GB2527563A - A lifting device - Google Patents

Abstract

A lifting sheet 100 features lifting members 104, 106 with handles 126, the lifting members 104, 106 being releasably securable together. The position of the handles 126, on the lifting members 104,106 may permit a comfortable upright lifting position for a user, and may stop unwanted rotation of the item lifted. The sheet 100 may be secured around, and used to lift an item of furniture such as a sofa. The lifting sheet 100 may further include one or more rigid or semi rigid panels (fig.5).

Description

DESCRIPTION

A LIFTING DEVICE

The present invention relates to lifting devices.

The transportation of large, heavy or unwieldy objects remains a problem even in the professional moving industry. Particularly large or oversized objects (e.g. a sofa:) are bulky and cumbersome to handle, requiring the user to provide both lateral and vertical support. There are many physical obstacles that are encountered when moving which require careful manoeuvring in order to pass by the.se obstacles. Further, transporting objects down stairNays or through doorways can result in the user niuring or straining themselves or requires the user to set down the object to rest. This can result in the obiect being soiled or damaged.

The need to move such obiects, using manpower alone, has led t.o the development of helpful devices such as doliies, pulley/lever assemblies, hand trucks and the like. However despite the existence of such manual devices, there remain situations where such devices are impractical to use (e.g. movement of unwieldy objects within the confines of a building). Further, such devices are relatively complicated to use, specific to lifting an object of a particular dimension or are difficult or time consuming to attach to objects, and can also be relatively expensive to manufacture.

Therefore there remains a need for an improved lifting device for manually transporting large. heavy or unwieldy objects. An apparatus of this type should maximise manoeuvrabty, be suited to lifting objects of various dimensions and aso be simple and economical to manufacture in order to provide for widespread use.

It is therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for the manual transportation of large, heavy or unwieldy objects, n accordance wth a first aspect of the present nvenfion a UfUng devce comphses a sheet member, a first flexbe Hffing member secured to the sheet member and extendng outwardy from the sheet member ri a first dh'ecUon, a second fiexbe ftbng member secured to the sheet member arid extendng ouarrfiy from the sheet member fri a second drectbn, opposfte to the fret dftecfion, a means for r&easahy securing together the extending ends of the first and second iexbe ifVng members and hande means on each of the first and second fiexbe Uffing members.

n the ftt.ing device of the present nvenlion, the Hfting force apphed to the la fUng members wifi be more eveny dstdbuted. thereby redudrig rotafiona nstabffity of an object atop the sheet member. n addftion, the hande means facWtetes ftng.

Preferab3y, the fUng members are Songate and comprise opposae ends of an eongate member secured to the sheet member.

Prefsrahy, the Uffing members comprise strap means for securing an object fri poSb:on atop the sheet member.

Preferahy, the Uffing members are attached to the sheet member by stftcNng.

Preferahy, the means for reeasaby securing together the extendng ends of the first and second fiexbie UfUng members comprises buckde means.

ts preferred that the ffing device comprises a means for adjusting the ength of the Ufting members. By adjusting the ength of the Ufting members the Hfting devke firmy secures the object heng ifted and vasdy ocreases the manoeuvrahThty of the object.

Preferahy, there are a puraHty of first and second!ftng members extendng n a first and second cUrection respecfivey.

ft s preferred that the Uffing device comprises a reeasaby engageabe contact fastener means on opposte edges of the sheet member. By provdng a r&easaby engageahe contact fastener on oppo&te edges, the sheet member can he secured around an object being lifted thereby providing protection during transport.

Preferably, the reieasabiy sngageabie contact fastener means comprises a hook and loop fastener.

Preferably, the fting device fi.rther comprises a flexible securing member secured to the sheet member and extending outwartfiy from the sheet member i, a third direction, inclined to said first direction, a second flexible securing member secured to the sheet member and extending outwardly from the sheet member in a fourth direction opposite to said third direction, and a means for releasably securing together the extending ends of the first and second flexible securing rnem bers.

By oroviding securing members, the object being lifted can he secured atop the sheet member arid further reduce rotational instability of an object during I iftino, It is preferred that the securing members are elongate and comprise opposite ends of an elongate member secured to the sheet member.

Preferably, the securing members comprise strap means and are attached to the sheet member by stitching.

Preferably, the securing members comprise buckle means for releasably securing the extending ends of the first and second flexible securing members.

it is preferred that the lifting devk;e further comprises means For adjusUrig the length of the securing members. By adjusting the length of the securing members. the securing members can be tightened around the object being lifted.

