Patent ID: 7354084

Claim:
A method of lifting an object comprising a first sidewalk slab which is positioned adjacent a second sidewalk slab of similar configuration, the object having a substantially flat bottom supported on particulate material on the ground, the method comprising: providing at least one lifting device comprising an elongate shaft member, a hook member supported on a first end of the shaft member transversely to a longitudinal direction of the shaft member, and a gripping member supported on the shaft member adjacent a second end thereof; positioning the hook member of said at least one lifting device adjacent and parallel to a respective side edge of the object; lowering the hook member of said at least one lifting device along the respective side edge below a respective bottom edge of the object by inserting the hook member of said at least one lifting device in a gap defined between the first and second sidewalk slabs; rotating the hook member of said at least one lifting device, after insertion into said gap, about a longitudinal axis of the shaft member until the hook member is positioned below the object; and lifting said at least one lifting device.