U.S. patent application number 10/807225 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-29 for lifter for furniture and the like.
This patent application is currently assigned to SIMTEC, CO.. Invention is credited to Edwards, Donald V..
Application Number | 20050211961 10/807225 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34988707 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050211961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Edwards, Donald V. |
September 29, 2005 |
Lifter for furniture and the like
Abstract
An apparatus for applying an upward pressure to an object which
is at least sufficient to lift such object a predetermined
distance. The apparatus comprises at least one elongated rod member
formed of a first predetermined material and having a first
predetermined shape. A handle member is engageable with a first end
of the elongated rod member for gripping the apparatus during use
and an elongated leg member is engageable at a first end thereof
with a second end of the elongated rod member and extending
outwardly therefrom for engaging such item to be lifted. A
substantially stationary third means is engageable with and
disposed closely adjacent an intersection of the second end of the
elongated rod member and the first end of the second means, the
substantially stationary third means being positioned for
supporting and pivoting the apparatus.
Inventors: |
Edwards, Donald V.;
(Harrison City, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES RAY & ASSOCIATES
2640 PITCAIRN ROAD
MONROEVILLE
PA
15146
US
|
Assignee: |
SIMTEC, CO.
|
Family ID: |
34988707 |
Appl. No.: |
10/807225 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
254/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66F 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
254/025 |
International
Class: |
A47B 095/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for applying an upward pressure to at least a
portion of an object to be lifted which is at least sufficient to
lift such object a predetermined distance, said apparatus
comprising: (a) at least one elongated rod member formed of a first
predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape; (b)
a first means engageable with a first end of said elongated rod
member for gripping said apparatus during use; (c) a second means
one of formed integrally with said elongated rod member as a single
piece and engageable as a separate piece at a first end thereof
with a second end of said elongated rod member and extending
outwardly therefrom for engaging such object to be lifted, and (d)
a substantially stationary third means engageable with and disposed
closely adjacent an intersection of said second end of said
elongated rod member and said first end of said second means, said
substantially stationary third means being positioned for
supporting and pivoting said apparatus.
2. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said substantially
stationary third means is positioned substantially perpendicular to
said second means on an underside of said second means.
3. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said substantially
stationary third means has plastic caps to cover each end portion
of said substantially stationary third means.
4. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first
predetermined material is a material having a strength at least
sufficient to lift at least between about 150 and about 300
pounds.
5. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first means
at least includes a rubber grip.
6. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein a length of said
at least one elongated rod member is adjustable.
7. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein a length of at
least one of said first means and said second means is
adjustable.
8. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of
said first means and said second means is engageable with said
elongated rod member by a ratchet arrangement whereby at least one
of said first means and said second means can be adjusted to a
variety of angles.
9. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second means
is formed of a second predetermined material.
10. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second
predetermined material is identical to said first predetermined
material.
11. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second end
of said second means includes a taper.
12. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 11, wherein said apparatus
further includes a plastic sleeve to cover said taper to prevent
damage to such item to be lifted.
13. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 11, wherein said taper has a
V-shaped notch that is designed to remove nails.
14. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
substantially stationary third means further includes a third
predetermined material.
15. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 14, wherein said third
predetermined material is polyethylene.
16. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first means
is offset from said elongated rod member at a predetermined
angle.
17. An apparatus for lifting at least a portion of one of
furniture, appliances and movable wall structures, said apparatus
comprising: (a) at least one elongated rod member formed of a first
predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape; (b)
a handle means engageable with a first end of said elongated rod
member for gripping said apparatus during use; and (c) an elongated
leg member one of formed integrally with said elongated rod member
as a single piece and engageable as a separate piece at a first end
thereof with a second end of said elongated rod member and
extending outwardly therefrom for engaging such object to be
lifted, said elongated leg member being adjustable in at least one
of an angular mode and a longitudinal mode.
18. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 17, wherein said apparatus
further includes a base member disposed closely adjacent an
intersection of said second end of said elongated rod member and
said first end of said elongated leg member, said base member being
positioned for both supporting and pivoting said apparatus.
19. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 18, wherein said base member
is positioned substantially perpendicular to said elongated leg
member on an underside of said elongated leg member.
20. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 17, wherein said elongated
leg member includes a ratchet arrangement for engagement with said
elongated rod member thereby providing a variety of angles between
said elongated leg member and said elongated rod member.
21. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 17, wherein said elongated
leg member includes at least two telescoping members thereby
providing a longitudinal adjustment.
22. An apparatus for lifting at least a portion of one of
furniture, appliances and movable wall structures, said apparatus
comprising: (a) at least one elongated rod member formed of a first
predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape; (b)
an elongated arm member one of formed integrally with said
elongated rod member as a single piece and engageable as a separate
piece at a first end thereof with a first end of said elongated rod
member and extending outwardly therefrom for gripping said
apparatus during use, said elongated arm member being adjustable in
at least one of an angular mode and a longitudinal mode; and (c) an
elongated leg member one of formed integrally with said elongated
rod member as a single piece and engageable as a separate piece at
a first end thereof with a second end of said elongated rod member
and extending outwardly therefrom for engaging such object to be
lifted.
23. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 22, wherein said apparatus
further includes a base member disposed closely adjacent an
intersection of said second end of said elongated rod member and
said first end of said elongated leg member, said base member being
positioned for both supporting and pivoting said apparatus.
24. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 23, wherein said base member
is positioned substantially perpendicular to said elongated leg
member on an underside of said elongated leg member.
25. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 22, wherein said elongated
arm member includes a ratchet arrangement for engagement with said
elongated rod member thereby providing a variety of angles between
said elongated arm member and said elongated rod member.
26. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 22, wherein said elongated
arm member includes at least two telescoping members thereby
providing a longitudinal adjustment.
27. An apparatus for applying an upward pressure to at least a
portion of an object which is at least sufficient to lift such
object a predetermined distance, said apparatus comprising: (a) a
first elongated rod member formed from a first predetermined
material and having a first predetermined shape; (b) a first means
engageable with a first end of said elongated rod member for
gripping said apparatus during use; (c) a second elongated rod
member one of formed integrally with said first elongated rod
member as a single piece and engageable as a separate piece at a
first end thereof to a second end of said elongated rod member; and
(d) an elongated object engaging means engageable with said second
elongated rod member closely adjacent a second end thereof for
engaging at least a portion of a bottom surface of such object to
be lifted and for exerting an upward pressure to such object, said
elongated object engaging means having a predetermined surface
bearing area which is at least sufficient to prevent sidewise
tipping of said apparatus during use.
28. An apparatus for removing a post imbedded in earth by applying
an upward pressure to such post which is at least sufficient to
lift such post a predetermined distance, said predetermined
distance being at least sufficient to enable removing such post by
hand, said apparatus comprising: (a) a first elongated rod member
formed of a first predetermined material and having a first
predetermined shape; (b) a handle means engageable with a first end
of said first elongated rod member for gripping said apparatus
during use; (c) a second elongated rod member one of formed
integrally with said first elongated rod member as a single piece
and engageable as a separate piece at a first end thereof with a
second end of said first elongated rod member and extending
outwardly therefrom; (d) a gripping means engageable with such post
for gripping such post during removal; (e) an engagement means
disposed at a second end of said second elongated rod member for
engaging said gripping means in order to exert an upward pressure
on such post; and (f) a substantially stationary combination
support and pivot means engageable with and disposed closely
adjacent an intersection of said second end of said first elongated
rod member and said first end of said second elongated rod member
for supporting and pivoting said apparatus.
29. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 28, wherein said gripping
means and said engagement means are formed integrally as a single
unit.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to an aid for
lifting furniture and other similar objects and, more particularly,
the present invention relates to a furniture lifter for raising a
portion of such furniture to place an object under the furniture
such as a slide for moving furniture or a protector for the
furniture when cleaning rugs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In both the moving industry and the carpet cleaning industry
it is quite common to be faced with the situation in which a
relatively large piece of furniture or an appliance has to be moved
or raised. With limited manpower it is difficult to pick up the
item to place a slide under the furniture so it could be easily
moved. A similar problem occurs when carpeting is being cleaned and
furniture and the like have to be raised so that a protective pad
can be placed under each corner of the item. Many times where a
worker may be working alone it is very difficult to raise the item
of furniture and still be able to insert what is needed under the
furniture at the same time. There have been some lifting units
reported in prior art; however most of these are designed more like
a jack for motorized equipment such as lawn mowers, while others
have specific applications like lifting manhole covers etc. One
such prior art apparatus for lifting furniture is found in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,354,570 which provides a wheeled lifting device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides an apparatus for applying an
upward pressure to at least a portion of an object which is at
least sufficient to lift such object a predetermined distance. The
apparatus comprises at least one elongated rod member formed of a
first predetermined material and having a first predetermined
shape. A first means is engageable with a first end of the
elongated rod member for gripping the apparatus during use and a
second means is one of formed integrally with the elongated rod
member as a single piece or is engageable at a first end thereof
with a second end of the elongated rod member and extending
outwardly therefrom for engaging such object to be lifted. A
substantially stationary third means is engageable with and
disposed closely adjacent an intersection of the second end of the
elongated rod member and the first end of the second means, the
substantially stationary third means being positioned for
supporting and pivoting the apparatus.
