Patent ID: 6010171
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: B66C,Y10S

Abstract:
Apparatus for lifting objects having a vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical core comprising:a) means for connecting a lifting device;b) a vertically-extending plate having a front provided with a horizontal aperture;c) linkage means connecting said means for connecting a lifting device to said vertically-extending plate;d) a hollow sleeve having an upper end and a lower end and dimensioned to be inserted into said core and comprising at the lower end thereof a plurality of pivotable jaw segments forming a diametrically expandable lower end;e) a transverse plate having an upper surface attached to the upper end of said sleeve, said transverse plate having a diameter greater than said core;f) a latch assembly provided with a horizontally extending bolt biased to extend into said aperture in said vertically-extending plate when said vertically-extending plate is in a lowered position and handle means for releasably retracting said horizontally extending bolt from a first extended position into a second retracted position;g) a rod extending through said hollow sleeve connected at the upper end thereof to said vertically-extending plate and having secured to the lower end thereof a mandrel having outwardly tapered sides adapted to engage said pivotable jaw segments;h) spring means positioned in said hollow sleeve thereby biasing said rod downwardly in said hollow sleeve; andi) power-operated means for remotely and reversibly securing or releasing said horizontally-extending bolt.