Preferably, there are a plurality of first and second securing members extending in a first and second direction respectively.

Preferably, the sheet member is flexible and rectangular in shape to accommodate a variety of sizes of objects.

In a further embodiment, the sheet member is rigid or semirigid.

Preferably, the sheet member comprises plastics.

n a further embodiment, the sheet member comphses first and second ovedad sheets secured to one another with one or more access apertures provided allowing access to the gap between the first and second sheets. The layering of multiple sheets increases the strength of the llfting device.

In a further embodiment, the sheet member cornorises a base wall, two end walls at opposite edges of the base wall and front and rear wells at opposite edges of the base wall, the device being erectable whereby the end walls, front and rear wall are configurable to he inclined with respect to the base wall and the de\ice further comprising means for releasably securing the walls in the erected conñquration.

By providing a sheet member having such a configuration, the Ufting device is designed to carry sofas and sim arlyshaped ohjects.

Preferably, the front and rear walls are rectanguar.

Preferaby. the adjacent edges of the front, rear, and end walls comprise a r&easably securahie fastening means.

It is preferred that the releasably securabe fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastener.

Preferably, the hung device comprises a rectangular top wall extending from the edge of the rear wall opposite to the connection of the rear wall and the base and further comprises a means for r&easably securing it to another position of the device By way of example only, specific embodiments o' the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a first embodiment of ilifing device in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view From below of the Htting device OF Figure 1.

Figures 3a and 3b are perspective views from above of the lifting device of Figure 1 showing how the lifting device is secured around an object to be hfted.

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of lilting device in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4h is an expbded view of the lifting device of Figure 4a.

Figure 5 is a perspective vkw of a third embodiment of hfting device in accordance with the present invention.

Figure Ga is a view from above of The lifting device of Figure 5, shown in an opened out condition, Figure Gb is a view from below of the lifting device of Figure 5, shown in an opened out condition.

With reference to Figure 1, a lifUng device 100 comprises a rectangula sheet 102, first and second longitudinal lifting members in the form of generally parallel lifting straps 104, 106 and flrst and second generaliy paraHel lateral securing members in the form of securing straps 108, 110 arranged perpendicularly to the lifting straps 104, 106. The sheet member 102 is formed from a flexible waterproof material, for., woven polypropylene. The lifting straps 104, 106 and the scouring straps 108. 110 are each fomed from a flexible elongate strip of woven polypropylene webbing.

As ifiustrated in Figure 1, the first and second lifting straps 104, 106 are generaily parallel to one another and extend beyond opposite ends of the sheet member 102. The lifting straps 104, 106 each comprise first end portions 112, 122 extending outwardly from one end edge of the sheet member 102 in a first direchon and second end portions 114, 120 extending outwardly from the opposite edge of the sheet member 102 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The Ufting straps 104, 106 each further comprise a central third portion 116, 122 respectively between the end portions 112, 114 and 120, 122, secured by paraflei rows of stitching 124 to a first, lower face 103 of the sheet member 102.

The lifting straps 104, 106 are stitched to the sheet 102 at a location towards the centre of the sheet 102, such that the portions of the sheet outwardly of the rows stitching 124 torn protective flaps Fl P2 which in use are wrapped around an object to be Ufted, as wUl be explained.

As best seen in Figure 1, each of the first and second end portions of each lifting strap 104. 106 is provided with a Ufting handle 126 at a location beyond the end edc:es of the sheet 102, and each formed by looping the end portion of the strap and tying it into a knot 127.

The abity to grasp the handle 126 at a distance from the object being iif;d allows a user to assume a comfortable and substantially upr;ght posture for lifting an object, as wUl be explained. Such an upr1ght posture greatly reduces the strain imposed on a user's hack compared to strains imposed if the user is required to bend over.

As best seen in Figure 1, the tkst and second securing straps 108, 110 are generafly paraflel to one another (and perpendicular to the lifting straps 104, 106) and extend beyond opposite side edges of the sheet member 102. The securing strapslOfi, 110 each comprise a first end portion 128, 134 respectively, extending outwardly from one side edge of the sheet member 102 and a second end portion 130, 136 respectively, extending outwardly from two opposite side edge of the sheet member 102. The securing straps 108, 110 each further comprise a central portion 132, 138 respectively between the end portions 128.