[0004] In an alternate embodiment there is provided an apparatus
for lifting at least a portion of one of furniture, appliances and
movable wall structures. The apparatus comprises at least one
elongated rod member formed of a first predetermined material and
having a first predetermined shape. A handle means is engageable
with a first end of the elongated rod member for gripping the
apparatus during use and an elongated leg member is one of formed
integrally with the elongated rod member as a single piece or is
engageable at a first end thereof with a second end of the
elongated rod member and extending outwardly therefrom for engaging
an item to be lifted. The elongated leg member is adjustable in at
least one of an angular mode and a longitudinal mode.
[0005] Yet another embodiment of the invention provides an
apparatus for lifting at least one of furniture, appliances and
movable wall structures. The apparatus comprises at least one
elongated rod member formed of a first predetermined material and
having a first predetermined shape. An elongated arm member is one
of formed integrally with the elongated rod member as a single
piece or is engageable at a first end thereof with a first end of
the elongated rod member and extending outwardly therefrom for
gripping the apparatus during use. The elongated arm member is
adjustable in at least one of an angular mode and a longitudinal
mode and an elongated leg member is engageable at a first end
thereof with a second end of the elongated rod member and extending
outwardly therefrom for engaging such item to be lifted.
[0006] Still another embodiment of the invention provides an
apparatus for applying an upward pressure to at least a portion of
an object which is at least sufficient to lift such object a
predetermined distance. The apparatus comprises a first elongated
rod member formed from a first predetermined material and having a
first predetermined shape. A first means is engageable with a first
end of the elongated rod member for gripping the apparatus during
use. There is a second elongated rod member that is one of being
formed integrally with the first elongated rod member as a single
piece or is engageable as a separate piece at a first end thereof
to a second end of the elongated rod member. An elongated object
engaging means is engageable with the second elongated rod member
closely adjacent a second end thereof for engaging at least a
portion of a bottom surface of such object to be lifted and for
exerting an upward pressure to such object. The elongated object
engaging means has a predetermined surface bearing area which is at
least sufficient to prevent sidewise tipping of the apparatus
during use.
[0007] In yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided
an apparatus which can be used for removing a post imbedded in
earth by applying an upward pressure to such post which is at least
sufficient to lift such post a predetermined distance said
predetermined distance being at least sufficient to enable removing
such post by hand. The apparatus comprises a first elongated rod
member formed of a first predetermined material and having a first
predetermined shape. A handle means is engageable with a first end
of the first elongated rod member for gripping the apparatus during
use. There is a second elongated rod member that is one of formed
integrally with the first elongated rod member as a single piece or
engageable as a separate piece at a first end thereof with a second
end of the first elongated rod member and extending outwardly
therefrom. A gripping means is engageable with such post for
gripping such post during removal and an engagement means is
disposed at a second end of the second elongated rod member for
engaging the gripping means in order to exert an upward pressure on
such post. The apparatus further includes a substantially
stationary combination support and pivot means that is engageable
with and disposed closely adjacent an intersection of the second
end of the first elongated rod member and the first end of the
second elongated rod member for supporting and pivoting the
apparatus.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present
invention to provide an apparatus to aid in lifting or raising
furniture, appliances or movable wall structures so as to place a
slide under such item.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus
for lifting furniture and the like whereby an elongated rod member
can be adjusted to provide various lengths.
[0010] Still another object of the invention is to provide an
apparatus for lifting furniture and the like wherein the handle
member is adjustable in at least one of an angular and a
longitudinal mode.
[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
apparatus for lifting furniture and the like wherein the leg member
for engaging the item to be lifted is adjustable in at least one of
an angular and a longitudinal mode.
