An apparatus for manipulating assembly components into desired configurations and a method for using same, where the assembly component includes a first and second bore set at a first and second transverse angles, for receiving attaching members. The apparatus includes a pair of attaching members that engage the bores to extend toward each other, and a manipulating member securing the base portions of the attaching members to each other. The attaching members may include side struts that relieve side pressure on the bores and may also include internal air passageways. The manipulating member has a length that prevents the secured attaching members from disengaging from their bores, and provides a location for a moving device to indirectly connect to the assembly component. The moving device can move the assembly component in a different directions to achieve different configurations.

A haul line may comprise a primary rope having a proximal attachment mechanism attached to the primary rope at a proximal end of the primary rope. The haul line further comprises at least one secondary rope attached to the primary rope, each of the at least one secondary ropes being attached at a first end of the secondary rope to the primary rope and having a secondary attachment mechanism deployed at a second end of the secondary rope. The haul line further comprises a securing mechanism attached to the primary rope in between the primary attachment mechanism and a point along the primary rope where a closest secondary rope of the at least one secondary rope is attached to the primary rope. The securing mechanism is configured to receive at least a portion of each secondary rope or secondary attachment mechanism.

A haul line may comprise a primary rope having a proximal attachment mechanism attached to the primary rope at a proximal end of the primary rope. The haul line further comprises at least one secondary rope attached to the primary rope, each of the at least one secondary ropes being attached at a first end of the secondary rope to the primary rope and having a secondary attachment mechanism deployed at a second end of the secondary rope. The haul line further comprises a securing mechanism attached to the primary rope in between the primary attachment mechanism and a point along the primary rope where a closest secondary rope of the at least one secondary rope is attached to the primary rope. The securing mechanism is configured to receive at least a portion of each secondary rope or secondary attachment mechanism.

A removal system is provided with a separating element for separating contaminants contained in a fluid and with a removal aid for removing the separating element from a housing. The separating element has an end disk arranged at an end face of the separating element. The end disk has a central recess. The removal aid has a grip section and at least two locking fingers. The locking fingers extend along a center axis of the removal aid away from the grip section. Each locking finger has a hook element that serves for engaging behind the end disk of the separating element radially outside of an end disk area that delimits in radial outward direction immediately the central recess. A removal aid for such a removal system is provided.

A removal system is provided with a separating element for separating contaminants contained in a fluid and with a removal aid for removing the separating element from a housing. The separating element has an end disk arranged at an end face of the separating element. The end disk has a central recess. The removal aid has a grip section and at least two locking fingers. The locking fingers extend along a center axis of the removal aid away from the grip section. Each locking finger has a hook element that serves for engaging behind the end disk of the separating element radially outside of an end disk area that delimits in radial outward direction immediately the central recess. A removal aid for such a removal system is provided.

A firewood sling includes a sheet of material with tensioners on opposing edges with a handle at one end. One or more roll straps are secured to the sheet and include fastening portions, at least one of which is adjustable in position. Pockets may be provided on one edge to receive cords engaging cord locks to form the tensioners. The pockets may include fasteners for holding them closed. The sling may include a wear resistant center portion and flexible side portions.

A firewood sling includes a sheet of material with tensioners on opposing edges with a handle at one end. One or more roll straps are secured to the sheet and include fastening portions, at least one of which is adjustable in position. Pockets may be provided on one edge to receive cords engaging cord locks to form the tensioners. The pockets may include fasteners for holding them closed. The sling may include a wear resistant center portion and flexible side portions.

A furniture handling strap assembly may be used to aid in lifting and carrying a furniture item such as a chair, sofa, or loveseat, for example. The handling strap assembly may include a strap, a bracket, and a fastener. The strap may include a first handling loop and a second handling loop. The first and second handling loops may be flexible. The bracket may be attached to the strap. The fastener may be configured to be received through an aperture in the bracket and may engage the furniture item. A person may insert his/her hand through one or both of the handling loops and gasp a portion of the strap. The person may use his/her other hand to support and stabilize the furniture member as the person lifts the furniture item. Another person may assist in lifting the furniture item using another one of the handling strap assemblies.

A furniture handling strap assembly may be used to aid in lifting and carrying a furniture item such as a chair, sofa, or loveseat, for example. The handling strap assembly may include a strap, a bracket, and a fastener. The strap may include a first handling loop and a second handling loop. The first and second handling loops may be flexible. The bracket may be attached to the strap. The fastener may be configured to be received through an aperture in the bracket and may engage the furniture item. A person may insert his/her hand through one or both of the handling loops and gasp a portion of the strap. The person may use his/her other hand to support and stabilize the furniture member as the person lifts the furniture item. Another person may assist in lifting the furniture item using another one of the handling strap assemblies.

The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for securely gripping objects or panels having cross sections, including heavy objects such as granite slabs to be used as counter tops, or lighter objects such as doors or windows, in order to facilitate lifting, moving, transporting, installing and/or storage thereof. A pair of jaws are provided between a rotatable turnbuckle and ratchet assembly which opens or closes the jaws around an object. The ratchet may be used to impart fine rotation to the turnbuckle in one direction to apply pressure to the jaws to firmly engage an object. Reversing the ratchet and rotating the turnbuckle in an opposite direction allows the object to be released. A handle on the ratchet facilitates lifting and moving the object gripped between the jaws.