130 and 136, 138, secured by parauel rows of stitching 124 to the owerface 103 of the sheet member 102 and crossing over the central portions 116, 122 of the lifting straps 104, 10$. The securing straps 108, 110 are also stitched to the sheet 102 at a location towards the centre of the sheet 102, such that the portions of the sheet outwardly of the rows of stitching 124 form protective end 26 flaps P3, P4 which in use are wrapped around the ends of an ohect to be lifted, as will be explained] The stitching 124 of the central portions 116, 122, 132 and 138 reinforces the lifting straps 104, 106 and the securing straps 108, 110 and limit wearing damage of the straps that might otherwise be susceptible to tearing or might separate from the sheet 102. In the embodiment shown in FIgure 1, the portions 116, 122, 132 and 138 extend across the central area of the sheet 102, which serves to distribute forces applied to the lifting straps 104,106 and the securing straps 108, 110 to the object being transported, promoting tmtform movement and stability, as will be explained below.

As Illustrated in Figure 1, the end 112, 114:118, 120 of first and second portions of the lifting straps 104, 108 and securing straps 108, 110 are each provided with one component 140, 141 of a conventional quick release buckle for releasably attaching the opposite ends of each lifting strap 104, 106 and securing strap 108, 110. The components 141 attached to the second end of the lifting straps 104, 106 and sectslng straps 108, 110 allow the effective length of the lifting straps 104,108 and securing strap 108,110 to be a4usted.

As shown in Figure 2, the components 142, 144 of a strip of hook and loop fastener (e.g. Velcro®) are stitched to a second, upper face 105 of the sheet member 102, immediately adjacent the side edges 146,148 of the sheet member 102. Each component 142 and 144 of the hook and loop fastener extends Song the entire edge 146 and 148 of the sheet member 102.

In order to better understand how the lifting device 100 and the various components cooperate and work together, the following exemplary description of the general overall operation of the rifling device 100 Is provided. The description makes reference to the lifting of a sofa 150. but other objects may be lifted.

Asbestseeninrlgures3aand3b,thesOfal5OispOsitlonedSuchthatit lies at the centre of the first, upper face 105 of the sheet member 102 Immediately above the rows of stItching 124. 124' where the lifting straps 104, 106 and securing straps 108, 110 are attached to the sheet 102. The lateral protective flaps Fl, F2 are then wrapped around the sofa 160 and their edges are releasably secured together by means of the elongate hook and loop fastener components. The ends 128, 130, 134, 136 of the securing straps 108, 110 are then releasabty connected by means of the quick-release buckles 140,141 and ends 130, 136 of the straps 108, 110 are puUed through the respecbve buclde components 141 to make the straps 108, 110 tight.

The end protective flaps F3. F4 are then wrapped around the ends of the sofa 160. The ends 112, 114, 118, 120 of the fting straps 104, 106 are then releasably connected by means of the quickrelease buckles 140, 141 and the ends 114, 120 of the fflng straps 104, 106 are pubod through the respective buckk components 141 to make the ifting strap 104, 106 tight.

As shown in Figure 3b, the sofa is thereby enclosed in a flexible protective cover which will help to minimise damage during transport. More-over, by securing together the ends of the ftfting straps 104, 106, the ffing handles 126 are presented at a convenient height to facilitate lifting. Furthermore, the secunng straps ensure that the flaps Fl, 2, P3, P4 are reaned.

The enclosed sofa 150 can then be lifted by a person at each end of the sole grasping the two handies 126 and lifting upwardly. The weight of the sofa wm be spread by the lftting straps 104, 106 and to a lesser extent by the securing straps 108; 110, In, parUcdar. much of the weight of the sofa wiU be borne by the rows of stitching 124, 124' which secure the straps 104, 106, 108, 110 to the sheet*iCi2 and by the panel defined by those rows of efitching. n addition, it is not necessary to grasp the sofa itself in order to lift it, which will reduce damage to the sofa-Furthermore, the sofa theft is completely enclosed by the protective sheet, which wth help to minimise damage to the sofa during transit and wi help to keep the sofa dry.

