Patent ID: 9738502
Date: 2017-08-22
CPC Classifications: B66F

Claim:
1. A method of handling a heavy object, wherein the heavy object is a manhole cover having an opening, said method comprising the steps of: providing an elongated tool including a solid rod and a hook-shaped pick, wherein the solid rod has a length no shorter than two feet, wherein the solid rod has a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the hook-shaped pick has an attachment end and an insertion end, wherein the attachment end of the hook-shaped pick is integrally attached to the proximal end of the solid rod; moving the elongated tool toward a manhole, while the manhole is covered by the manhole cover, until the insertion end of the hook-shaped pick is located directly over the opening of the manhole cover and beneath the proximal end of the solid rod; subsequently, while a radius of curvature of the hook-shaped pick is directed generally downwardly, moving the insertion end of the hook-shaped pick downwardly and thereby causing the insertion end of the pick to be inserted into the opening of the manhole cover; subsequently, while the insertion end of the pick is located within the opening of the manhole cover, pulling upwardly on the solid rod of the elongated tool and thereby lifting a portion of the manhole cover from the manhole while another portion of the manhole cover remains in contact with the manhole.