Patent ID: 6609742
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: B66C

Abstract:
A lifting apparatus for lifting a manhole casting comprising:at least one pinch clamp having an inner leg and an outer leg integrally fabricated from a one piece construction wherein said inner leg and said outer leg oppose one another wherein said inner leg and said outer leg are engageable with and invertible on opposite sides of a common wall of said manhole casting; said inner leg and said outer leg each having a planar contact surface engageable with said manhole casting wherein one of said planar contact surfaces has a greater surface area than said other planar contact surface; and a flexible support pivotally connected to said pinch clamp and connectable to a lifting device wherein said planar contact surfaces of said inner and outer legs of said pinch clamp are engageable with said manhole casting when said flexible support is taut.