the user away from the 'Danger Zone' if the object being carried were accidentally dropped.

4 A Cradle Lifting Clamp substantially as described herein with reference to Figures I to 3 of the accompanying drawing.