Patent ID: 7275777
Filing Date: 2007-10-02
Classification: B25B,B65G

Abstract:
1. A tool for grasping and lifting an elongated object, the tool comprising: a graspable lift member having a body and a first grapple extending from the body, the grapple having a curved portion; a pivoting second grapple, having a closed position and an open position, the second grapple having a trigger member and a curved portion, the second grapple positioned in opposition to the first grapple such that, when the second grapple is in the open position, the elongated object is insertable between the first and second grapple, and further such that the first and second grapple close about the elongated object when the second grapple is moved to the closed position, the second grapple trigger member being positioned such that, as the elongated object is inserted, the elongated object encounters the trigger member, and forces the second grapple from the open to the closed position; a slidable pin member positioned on the lift member, the pin member having a first end and a graspable second end, the pin member being movable from a first position to a second position; and a biasing element, the biasing element biasing the pin member toward the pin member first position; wherein the biasing element bias causes the pin member first end to enter a first position between the closed second grapple and the body, preventing the closed second grapple from moving to the open position until the pin member is moved to the second position, wherein the second grapple is movable to the open position; and further wherein the biasing element causes the pin member first end to bear upon the second grapple when the second grapple is in the open position, the pin member holding the second grapple in the open position until the elongated object encounters the trigger member and forces the second grapple to the closed position by overcoming the biasing element bias.