[0012] It is another object of the invention to provide an
apparatus for lifting furniture and the like wherein the elongated
rod has two telescoping members to provide for longitudinal
adjustment.
[0013] Still another object of the invention is to provide an
apparatus for lifting furniture and the like which is easy to
use.
[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
apparatus for lifting furniture and the like which is relatively
inexpensive to manufacture.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus
for lifting furniture and the like which is relatively
lightweight.
[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide an
apparatus for lifting furniture and the like which can be used for
other applications such as nail pulling.
[0017] It is yet another object of the invention to provide an
apparatus for lifting furniture and the like which can be used for
applications such as removal of posts embedded in the ground.
[0018] In addition to the numerous objects and advantages of the
present invention which have been described with some degree of
particularity above, it should be both noted and understood that a
number of other important objects and advantages of the invention
will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled
in the relevant art of furniture moving from the following more
detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such
detailed description is taken in conjunction with the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a top view of an apparatus for lifting furniture
and the like.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an apparatus as seen in
FIG. 1 for lifting furniture and the like.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a portion of the
apparatus as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 for lifting furniture and the
like.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top view of the portion of the apparatus shown
in FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the portion of the
apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an apparatus for lifting
furniture and the like according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an apparatus for lifting
furniture and the like according to an alternate embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a portion of the
apparatus as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 according to an alternate
embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a back view of the portion of the apparatus as
seen in FIG. 8.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of an apparatus for lifting
furniture and the like according to alternate embodiments of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a frontal view of a portion of the apparatus as
seen in FIG. 10 showing the ratchet arrangement for the handle.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a back view of a portion of the apparatus as seen
in FIG. 10 showing the ratchet arrangement for the leg.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a portion of the
apparatus seen in FIG. 10 for lifting furniture wherein the ratchet
arrangement is in a different position.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a back view of the portion of the apparatus shown
in FIG. 13.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of an apparatus according
to alternate embodiments of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of a portion of the
apparatus as seen in FIG. 15.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a top view of the portion of the apparatus shown
in FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0036] FIG. 18 is a top view of the portion of the apparatus shown
in FIGS. 15 and 16 according to an alternate embodiment of the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 19 is a top view of an apparatus for lifting an object
a predetermined distance according to an alternate embodiment of
the invention.
[0038] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the apparatus shown in
FIG. 19.
[0039] FIG. 21 is a side view of the U-bolt shown in FIGS. 19 and
20.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a top view of an apparatus for lifting an object
a predetermined distance according to yet another alternate
embodiment of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of the apparatus shown in
FIG. 22.
[0042] FIG. 24 is a top view of a portion of the apparatus shown in
FIGS. 22 and 23.
[0043] FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the apparatus being used
to remove a post from the ground according to an alternate
embodiment of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 26 is a top view of a portion of the apparatus shown in
FIG. 25 according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 27 is a side view of the portion of the apparatus shown
in FIG. 26.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATE
EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0046] Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the
present invention, it should be noted that for the sake of clarity
in understanding the invention, identical components with identical
functions have been designated with identical reference numerals
throughout the drawing Figures.
[0047] Illustrated in the drawing Figures is an apparatus,
generally designated 10, for applying an upward pressure to at
least a portion of an object which is at least sufficient to lift
such object a predetermined distance. Basically the apparatus 10 is
used in lifting at least a portion of one of furniture, appliances
and movable wall structures. The apparatus 10 comprises at least
one elongated rod member, generally designated 2, formed of a first
predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape.
There is a first means, generally designated 20, engageable at a
first end thereof 21, with a first end 4 of elongated rod member 2
for gripping the apparatus 10 during use. It is presently preferred
that such second end 22 of the first means 10 includes a rubber
grip 24.
[0048] A second means, generally designated 30, includes an
elongated leg member 32 that is engageable at a first end 31
thereof with a second end 6 of such elongated rod member 2 and
extending outwardly therefrom for engaging such item to be
lifted.
[0049] The apparatus 10 further includes a third means, generally
designated 40, that is disposed closely adjacent an intersection of
the second end 6 of the elongated rod member 2 and the first end 31
of second means 30, the third means 40 being positioned for
providing a-substantially stationary means for sliding, supporting
and pivoting the apparatus 10. As used in the present application
and in the claims substantially stationary means that in most
instances the apparatus will pivot and lift furniture without any
appreciable movement. However, it is possible if the lifting point
on the furniture or the like is elevated relative to the floor or
if the item being lifted is raised a relatively high distance then
the substantially stationary third means 40 may slide slightly when
the apparatus is tilted fully in raising the furniture.
