Other

Loren Harris

David M Harris

Brett Harris

A concrete block lifting device used to lift at least two blocks off a pallet for repositioning on a wall. The device includes a rigid, horizontal, support bar with a block gripping assembly attached thereto designed to selectively attach to blocks on a pallet and then securely engage the blocks when the device is lifted by the backhoe. The block gripping assembly includes a insert member perpendicularly aligned and extending downward from the support bar. Mounted pivotally on each insert member is an actuator arm. The upper end of the actuator arm is pivotally connected to a linking arm and a release handle. The upper ends of two linking arms converge and attach to a central plate. A cable connects the central plate to a bucket on a backhoe. When the central plate is lifted, the linking arms force the upper end of the actuator arms inward which forces the lower ends of the actuator arm outward to engage the inside wall of a central hole formed on the block.

Hole engaging multiple block lifting device

A multiple block lifting device that includes two support arms pivotally connected at the opposite ends enabling the support arms to move from a closed, parallel configuration to an open, linear configuration. Attached to each arm is at least one block attachment unit that selectively connects to one block. In the preferred embodiment, the movement of the support arms and each block attachment unit is controlled by hydraulic cylinders and a main control valve. When paired blocks are aligned on a pallet, the device is in a closed, parallel configuration, and each block lifting unit engages a block. The device is then lifted and the support arms are aligned in the open, linear configuration. Each arm may include an optional extension arm that enables the device to lift additional blocks.

Multiple set block lifting device

A device used to simultaneously lift three concrete blocks from a pallet using a backhoe or crane and reposition them for exact placement on a wall. The device comprises a lifting bar that is suspended in a horizontally aligned position from a cable or chain connected to the shovel or hook on a backhoe or crane, respectively. Extended downward from the lifting bar are three block lifting assemblies. Each block lifting assembly includes two connecting rods that fit into vertically aligned holes formed on the concrete blocks. Each connecting rod is pivotally connected at its upper end to a short segment of chain or cable which pivotally connects to a rigid transfer plate. Each assembly also includes two long segments that pivotally connect to the upper edge of the transfer plate. The upper ends of the two long segments are spaced apart and pivotally connected to the lifting bar so that the long segments converge and are aligned diagonally when the connecting rods are placed inside the holes. Each connecting rod is sufficient in diameter to slide vertically into the hole, yet includes a plurality of optional outer ribs that press against the hole and prevent their removal from the holes when the transfer plate is raised thereby placing lateral force on each connecting rod. When the blocks are properly positioned on the wall, the lift bar is lowered so that lateral pressure exerted by connecting rods on the sides of the holes is reduced thereby enabling the connecting rods to be easily removed manually therefrom.

Simple multiple concrete block lifting device

A lifting device that simultaneously lifts a plurality of retaining wall blocks initially oriented in a triangular configuration on a pallet and allows them to be easily realigned in a linear configuration on a retaining wall. The lifting device comprises two pivoting lateral extending side arms with clamping units attached to their distal ends. Attached to the main planar frame is a central clamping unit. Each clamping unit includes an insert member that inserts into a large, vertically aligned hole formed in the block. When the clamping units are inserted into the hole and activated, three triangularly aligned sets of blocks on a pallet may be lifted. The side arms are designed to pivot rearward so that the front surfaces of the blocks are longitudinally aligned and the blocks are positioned in a side-by-side manner. Once properly realigned, the lifting device is lowered so that the three blocks are simultaneously placed over the top row of the retaining wall. The gripping members are then relaxed so that the blocks are released. The side arms then automatically align in their original positions so that they may be used to connect to another set of triangularly aligned blocks on the pallet.

Growing community of inventors

Snohomish, WA, United States of America

Loren Harris