After the sofa has been moved to the desired location, the procedure described above is reversed and the sofa is then ready for use. The lii' ng device can then he removed and reused, A second embodiment of htting device in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figures 4a and 4b. This embodiment is a modification of that shown in Figures 1, 2. 3a and 3b and the same reference numerals have been used to identify equivalent features, The main modficaton is that flaps Fl F2. F3, F4 of the first embodiment have been omitted, whereby the central portion 116, 122, 132, 133 of both the liffing straps 104. 106 and the securing straps 108, 110 are sutched to the pedphery of the sheet member 102.

in addftEon, a second sheet member 152, having of the same size. shape and mateha as the first sheet 102, but with part.drcular cut away corners, 154 is stitched to the lateral and end edges of the lifting straps 104, 106 and the securing straps 108, 110 and to the first sheet member 102, by means of rows of stltchkig 158, 158, so that the straps 104, 106, 108, 110 are sandwiched between the first end second sheets 102, 152. As shown in Fioures 4a and 4h, each cut away corner edge 154 of the second sheet member 152 is not secured to the first sheet member 102, thereby forming a pocketAike enclosure between the first and second sheets 102, 152. The pocketike enclosure can he used for storing the first and second Hftina straps 104, 106 and securing straps 108, 110 when not in useS In add Won, two identical handles 128 are stftched between the first and second sheets 102, 152 at the rnidpoint of the end edges 156. Each handle 128 is formed from an elongate strip of conventional polypropylene webbing which is folded hack on itself so that its two ends overlap and are stUched in place between the lateral edges of the first and second sheet members 102 and 152 respectiveiy, As in the first embodiment, the sheet 102 is formed from a flexible sheet of woven polypropylene and the UThng straps 104, 106 and the securing straps 108, 110 are formed from afiexible strip oF woven polypropylene webbing, Also as in the first embodiment. iftng handles 128 are formed by looping the arid portion of each of the straps and tying it into a knot 127.

The embodiment of Figure $ is used in a manner very similar to that of the first embodiment, hut somewhat simplified as the protective flaps Fl. F2, F3, F4 do not have to be wrapped around the object to be lifted, in use, the object to he lifted would he positioned above the sheets 102, 152 (or the sheets would he located under the o]ect, if more convenient), The securing straps 108, 110 would then be wrapped around the object, their ends fastened together using the buckles 140, 141 and the straps 108, 110 tightened as in the first embodiment.

The liffing straps 104, 106 would then be wrapped around the ends of the object, the ends of the straps 104, 106 fastened together using the buckies 140, 141 and the atraps 104, 106 Ughtened, as in the first embodiment.

By securing together the ends of the lifting straps 104, 106, the Offing handles 126 are presented at a convenient height for Offing.

The object can then he Oiled by a person at each end of grasping the two handles 126 and Oiling upwardly. The weight of the obiect. will he spread by the Offing straps 104, 10$ and to a lesser extent by the securing straps 108, 110, In particular, much of the weight of the object will he borne by the rows of stitching 124, 124 which secure the straps 104, 106, 108, 110 to the sheets 102, 152. in addition, it is not necessary to grasp the object itself in order to lift it, which iO reduce damage to the otect, After the object has been moved to the desired location, the proced e described above is reversed and the object is then ready for use. The lifting device can then he removed and reused. As indicated above, after use the lifting straps 104, 106 and the securing straps 108, 110 can conveniently he stowed in the pockethke enclosure formed between the first and second sheets 102, 152, access being gained via the cutaway corner portions 154 of the second sheet 152.

The third embodiment of Offing device, shown in Figures 5 and 6. is a modified version of the. first embodiment. The third embodiment of Offing dece is designed specificaHy to carry sofas and simOariyshaped objects.

The Oiling device comprises a flexible cruciformshaped sheet 160 of woven polypropylene which comprises a rectangular base panel 162, a narrow rectangular lower front panel 164 extending from a long, front edge of the base panel 162, two square end panS 166, 168 extending from the end edges of the base panel 162, a rectangular rear panel 170 extending from a ong, rear edge of the base panel and a top pane 172 extending from the opposite long edge of the rear panel 170. in this embodiment, the "panels' referred to above comprise a single sheet 160 cut from a single sheet of woven poypropylene, and the reference to "panels" is used to denote different areas of the sheet. However, the sheet 160 may instead be formed from separate panels which are Joined together (e.g. by stitching) to fOrm the cruciform sheet.

The hifing device further comprises first and second longthidThal hfUng members in the form of generay parahel lilting straps 174, 176 and first and second generaUy paraflel lateral securing members in the form of securing straps 178, 180, The first and second lifting straps 174, 178 are generaHy parael to one another and extend beyond the lateray outward edges of the end panels 166, 168. The ifdng straps 174, 176 each comprise first end portions 182, 184 extending outwardly from one edge of end panel 166 in a first drecUon and second end portions 186, 188 extending outwardly from the edge of the opposite end member 168 in a second direction opposite to the first dftection.

The lifting straps 174, 176 each further comprise a central third portion 190, 192 respectiv&y between the end portions secured by parahel rows of stitching 194 to a first, lower face of the base pan& 162.

