Homer E Gardner

US Patent:

58879234, Mar 30, 1999

Filed:

May 8, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/848483

Inventors:

Homer E. Gardner - Jupiter FL

International Classification:

B66C 116

US Classification:

294 8155

Abstract:

The present invention embodies a novel method and apparatus for lifting and handling glass packs, glass sheets, plates, mirrors, and other large rectangular objects. The invention includes a sling assembly having a main sling and a built-in backup sling. If the main sling breaks, the backup sling will support the weight of the object being lifted. The backup sling is retained adjacent the main sling by a plurality of loops located along the length of the sling. The sling system also includes shoes which are located under the object during lifting, between the sling and the edges of the object. Upright ears are located on either end of the shoes for retaining the object on a flat upper surface and for preventing contact between the sling and the edges of the object. The sling system also includes caps for protecting the sling from the upper edges of the object.