Abstract: Apparatus for lifting storage drums and the like is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes two tubes telescopically inserted within one another whose opposing ends contain clamps to grip about indented edge ridges of a drum to be lifted. A stretched spring pulls the clamps continuously towards one another. A rope or chain is used to lift both the tubes and the drum. A lifting arrangement has the one embodiment able to lift and lower an individual drum to side-by-side arrangements with other drums.

Abstract: A plastic conical 55 gallon storage drum apparatus is disclosed. The drum includes a generally cylindrical hollow container having a top portion, a mid portion, and a lower portion. The top portion has an outer diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of the mid portion, and the lower portion wherein the top portion and the bottom portion form a cylindrical shape, and the mid portion forms a conical shape. An elastic flexible removable bumper belt can be located about the outer diameter of the lower portion of the drum. The belt has an outer diameter approximately the same as that of the outer diameter of the top portion of the container. Filled drums can then be stored side by side together during transportation and reducing the possibility that the drums will tilt and collapse during extreme lists of approximately 30 degrees or more. The belt itself can be removed and stored in the inside bottom of the drum when the contents of the drum have been emptied.