[0050] In an embodiment of the invention such third means 40 is
substantially a base member 42. Such base member 42 has rubber or
plastic tips 44 on each end to prevent scratching a floor. In a
presently preferred embodiment of the invention such base member 42
is positioned substantially perpendicular to such second means 30
on an underside of second means 30. As stated previously such third
means 40 is positioned closely adjacent an intersection of the
second end 6 of the elongated rod member 2 and the first end 31 of
second means 30. In this manner the third means 40 provides
essentially a fulcrum for the apparatus 10 to pivot.
[0051] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, as seen in
FIGS. 8 and 9 such third means 40 can be a foot like member 46
pivotably extending down from such second end 6 of elongated rod
member 2 for supporting and pivoting the apparatus 10.
[0052] Such apparatus 10 can be formed out of a variety of
materials including metal and plastic. It is presently preferred
that at least the elongated rod member 2 of such apparatus 10 be
formed from a tubular steel and it is also preferred that such
material whether it is tubular steel or otherwise possesses
strength sufficient to lift at least between about 150 and about
300 pounds.
[0053] In an embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 7 such
elongated rod member 2 includes two telescoping sections 8,9 and at
least one of the lengths 9 is adjustable. This provides the
apparatus 10 with the ability to adjust the size to fit either the
user or any constraints as to available space for the item that is
being lifted.
[0054] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, as seen in FIG.
10, such second means 30 is engageable with the second end 6 of the
elongated rod member 2 by a ratchet arrangement 36 whereby such
second means 30 can be adjusted to a variety of angles. Such second
means 30 being substantially an elongated leg member 32. It is also
within an embodiment of the invention that the second means 30 is
also adjustable. Such adjustable second means 30 includes at least
two telescoping members. Again, depending on the item to be lifted
this would permit the leg 32 to be extended to reach the base of
the furniture or other item if necessary. Such second means 30 also
has a tapered end 34 which permits the apparatus 10 to slide under
items even if they sit directly on the floor. It is within the
scope of the invention that such tapered end 34 can be formed as
part of elongated leg member 32 or it can be a separate unit that
is engageable with such elongated leg member 32 as either an insert
or a sleeve. FIG. 5 shows tapered end 34 as being round to fit into
or around such round elongated leg member 32. However, it is within
the scope of the invention that such tapered end 34 and such
elongated leg member 32 have a different shape such as being
square, rectangular, oval or any other desired shape. The same
holds for such elongated rod member and such first means (handle
means) 20 wherein these items although previously described as
tubular could also have a different shape such as that described
above for tapered end 34 and elongated leg member 32.
[0055] S It is further an embodiment of the invention wherein such
tapered end 34 has a covering 38 that slides over the tapered end
34 that is made of plastic or rubber to prevent damage to such item
to be lifted. Also, it is within the scope of the invention that
such tapered end 34 be made of a different material such as plastic
or rubber and is engageable with such leg member 32 as either an
insert or a sleeve. It is presently preferred that such plastic end
be made of polyethylene. It is within the scope of the invention
that such second means 30 be formed of a second predetermined
material. It is also an embodiment of the invention that such
second means 30 be engageable with such elongated rod member 2 as
an insert or a sleeve similar to the way the tapered end 34 is
engageable with the elongated leg member 32. However, it is
presently preferred that such second predetermined material is the
same as the first predetermined material. As stated previously such
tapered end 34 of second means 30 could be made of a third
predetermined material such as polyethylene.
[0056] In another embodiment of the invention such first means 20
is offset from said elongated rod member at a predetermined angle
as seen in FIG. 2. Also as seen in FIG. 10 it is an embodiment of
the invention that such first means 20 is engageable with the first
end 4 of the elongated rod member 2 by a ratchet arrangement 26
whereby such first means 20 can be adjusted to a variety of angles.
Such first means 20 is substantially an elongated arm member. It is
also within an embodiment of the invention that such first means 20
is also adjustable wherein it includes at least two telescoping
members. Again, depending on the item to be lifted this would
permit the first means 20 to be extended if necessary to position
the apparatus 10 so as to reach the base of the furniture or other
item.
