Abstract: Each of a pair of spool-supporting struts for a spool-holding rack having two pairs of vertical posts between which the struts are mounted utilizes an axle assembly having rotatable end portions for resting upon the struts and a beam having two opposite end portions. The beam includes an upwardly-opening pocket which is adapted to accept a rotatable end portion of the axle assembly directed downwardly therein, and there is associated with each end portion of the beam a platen portion which is positionable outboard of the pair of vertical posts. In addition, an abutment surface is associated with the upwardly-opening pocket for aiding in the locating of an end portion of the axle assembly in vertical registry with the upwardly-opening pocket, and the upwardly-opening pocket includes a pair of spool-centering guide plates along the side opening thereof.

Abstract: A pallet and method for supporting a spool for transport or use includes an elongated frame having two opposite ends and two opposite sides which extend between the two opposite ends. The frame includes a support surface within which a spool can be cradled so that the spool rests across the support surface and the barrel of the item is oriented substantially horizontally and normal to the longitudinal axis of the frame. A pair of cooperating members are arranged adjacent the sides of the frame and are cooperable with the spool barrel for placing a spool in condition to be lifted from the support surface. Jack assemblies are interposed between the cooperating members and the frame for lifting the spool from the support surface by way of the jack assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting or supporting an item in an elevated condition includes a telescoping post assembly having an inner tube section which provides one end section of the post assembly and an outer tube section which defines an opposite end section of the post assembly. In addition, a gas spring is mounted within the post assembly for acting between the inner and outer tube sections, and a manually-operable lever member is associated with the gas spring and is cooperable with a fulcrum member to effect the movement of the two opposite end sections of the post assembly away from one another so that by positioning the telescoping post assembly between the support surface and the item to be lifted and then moving the actuator mechanism between two conditions effects the lifting of the item from the support surface.

Abstract: Each of a pair of spool-supporting struts for a spool-holding rack having two pairs of vertical posts between which the struts are mounted utilizes an axle assembly having rotatable end portions for resting upon the struts and a beam having two opposite end portions. The beam includes an upwardly-opening pocket which is adapted to accept a rotatable end portion of the axle assembly directed downwardly therein, and there is associated with each end portion of the beam a platen portion which is positionable outboard of the pair of vertical posts. In addition, an abutment surface is associated with the upwardly-opening pocket for aiding in the locating of an end portion of the axle assembly in vertical registry with the upwardly-opening pocket, and the upwardly-opening pocket includes a pair of spool-centering guide plates along the side opening thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus enabling a barrel-including spool of windable material to be lifted and transported with a forklift truck includes two elongated channel members having open ends into which forks of a forklift truck can be directed and transversely-extending members for maintaining the channel members in a parallel relationship. A pair of hooks are pivotally suspended from the channel members and are capable of being hooked about end portions of an axle which is directed through the barrel of the spool. By directing the forks of a forklift truck into the open ends of the channel members, positioning the apparatus above the spool, and then hooking the hooks of the apparatus about the end portions of the axle which protrudes from the opposite sides of the spool, the spool can be lifted by way of the forklift truck.