GB2213088A

GB2213088A - Slab handling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2213088A
Application number: GB8828515A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Finton O'brien
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-12-17
Filing date: 1988-12-07
Publication date: 1989-08-09
Also published as: IE873319L; GB8828515D0

Abstract

A slab handling apparatus is disclosed which comprises a support means 25 having a pair of brackets 14' pivotted at 27 thereto for gripping an opposite pair of edges 22 of a slab or kerb 21. Each bracket 14' has an L shaped end portion 16. A handle 26 is provided to enable the support means 25 and slab 21 to be lifted and moved. As the handle 26 is raised, the L shaped end portions 16 of the brackets 14' frictionally engage the edges 22 of the slab or kerb 21. <IMAGE>

Description

SLAB HANDLING APPARATUS The present invention relates to an apparatus for handling slabs or kerbs, for example concrete slabs or kerbstones which are used in the construction of pavements, patios and the like. The term "slab" will hereinafter be used to mean slabstones, kerbstones and the like.

The use of concrete slabs in the construction of pavements patios and the like is well known. A problem with the use of such slabs is that they are heavy and difficult to handle. Further, it is awkward for one or more persons to arrange the slabs in side-by-side relationship which is necessary in the construction of a pavement or patio.

These handling difficulties have resulted in many accidents which have caused serious injuries to the fingers or toes of persons laying the slabs. In some instances there has even been loss of one or more fingers for a person with the consequent financial loss to an employer who may have to pay compensation.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for handling slabs which will overcome the above problems.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a slab handling apparatus, comprising a support means having a pair of brackets pivotted thereto for gripping an opposite pair of edges of a slab and handle means for enabling the support means and slab to be lifted and moved.

The invention further comprises an apparatus for handling a slab, comprising a pair of brackets pivotted on a common support means, each bracket having a free end for engaging a respective one of two opposite edges of a slab, the brackets being capable of pivotting away from one another to such an extent for engaging the opposite edges of the slab that the distance apart of the free ends of the brackets is very much greater than the amount by which the pivot point(s) of the brackets is/are offset from the upper surface of the slab accommodated between the said free ends.

The brackets preferably have an 'L' shaped portion at their free ends which in use frictionally engage the opposite pair of edges of the slab. Since the brackets are pivotally mounted on the support means, then in use with the L shaped portions engaged with the edges of a slab or kerb, an upward force on the support means to lift the slab or kerb causes greater frictional engagement between the brackets and the slab.

The support means preferably has a pair of handles which extend upwardly from the support means to facilitate lifting of the slab and prevent the users having to bend excessively.

The support means preferably comprises a pair of spaced apart inverted T shaped members which are joined together by a plurality of cross-pieces.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slab and kerb handling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in use, Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of a second embodiment of the invention in use, and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention in use.

Referring now to the drawings wherein similar numerals have been used to indicate like parts, there is shown in Figures 1 and 2 a slab and kerb handling apparatus generally indicated at 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a support means in the form of rigid frame 11 having a pair of inverted T shaped members 12 rigidly connected together by a pair of cross-piees 13 the ends of which are secured to the members 12. Each of the inverted T shaped members 12 carries a bracket 14 which is pivotted thereto by means of a bolt 15. Each bracket 14 has a free end portion 16 which is formed as an L shape. The bolts 15 pass through flanges 17 fixed to each of the inverted T shaped members 12 and are secured to the brackets 14 by means of nuts 18.

The frame 11 further has a pair of handles 19 which pass through the inverted T shaped members 12 and are secured thereto. Each of the handles 19 has a rubber or plastics grip portion 20.

In use, the apparatus 10 is engaged with a concrete paving slab 21 as shown in Figure 2. The endnportions 16 are engaged with the opposite edges 22 of the slab 21 with the frame 11 arranged above the slab 21. Thus, when a user applies an upward force to lift the apparatus 10 and the slab 21, the frame 11 pivots upwards relative to the brackets 14 and the end portions 16 frictionally engage the edges 22 so that the slab is frictionally held between the end portions 16 and can be lifted and readily moved. It will be appreciated that the apparatus 10 and slab 21 will be more readily manouvered if there are two users who each lift on one of the handles 19. Further, it will be understood that the brackets 14 and the end portions 16 will be arranged at a suitable distance apart so that the end portions 16 are a snug fit with the edges 22 of the slab 21.When the slab 21 is located at an appropriate place where it is to be set it is lowered on to the ground surface and the apparatus 10 can then be lifted off the slab 21.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, this second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention is very similar in construction to the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, and therefore only the differences will be described.

First, the pivot points of the brackets 14, i.e.

the bolts 15 (not shown in Figures 3 and 4), have been moved inboard of the T shaped members 12 and are now pivotted to inwardly extending flanges 17' instead of to the outwardly extending flanges 17 previously used.

Second, the cross-pieces 13 are telescopically adjustable in length, and each comprises two parts 13' and 13" which slide one within the other and can be secured in any given position by a bolt 23. Naturally, the advantage of this is that the apparatus can accommodate slabs and kerbs of any width within the range of adjustment of the cross-pieces 13. Figures 3 and 4 show the apparatus at two different extensions, Figure 3 in relation to a slab and Figure 4 in relation to a kerb.

Finally, to avoid the need to have the cross-piece joining the handles 19 similarily telescopic, each is separately secured to its respective T shaped member 12 with no intermediate cross-piece.

Turning now to Figure 5, a much simpler embodiment is shown, in which each bracket 14' comprises a rod 24 having, as before, an L shaped end portion 16, and the brackets 14' are pivotted on a support means which in this case comprises a simple metal plate 25 having a handle 26.

The brackets 14' are pivotted at a common point 27 on the plate via a nut and bolt passing through an aperture in the plate 25, although a common pivot point is not essential. Adjustment of the separation of the end portions 16 to accommodate different widths of kerb or slab is permitted by providing a plurality of apertures 28 along the length of each rod 24 (only two are shown), and corresponding pairs of such apertures 28, one in each rod, can be selected as the pivot point for the two brackets 14'.

It will be appreciated that the key to the successful operation of all the three embodiments is that in use the distance part of the end portions 16 of the brackets 14 or 14' is very much greater than the amount by which the pivot point(s) of the brackets 14 or 14' is/are offset from the upper surface of the kerb or slab accommodated between the end portions.

It is this feature that permits the slab or kerb to be lifted by frictional engagement only at its edges and not supported from underneath, and this is important since it allows the slab or kerb to be easily placed into position because the end portions 16 do not have to be extricated from underneath the slab or kerb.

The advantage of the invention is that slabs can be readily lifted and moved without the necessity of a person's hands or fingers having to get into close proximity with the slab.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A slab handling apparatus comprising a support means having a pair of brackets pivotted thereto for gripping an opposite pair of edges of a slab, and handle means for enabling the support means and slab to be lifted and moved.

2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the pair of brackets are pivotted on a common support means, each bracket having a free end for engaging a respective one of two opposite edges of a slab, the brackets being capable of pivotting away from one another to such an extent for engaging the opposite edges of the slab that the distance apart of the free ends of the brackets is very much greater than the amount by which the pivot point(s) of the brackets is/are offset from the upper surface of the slab accommodated between said free ends.

3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the brackets have an L shaped portion at their free ends which in use frictionally engage the opposite pair of edges of the slab.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the support means has a pair of handles which extend upwardly from the support means to facilitate lifting of the slab.

5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the support means comprises a pair of spaced apart support members which are joined together by a plurality of cross-pieces, each support member carrying one of said brackets.

6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the spacing between the support members is adjustable.

7. A slab handling apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, Figures 3 and 4 or Figure 5.