[0057] It is within the scope of the invention the tapered tip 34
portion of the second means 30 of the apparatus 10 can be easily
replaced with another tapered tip 35 which has a wider tip portion
or another tapered tip 37 that is designed to remove nails. In this
case the tapered tip is essentially a V-shaped notch and the notch
has a taper so as to be able to get under nails. Thus, a carpet
installer can use the apparatus 10 to lift furniture and then
change the tip portion so as to be able to remove nails. The unit
could also be used by roofers to remove nails or shingles. Other
applications are envisioned which would also fall within the scope
of the invention.
[0058] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, as shown in
FIG. 20, such apparatus 10 has a hanger 52 attached to the
elongated rod member 2. Such hanger 52 is used to hold a set of
furniture slides or furniture protectors so that they would be
readily available when such lifting apparatus 10 is used for
lifting furniture and the like.
[0059] Also in another embodiment of the invention such third means
40 is engageable with such second means 30 by a bolt arrangement
54. Such bolt arrangement 54 could be one of a straight bolt and
nut or it could be a U-bolt. In any case the bolt end must be
recessed so as to not interfere with the pivoting of the such third
means 40 when the apparatus 10 is being used.
[0060] Illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 is shown the embodiment of
the invention in which the bolt arrangement 54 is a U-bolt. Also
shown in these Figures is a different type of handle 26 than that
shown in the other Figures. In this case the handle 26 is in the
shape of a shovel handle. Such handle 26 could also be turned
substantially 90 degrees so as to make it like a pistol handle
rather than a shovel handle.
[0061] Illustrated in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 is yet another embodiment
of the invention. In this embodiment such apparatus, generally
designated 60, is for applying an upward pressure to at least a
portion of an object to be lifted which is at least sufficient to
lift such object a predetermined distance. The apparatus 60
comprises a first elongated rod member 62 which is formed of a
first predetermined material and has a predetermined shape. There
is a first means 70 that is engageable with the first end of the
first elongated rod member 62. Such first means 70 is basically a
handle member for gripping the apparatus 60 during use. A second
elongated rod member 64 is one of formed integrally with the first
elongated rod member 62 as a single piece or is engageable as a
separate piece at a first end thereof to a second end of the first
elongated rod member 62. An elongated object bearing means 80 is
engageable with the second elongated rod member 64 closely adjacent
a second end thereof for engaging at least a portion of a bottom
surface of such object to be lifted. Such object bearing means 80
exerts an upward pressure on such object being lifted and has a
predetermined surface bearing area 82 which is at least sufficient
to prevent the apparatus 60 from tipping during use.
[0062] Illustrated in FIGS. 25-27 is an alternate embodiment of the
invention wherein the apparatus, generally designated 90, can be
used for removing a post 102 imbedded in earth by applying an
upward pressure to such post 102 which is at least sufficient to
lift such post 102 a predetermined distance, said predetermined
distance being at least sufficient to enable removing such post 102
by hand. The apparatus 90 comprises a first elongated rod member 92
formed of a first predetermined material and having a first
predetermined shape. There is a handle means 100 engageable with a
first end of the first elongated rod member 92 for gripping the
apparatus 90 during use. A second elongated rod member 94 is one of
formed integrally with said first elongated rod member 92 as a
single piece and engageable as a separate piece at a first end
thereof with a second end of said first elongated rod member 92 and
extending outwardly therefrom. There is a gripping means, generally
designated 110, that is engageable with such post 102 for gripping
such post 102 during removal. Such gripping means 110 could be a
rope or a chain or any similar material for wrapping around the
post 102 and gripping the post 102. There is further an engagement
means, generally designated 120, disposed at a second end of the
second elongated rod member 94 for engaging the gripping means in
order to exert an upward pressure on such post 102. The engagement
means 120 is generally a hook like member; however, it is within
the scope of the invention that such engagement means 120 could
have a different shape. A substantially stationary combination
support and pivot means, generally designated 130, is engageable
with and disposed closely adjacent an intersection of the second
end of the first elongated rod member 92 and the first end of the
second elongated rod member 94 for supporting and pivoting the
apparatus 90.
[0063] In an alternate embodiment of the invention such gripping
means 110 and engagement means 120 could be incorporated into a
combination gripping and engagement means 140 as is evident in
FIGS. 26 and 27.
[0064] While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate
embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail
above, it should be understood that various other adaptations
and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons
who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from
either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended
claims.
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