The lifting apparatus is a mechanical structure. The lifting apparatus is configured for use in manually lifting a load. The lifting apparatus attaches to the load such that a plurality of individuals are able to simultaneously lift the load. The lifting apparatus comprises a master beam, a grasping structure, and a rigging chain. The grasping structure and the rigging chain attach to the master beam. The plurality of individuals manipulate the lifting apparatus using the master beam. The grasping structure attaches the load to the master beam. The grasping structure adjusts to accommodate the form factor of the load. The rigging chain is a secondary attachment structure that attaches the load to the master beam such that the loading distribution of the load is balanced relative to the master beam such that the lifting apparatus is more easily manipulated by the plurality of individuals.

A pail separation device comprised of two halves, each half having a wedge at the end of an exterior brace, an interior brace having a curved face, and which is attached to the exterior brace, and a handle attached to the interior brace and to the exterior brace. Also included is a fastener for locking the two halves together. The two halves further include ridged surfaces that mesh together to reduce slipping. The first and second wedges are dimensioned to fit between pails in a stack of pails such that force applied to the first and second handles can push the first wedge and the second wedge between the pails of a stack of pails so as to separate those pails.

A pail separation device comprised of two halves, each half having a wedge at the end of an exterior brace, an interior brace having a curved face, and which is attached to the exterior brace, and a handle attached to the interior brace and to the exterior brace. Also included is a fastener for locking the two halves together. The two halves further include ridged surfaces that mesh together to reduce slipping. The first and second wedges are dimensioned to fit between pails in a stack of pails such that force applied to the first and second handles can push the first wedge and the second wedge between the pails of a stack of pails so as to separate those pails.

A method of lifting an object, includes the steps of using a flexible sound producing speaker cone mechanism and generating and directing an acoustic sound. The sound thus generated has a predetermined frequency, imparted on the object, at various object locations. The acoustic sound communicates through first and second coils associated with the sound producing mechanism, such as a conical rubber member associated with the coils. The first coil harnesses electrical current and the second coil harnesses frequency, producing a force causing the rubber sound producing speaker cone mechanism to expand its surface area and push air outward. The pushed air provides a force for imparting movement of an object in the vicinity of the flexible sound producing speaker cone mechanism. Lifting by air is augmented by magnetic fields generated.

A method of lifting an object, includes the steps of using a flexible sound producing speaker cone mechanism and generating and directing an acoustic sound. The sound thus generated has a predetermined frequency, imparted on the object, at various object locations. The acoustic sound communicates through first and second coils associated with the sound producing mechanism, such as a conical rubber member associated with the coils. The first coil harnesses electrical current and the second coil harnesses frequency, producing a force causing the rubber sound producing speaker cone mechanism to expand its surface area and push air outward. The pushed air provides a force for imparting movement of an object in the vicinity of the flexible sound producing speaker cone mechanism. Lifting by air is augmented by magnetic fields generated.

The manway cover tool comprises a T-shaped handle with a clamp coupled to the bottom of the handle. The clamp may be fastened to the cover handle of a manway cover and the manway cover tool may assist in the removal and replacement of the manway cover. A vertical armature of the T-shaped handle may pivot just above the clamp so that the height of the T-shaped handle may be reduced in confined work areas. A magnetic attachment may couple to the clamp and allow the manway cover tool to attach to manway covers with no handle. A J hook attachment may couple to the clamp and allow the tool to attach to covers with incompatible or no handle. A support bracket may couple to the T-handle and provide additional stability and leverage.

A refuse bin includes a liner sealed to a container. An inflatable space is between the liner and the container, and an inlet to the inflatable space conducts a flow to inflate the inflatable space from a deflated state to an inflated state. In the deflated state, the liner lines a cavity for refuse in the container. In the inflated state, the liner extends above the open end of the container. The flow into the inlet pushes the inflatable space toward the inflated state causing the liner to lift the refuse. The refuse bin may further include a lid-lifting mechanism activation by inflation of the inflatable space or an insert that helps shape the liner in the inflated state.

A lid and strainer basket assembly for use in a recirculating system of a swimming pool installation including a swimming pool and a deck, the recirculating system having a skimmer device extending downwardly from an opening proximate to the deck and coupled to a pump for recirculating the water in the swimming pool, the lid and strainer basket assembly including a removable lid closing the opening, a strainer basket in the skimmer device for collecting debris from the water, and an assembly of straps coupling the removable lid to the strainer basket, the straps being both sufficiently flexible and slacked between the lid and the strainer basket to enable the lid to be removed from the opening and tipped to one side to enable visual inspection of the strainer basket in the skimmer device without interference from the straps and without disturbing the strainer basket.

A lid and strainer basket assembly for use in a recirculating system of a swimming pool installation including a swimming pool and a deck, the recirculating system having a skimmer device extending downwardly from an opening proximate to the deck and coupled to a pump for recirculating the water in the swimming pool, the lid and strainer basket assembly including a removable lid closing the opening, a strainer basket in the skimmer device for collecting debris from the water, and an assembly of straps coupling the removable lid to the strainer basket, the straps being both sufficiently flexible and slacked between the lid and the strainer basket to enable the lid to be removed from the opening and tipped to one side to enable visual inspection of the strainer basket in the skimmer device without interference from the straps and without disturbing the strainer basket.

A device operable, by a user standing above the grade of a pipe, to install a hoisting strap around the pipe. A device body carries wheels and has an opening structured for installation onto the pipe at a mid-span location. The opening is reversably enlarged during installation of the device to permit entrance of the pipe into partially encircled engagement by the body. Typically, three or more wheels are biased by the body into rolling engagement on the pipe at the installed position. Once installed, the device captures an end of the hoisting strap, and carries the strap end under the pipe as the device is rotated about the pipe centerline. The strap end can then be removed from the device to sling the pipe in a conventional lifting arrangement. The device can be removed from the pipe by pulling the device to again expand the opening.