As in the first embodiment, each of the first and second end portions of each fitting strap 174; 176 is provided with a lifting handle 196 formed by looping the end portion of the strap and tying it into a knot.

The first and second securing straps 178, 180 are generally parallel to one another (and perpendicular to the lifting straps 174.. 17$) and extend beyond the rectangular lower front panel 164 and the outermost edge of the rear panel 170. The securing straps each comprise a first end portion 200.

202 and a second end porbon 2u4, 2uo end a central pomon 208, 210 between the end portions, securing by paraHel rows of sUtching 212 to the lower face of the base panel 162 and crossing over the central portions of lifting strap. The securing straps are stitched to the base panel 162 towards the centre of the paneL As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 the ends of the first and second portions OF the lilting straps 174, 176 and securing straps 178, 180 are each provided with one component 140. 141 ole conventional quick release buckle for r&easably attaching the opposite ends of each lifting strap 174. 176 and securing strap 204, 206, as in the previous embodiments, for allowing the effective length of the lifting straps and securing straps to be adust.ed.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lateral edges of the end panels 166, 168 are provided with one component of a strip of hook and loop fastener (e.g. Velcro®) and the adjacent edges of the front panel 164 and rear pan& are similarly provided with the complementary component of the hook and loop fastener. Two short strips of one component of hook and loop fastener are also secured to the inner face of the top panel 172 extending inwardly from its end edge, for engaging with the complementary hook and oop fastener components arranged on the outer face of the narrow front panel 162.

The embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 is used in a manner very similar to that of the lirst embodiment. A sofa or similarlyshaped object is positioned such that it lies at the centre of the base panel 162. The front panel 164, end panels 166, 168 and rear panel 170 are then folded such that they lie perpendicularly to the base panel 162. The end panels 166, 168 are then secured to the front panel 164 and rear panel 170 by means of the hock and loop fasteners, such that the thing device assumes the open box**Hke configuraFon shown in Figure 5. The top panel is then wrapped around the exposea sofa and its free edge is secured to the front face of the front panel 164 by means of the hook and loop fasteners, The securing straps 178, 180 are then wrapped around The sofa and the ends are secured using the buckles 140, 141 and the length of the straps adjusted as in the first embodiment. Similarly, the lifting straps 174, 176 are passed lengthwise around the enclosed sofa, the ends secured toqether by means of buckles 140, 141 and thefr length adjusted as in the first embodiment.

The enclosed sofa is then lifted by means of the handles 196, as tr the first embodiment.

Once the sofa has been transported to the desired location, it can be is unwrapped by reversing the procedure described above.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments.

For example, the materials of the various components of the lifting device may differ from those disclosed, Moreover, although the portion of the sheet which in use is located beneath the object to be lifted (defined between the stitching securing the lifting straps and the securing straps to the sheet) is deschbed as heinofiexible, it could instead be ricid orserni.-rigid.

Furthermore, there may be lewd than, or more than, two lifting straps and/or fewer than, or more than, two secunng straps. Where a plurality of lifting straps and/or securing straps is used, those lifting straps and/or securing straps need not be parallel.

In addition the securing of various components by stitching may he replaced by, or supplemented by, other forms of securing such as glUing, heat weding. etc. Furthermore, the hook and cop fastener of the first embodrnent may be repaced with a different fastener such as a magneUc fastener.

Claims (4)

