A tool joinable with a handle. The tool includes a body, the body includes a middle area configured to be joinable to the handle. The front end of the body includes a toe extending away from the middle area. The toe includes a first vertical thickness and a second vertical thickness less than the first vertical thickness for a length of the toe extending away from the middle area. The back end of the body can include a heal pad extending away from the middle area and to create a heal gap between a bottom surface of the heal pad and the second portion of the bottom edge defined by the middle area. The tool can include a fulcrum joined to the body and defining a fulcrum portion of the bottom edge with the fulcrum projecting away from the top edge.

A lifting and moving device, and a method of using the device comprising a frame having a first ground engaging end with at least one wheel for providing a movable first ground engagement and a second ground engaging end with a pointed end for providing a fixed second ground engagement for the frame. A lifting and moving support extending between the first and second ground engaging ends is adjustable in length for providing one or more distances between the first ground engaging end and the second ground engaging end. A lifting device is retractable from a position on the support and the frame is movable about a pivot point provided by the second ground engaging end.

A manhole guard, methods of assembling the same, and methods of using the same, are described. The manhole guard generally includes a plurality of sections connected for movement, the sections being capable of being locked into a fixed rigid structure through the use of a first arm and second arm that act independently of each other. The manhole guard may include a safety net attached to one or more sections of the manhole guard. The manhole guard may include attachable mounting brackets designed to facilitate the attachment of a first hoist device and/or first winch and include attachable mounting members designed to facilitate the attachment of a second hoist device and/or second winch.

A manhole cover tool useful in unsealing and moving a manhole cover over a predetermined distance along a surface, including: i) A handle end; accommodating an operator; ii) A fulcrum end distant the handle end; suitable for engagement and stabilizing the tool on the surface; iii) A rod of a predetermined length for connecting the handle end t o the fulcrum end; iv) A manhole cover engagement rod of a predetermined length having a first end and a second end; the first end connected to the rod, and said second end being a manhole cover engagement tool.

This disclosure relates to a tool, system of tools, or method of utilizing tools to quickly, safely, ergonomically and effectively lift any number of objects including but not limited to manhole covers and car tires. The user is aided by the tool containing any number of picks that may be directionally adjusted, manually or automatically, latches to connect the tool to attachments (such as tripods, power lifting belts, vehicles, and other tools), additional support handle bars located at or about the center of gravity which may be adjusted from one location to another to guide the body into a lifting posture to reduce back strain and accident potential, pre-molded or moldable sections on the tool or its handlebars to aid the user in gripping the tool, a gyroscope and other features for making the jobs of utility workers and service workers safer, more efficient, and easier.

A lifting apparatus for lifting a manhole cover includes a first frame section with a first end assembly that supports a hook to engage a lifting block on a manhole cover, and a second frame section with a second end assembly that supports a hook to engage a lifting block on the manhole cover. At least one of the first and second end assemblies is movable, via an actuator, with respect to the other to change a distance between hooks. The hooks are movable in a way that the hooks engage with the lifting blocks on an adjacent manhole cover. The first frame section is coupled to the second frame section during a lifting operation, and the first and second frame sections are selectively detachable from one another when not in use.

A tool for removing a manhole cover that have an aperture therethrough from a manhole cover receiver comprises an elongated base, a handle, a grip, a hook member, a post, and an anvil. The aperture is an insertion point for the hook member. The handle and grip allow the user to maneuver and manipulate the tool. The hook member and post allow for lifting the manhole cover, while the anvil provides a strike face to loosen the manhole cover from the manhole cover receiver through impact of an object.

A lifting device, a method, and a system for lifting for utility cover is provided. The lifting device includes a body having a curved portion, the curved portion defining an interior area. A flange extends about the periphery of the body, the flange made from a compliant material that forms a seal with a top surface of an irregular or smooth surface utility cover. A lifting element is coupled and centrally positioned to the body.

A stabilization apparatus for a frame having a cover comprises a lifting head having a horizontal shank with first and second ends, a pair of vertical supports, a vertical support located at each end of the lifting head and a retention leg connected to the shank the retention leg in use configured to exert a downward restraining force on the frame or portion thereof. The apparatus prevents a frame or its edge from being lifted with the cover, and thereby reduce damage to the frame or road and avoiding costly repair. The inventive apparatus is particularly useful to prevent damage to manholes when lifting manhole covers.

A method to move a manhole cover relative to a manhole. The method includes providing a tool having a body having a front end with a toe, a back end with a heal pad, and a middle area located between the toe and the heal pad. The middle area includes a fulcrum joined to the middle area and an elongated handle joined to the middle area and extending away from the body to a distal end of the handle. Another step is inserting the toe of the tool into a receiving side-hole of the manhole cover. And, there is positioning the fulcrum of the tool on a surface surrounding the manhole cover. Further, there is pulling on the distal end of the handle while simultaneously stepping on the heal pad to pivotally lift the manhole cover via the fulcrum and unseating the manhole cover from the manhole.