1. C LAI MS1. A liffing device comprising: a sheet member; a first flexible lifting member secured to the sheet member and extending outwardly from the sheet member in a first direction; a second exible lilting member secured to the sheet member and extending outwardly from the sheet member in a second direction, opposite to the flrst direction; means for releasably securing together the extending ends of the first and second flexbe hthng members; and handle means on each of the first, and second flexible lifung members.
2. 2 A Ufting device as claimed in claim I wherein the first flexible lifting IS memoer is eionqate,
3. 3. A lifting device as claimed in dahn 1 or claim 2, wherein the second flexible fting member is elongate.
4. 4. A lifting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein both the first arid second flexible lifting members are elongate and comprise opposite ends of an elongate member secured to the sheet member.5.. A Offing device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first elongate lifting member and/or the second elongate lilting member comprises strap means.6. A lifting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first flexible elongate Hfting member and/or second flexible elongate lifting member is stitched to the sheet member.7. A lifting device as daimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for r&easahiy securing together the extending ends of the first and second flexible bitting members composes huckie means.8. A lifting device as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, ccmprising means for adjusting the length of the first and/or second elongate lifting member.9. A lifting device as claimed in ar.y of the preceding claims, comprising a puraUt.y of first flexible lifting members.16 10. A lifting device as daimed in daim 9, wher&n the plurality of first exible liSting members extend generally in the same direction.ii. A lifting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of second flexible lifting members.12. A fitting device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the plurality of second flexible lifting members extend generally in the same direction.13. A lifting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, coinpEising two first flexible lifting members secured to the sheet member.14. A lifting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the two first flexible lifting members are secured to opposite edges of the sheet member.15. A lifting device as claimed in claim 13. wherein one or both of the two first flexible lfting members are secured to the sheet member at a location spaced from the edge of the sheet member, 16. A hfting device as rsirned in any of the preceding dairns, comprising releasably enqaueabe contact fastener means on opposite edges of the sheet member.17. A thing device as claimed in claim 16. wherein the reieasahiy engageahie contact fastener means comprises a hook and loop fastener.IS. A lilting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comorising a flexible securing member secured to the sheet member and extending outwardly from the sheet member in a third direction, inclined to said first direction, a second flexible securing member secured to the sheet member and extending outwardly from the sheet member in a fourth direction opposite to said third direction, and a means for rSasahly securing together the extending ends of the first and second flexibie securing members.19. A Ufting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first flexible securing member is elongate.20. A iftinq device as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the second flexible securing member is elongate.21. A lifting device as claimed in claim 20. wherein both the first and second flexible securing members are elongate and comprise opposite ends of an elongate member secured to the sheet member.22. A lifting device as daimed in any of claims 19 to 21, wher&n the first elongate securing member and/or the second elongate securing member comprises strap means.23. A iftng device as daimed in any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the first elongate secudng member and/or the second elongate securing member is stitched to the sheet member.24. A lifting devoe as claimed in any of claims 18 to 23, wherein the means for releasably securing together the extending ends of the fIrst arid second flexible securing members comprises buckle means.25. A fbrig devce as camed n any of clams 18 to 24, compnsng means for adjusting the ength of the first and/or second elongate secudng member.26. A lilting device as claimed in any of claims 18 to 25, comprisThg a plurality of first flexible securing mernters.27. A lifung device as daimed in claim 26, wherein the pluraiity of first flexible securing members extend generay in the same direct!on, 28, A lifting device as claimed in any of daims 18 to 27, comprising a piuraUty of second flexible securing members.29. A lifting device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the plurality of second flexible securino members extend generally in the same direction.30. A lilting device as daimed in any of cisims 18 to 29, comprIsing two first flexible secunng members secured t.o the sheet member, 31 A fting device as cmed in any of dairns 18 to 30, wher&n the two first flexible eecudng members are secured to opposite edges of the sheet member.32. A Uffing device as claimed in claim 31 wher&n one or both of the two first flexible securinq members are secured to the sheet member at a location spaced From the edue of the sheet member.33. A lifting device as cftdned in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet members flexible.34. A lifting devk;e as damed in any of claims 1 to 32, wherein the sheet member is rigid orsenii.rigid.35. A lifting device as claimed in any of the oreceding claims. wherein the sheet member comprises plastics.36. A lifting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet member is rectangular. on37. A lifting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet member comprises first and second overlaid sheets secured to one another.2.5 33. A lifting device as claimed in claim 37. comodsinq one or more access apertures aflowing access to the gao heen the firs? and second sheets.39. A hftng devce as dawned n any or dawns 1 to 3o, compnsng a rectangular base waU, two end waUs at opposite edges of the base wail, front and rear w&s at opposite edges ci the base w&, the device being erectabe whereby the end wafls. the front waH and rear wah are contigurabe to he inclined with respect to the base wall and the device further comprising means for reieasably securing the was in the erected configuration.40. A iftinq device as claimed in claim 39 wherein the end walis front and rear waU are rectangular.41 A lifting device as claimed in claim 39 or claim 40, comprising releasahly secunng fastening means along adjacent edges of the end walls, front waH and rear waU.42. A lifting device as claimed in claims 39 to 42, wherein the releasably engageahie contact fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastener.43. A fting device as claimed in any of claims 39 to 42, comprising a top wafl extending from the edge of the rear wall opposite to the connection of the rear wall end the base.44. A lilfing device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the top wah comprises means for reieasahly securing it to another portion of the device.45, A lifting device as claimed in any of claims 40 to 44. wherein the top wail is rectangular.46. A lifting device substantially as herein described with reFerence to, and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, Figure. 4 or Figure 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings..