Abstract: A masonry transport assembly for carrying a paver, tile, or quarried stone is disclosed. The masonry transport assembly generally includes a hinged clamping member including a first arm having a first length, a second arm having a second length, a hinge pivotally connecting the first arm and the second arm, a terminal gripping angled end extending from each of the first and second arms and on ends thereof opposite the hinge, a release mechanism secured to at least one of the first arm or the second arm, and, a mounting eyelet connected to at least one of the first arm or the second arm operatively arranged to receive and connect the support member.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for the engagement, orientation and installation of a unit of paving blocks is comprised of a support frame having a pair of spaced-apart aligned pivot connections. Support arms are pivotally connected to each pivot connection under the support frame. Two or more spaced-apart parallel block engaging arms are displaceably secured by connecting posts to the pair or parallel support arms. A piston simultaneously displaces the parallel support arms and the block engaging arms. The block engaging arms each have two or more suction cups for releasable securement to a top face of respective ones of paving blocks in the unit of paving blocks. When the piston rod of the piston is at a first position all of the suction cups are aligned on transverse parallel axis and when at a predetermined second position they are disposed in alignment on parallel angulated axis. The method of installation is also described.

Abstract: The manual lifting device has a first and second arms, pivotally connected to each other, each having a downward projection from a distal end thereof, extending generally vertically when in use. A handle is mounted on one of the arms, extending generally over the center of gravity of the device. Positioning the device so that the downward projections loosely contact edges of an object to be lifted, and then lifting the handle, causes the arms to pivot downwardly relative to each other, thereby causing the downward projections to rotate inwardly to grasp the object. Alternatively, there is a central handle, and the two arms pivot downwardly from opposite ends of the handle.

Abstract: Elevating a handle of the lifter tool creates a clamping force between a bottom support plate and a top clamping plate operatively attached to the handle, allowing a worker to transfer, simultaneously, a number of stacked pavers, or similar block-like objects, quickly, efficiently and safely. A push-off plate facilitates unloading of the pavers from the tool.

Abstract: A stone lifting device comprises two handles (2, 3) that pivot in relation to each other. A first gripping jaw (11) is located at the one end region of the one handle (2) and a second gripping jaw (9) is located at the one end region of the other handle (3). The one handle (2) and the other handle (3) can be pivoted at their end regions in relation to each other around an axis (7) such that in a clamping position a cobblestone can be clamped between the first gripping jaw (11) and the second gripping jaw (9). A locking mechanism (12) is provided that can be either activated or deactivated. In their activated condition in the clamping position the positions of the handles (2, 3) are maintained and the cobblestone remains clamped between the gripping jaws (9, 11). In the deactivated condition the clamping position is maintained by a clamping force that is exerted onto the handles (2, 3) manually by an operator.

Abstract: A tool for lifting and carrying a building block includes a body having a first end adapted to engage an inner building block wall. A nose extends from an upper portion of the first end and is adapted to engage an upper surface of the building block. First and second elongated legs extend away from the first end in angular relation to one another. A foot is pivotally connected to a free end of the second leg, and has a generally parallel pad portion configured to engage an opposite inner wall of the building block. Upon exerting a lifting force on a handle portion of the first leg, the first end of the body and the foot pad engage and exert opposing forces to opposite inner walls of the building block cell, enabling the building block to be lifted by the tool.

Abstract: Elevating a handle of the lifter tool creates a clamping force between a bottom support plate and a top clamping plate operatively attached to the handle, allowing a worker to transfer, simultaneously, a number of stacked pavers, or similar block-like objects, quickly, efficiently and safely. A push-off plate facilitates unloading of the pavers from the tool.

Abstract: A stone lifting device comprises two handles (2, 3) that pivot in relation to each other. A first gripping jaw (11) is located at the one end region of the one handle (2) and a second gripping jaw (9) is located at the one end region of the other handle (3). The one handle (2) and the other handle (3) can be pivoted at their end regions in relation to each other around an axis (7) such that in a clamping position a cobblestone can be clamped between the first gripping jaw (11) and the second gripping jaw (9). A locking mechanism (12) is provided that can be either activated or deactivated. In their activated condition in the clamping position the positions of the handles (2, 3) are maintained and the cobblestone remains clamped between the gripping jaws (9, 11). In the deactivated condition the clamping position is maintained by a clamping force that is exerted onto the handles (2, 3) manually by an operator.

Abstract: A self-adjusting and/or self-locking concrete or cinder block and/or other object lifting device having a stationary assembly 13 including a stationary handle portion 15, a stationary horizontal middle bar portion 16, two stationary leg portions 17 and 18, a stationary jaw portion 19, and a stationary connection portion 20 and a moveable assembly 21 including an operating lever 3, a moveable jaw portion 22, and two teeth portions 24 and 25 that is supported on the stationary assembly 13 with a first pivot pin 1ST about which the stationary assembly 13 and the moveable assembly 21 pivot permitting the moveable jaw portion 22 to automatically close down on and/or grip a concrete or cinder block web disposed between the stationary jaw portion 19 and moveable jaw portion 22 by providing gravity based self-adjustment for different sized objects to be gripped and/or pinched between the jaws when the stationary handle portion 15 is pulled upward.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping tong including a moveable pivoting clamping plate mechanism; a fixed clamping plate mechanism; and a guide mechanism for guiding the moveable pivoting clamping plate mechanism at a distal end of the guide mechanism and for fixing the fixed clamping plate mechanism at a proximal end of the guide mechanism, wherein the moveable pivoting clamping plate mechanism moves co-axially along the guide mechanism and pivots in multiple directions relative to the guide mechanism. An adjustable clamping tong including a pivoting clamping plate mechanism; a fixed clamping plate mechanism; and a spacing mechanism for spacing the pivoting clamping plate mechanism at a distal end of the spacing mechanism from the fixed clamping plate mechanism at a proximal end of the spacing mechanism, wherein the spacing mechanism includes an adjusting mechanism and the pivoting clamping plate mechanism axially pivots along the spacing mechanism.

Abstract: A gripping device for handling heavy, dense articles made from organic materials formed into bricks, fired at high temperatures in kilns and for movement of the bricks from a storage area to a location for installation in a driveway, roadway, or the like to endure the wear and tear of pedestrian and vehicular traffic that moves thereover. The gripping device includes a base member, an associated telescopic member and a handle operable to clasp together a vertical row of stacked bricks into a secure assembly and thereafter maintain the assembly in a locked position as a worker carries the assembly from a storage area to a place of installation. The device includes a release mechanism operable to quickly disengage the stacked bricks at any desired location on a work site.

Abstract: A masonry step lifter has a first and a second jaw. Each of the jaws has (a) a tong adapted to subjacently support the masonry step, and (b) an upper and a lower arm. The upper arms overlap to an adjustable extent, as do the lower arms. The lower arms are releasably interlockable. The first jaw has a support leg with a lower portion attached to the proximal end of the tong for the first jaw. The support leg has an upper portion attached to the arms of the first jaw. The upper portion is inwardly set back to provide over the tong of the first jaw clearance for other overhanging masonry steps. The arms of the first and the second jaw are sized to avoid overhanging the upper portion of the support leg. The jaws can straddle the masonry step before being brought together in order to insert the tongs under the masonry step, and lift the masonry step. Using the jaws, the masonry step is laid on one of the horizontal surfaces of a stepped foundation.

Abstract: A machine for lifting and moving heavy slabs includes two channels connected only by a cable. The channels are placed against opposite edges of a slab. Each channel has a lower flange which is beveled so that the flange will scoop under the edge of the slab when moved toward the opposing channel. The channels are moved by attaching the cable to one channel and pulling the cable upward from the sheave on the other channel. Further lifting of the cable lifts the channels and the slab for moving.

Abstract: These and other objects of the invention which will become apparent are met by a concrete block lifting device used to lift at least two blocks off a pallet for repositioning on a wall. The device includes a rigid, horizontal, support bar with a block gripping assembly attached thereto designed to selectively attach to blocks on a pallet and then securely engage the blocks when the device is lifted by the backhoe. The block gripping assembly includes a insert member perpendicularly aligned and extending downward from the support bar. Mounted pivotally on each insert member is an actuator arm. The upper end of the actuator arm is pivotally connected to a linking arm and a release handle. The upper ends of two linking arms converge and attach to a central plate. A cable connects the central plate to a bucket on a backhoe.

Abstract: A lifting device that simultaneously lifts a plurality of retaining wall blocks initially oriented in a triangular configuration on a pallet and allows them to be easily realigned in a linear configuration on a retaining wall. The lifting device comprises two pivoting lateral extending side arms with clamping units attached to their distal ends. Attached to the main planar frame is a central clamping unit. Each clamping unit includes an insert member that inserts into a large, vertically aligned hole formed in the block. When the clamping units are inserted into the hole and activated, three triangularly aligned sets of blocks on a pallet may be lifted. The side arms are designed to pivot rearward so that the front surfaces of the blocks are longitudinally aligned and the blocks are positioned in a side-by-side manner. Once properly realigned, the lifting device is lowered so that the three blocks are simultaneously placed over the top row of the retaining wall.

Abstract: A block lift for lifting keystone type blocks. The block lift includes a plate having a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces. A rod is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The first end is integrally coupled to the top surface of the plate and generally centered in the top surface. The rod extends upwardly from the plate. A handle is attached to the second end of the rod. The plate is positioned through an aperture in a block and turned such that the plate is moved under a bottom surface of the block. The block may then be lifted.

Abstract: A brick laying aid comprising a box-shaped container open at one end and one side to receive a brick as a relatively close fit between two side walls and lying against a base wall and an end wall which may be of adjustable thicknesses, one side wall having an opening enabling the brick to be finger pressed against the opposite side wall to hold the brick in place when the device is grasped by the hand across the base wall, which is equipped on the outside with a handle which may be adjustable for hand size.

Abstract: A hand-held carrier for materials such as lumber and bricks. The carrier includes a riser shaft which is integral with or connected to a foot plate on which the material rests, the foot plate being thin and near-pointed at the toe and thicker at the heel where it is connected to the riser shaft. A housing is slideably mounted on the riser shaft and is adjustably retained along the riser shaft by a retaining pin or clamping assembly which extends into holes in the riser shaft. A lever or pinch handle is pivotably mounted to the housing and includes a handle section at one end and a clamp or pinching section at the other end. The lever can be rotated 180 degrees relative to the housing to enable use by a left-handed or right-handed person. As the lever is pivoted with the handle section being raised, the clamp section thereof contacts the material located on the foot and pinches or retains the material between the foot and the lever clamp section, whereby the material can be readily and easily moved as needed.

Abstract: The invention is a device for attaching a lifting cable or the like to a concrete block or other heavy object. The invention has a pair of pivoting cam members mounted to frame. The frame and cam members are dimensioned so that they can be fit within a space within the block when the device is in a relaxed condition. A linkage, which is connected to the lifting cable, drives the cam members outwardly against the walls of the space when the lifting cable is put in tension. This wedges the device in the space. The greater the tension in the lifting cable, the greater the wedging force.

Abstract: A hand tool for removing/replacing individual paving stones, bricks, tiles and the like includes a relatively stationary upper handle affixed to a depending rear jaw having a lower grasping end and which cooperates with a similar, opposed jaw as affixed to a lower, displaceable handle. These two main components are connected through a transverse pivot fastener joining the free distal end of the upper handle to the forward end of the lower handle, adjacent its fixation to the front jaw.

Abstract: A tool to releasably engage in a channel of a concrete block for lifting provides an elongate body rod defining a fastening loop in its upper portion and carrying in its lower portion two radially extending fins having an obtuse central angle less than a straight angle therebetween. Each fin pivotally supports vertically spaced, parallel connector links that pivotally interconnect vertically orientated fastening arms for similar radial motion. The body provides at least one fixed fastening arm extending on a line bisecting the central angle between the two fins. Release mechanism provides a release collar slidable on the body between the fins and fastening ring. The collar pivotally carries connector links that interconnect with the upper fastening arms to radially move the fastening arm responsive to collar motion. A compression spring carried about the body rod between the collar and the fastening ring biases the collar downwardly and responsively the fastening arms outwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tyne layer in an automatic brick stacking system having a conveyor for moving courses of brick from a kiln car to a stacking and straping station is disclosed. The apparatus includes a set-down transfer head for removing a course of brick from the conveyor. A separation conveyor receives brick from the set-down transfer head. The separation conveyor has a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart conveying means for moving the bricks in a longitudinal direction. A stop means engages and stops the movement of bricks therepast. A lift means is disposed between the conveying means and between one end of the separation conveyor and the stop means for lifting and redepositing a portion of the bricks upstream of the stop means. The conveying means, stop means, and first lift means are sequentially operated in a cooperative relationship to space the rows of brick apart in the longitudinal direction of conveyance and at predetermined intervals to form the tyne layer.

Abstract: An apparatus including a rectangular, vertical framework, including a series of spaced vertical bars to define a grid, with a lower slotted support bar and an upper bar enclosing the framework, wherein the bottom slotted bar includes a plurality of orthogonally and slidably mounted support legs adjustably positionable to accommodate various sized masonry block to direct the legs through the apertures within the block. Pneumatic tires of an enlarged diameter, such as two 4.80.times.400-8 inch two ply air tires are mounted rearwardly and below an intersection defined by the legs and the rectangular framework and to each side of the rectangular framework to afford stability to the organization. An accessory locking frame is mounted within the outwardly extending legs and affords a degree of flexure to enable securement of stacked masonry block to the dolly.

Abstract: A multipurpose brick-layer's tool is adaptable for use as brick tongs or as a mortar hoe. In one embodiment of the invention, the tool also functions as a band-cutter for cutting metal bands used in the packaging and transport of bricks. The tool is adjusted using a slide and guide arrangement. A pin and hole adjustment mechanism varies the distance between locking jaws of the multipurpose tool. In this manner, a specific number of bricks can be carried or a hoe handle of preselected length can be formed. An elongated embowed handle arches over the guide tube and has at one end thereof a first clamping jaw. The jaw end portion of the handle is rotatably affixed to a pivot pin extending through opposing walls of the guide tube. A slide tube carried within the guide tube extends outside the guide tube and carries a second clamping jaw complementary to and larger in size than the first clamping jaw. The second clamping jaw is a blade of a size and structure suitable both as a mortar hoe blade and a clamping jaw.

Abstract: A masonry block tool for picking up, transporting and laying webbed masonry blocks, comprising a main handle member, a pair of aligned cross handle members integral with the main handle member, a downwardly projecting and forward angling tongue member fixable to the main handle member and disposed such that the tongue member lies in a plane perpendicular to the center line of the cross handle members, a downwardly projecting end blade member integral with the end of the main handle member at the end thereof opposite the cross handle members and disposed such that the end blade member and the main handle member are at right angles where joined and such that the end blade member is disposed in a plane lying perpendicular to the plane in which the tongue member lies.

Abstract: A handling tool for insulated building blocks includes a pair of gripping surfaces that can be inserted within a recess of the block. A movable handle is attached through an actuator mechanism to the gripping surfaces for forceably moving the gripping surfaces apart to engage forcefully and in flushed contact with the end wall surfaces of the block. A guide is provided for substantially centering the gripping surfaces and handles within the block over the block weight and for positioning the gripping surfaces along the end walls to prevent damaging engagement between the gripping surfaces and the insulation layer within the block.

Abstract: A device for handling a cored building block has a substantially U-shaped body portion which is inserted into the core of a building block such that the curved base and one end of a leg exert opposing forces on the wall of the core when an upward lifting force is applied to a handle attached to the other leg of the body portion and positioned substantially horizontally in the lifting position. A modification includes a U-shaped body portion, one leg of which is longer than the other and the legs are straddled over a wall separating cores of a building block to exert forces on the wall when an upward lifting force is applied to a handle attached to the curved base of the body portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for lifting a component such as a building block and comprises a support having a contiguous lower abutment surface, a plurality of engaging members extending beneath the support and adapted to be entered into a recess in the component, at least one of the members being movable and a handle means movable with respect to the support and operatively connected with the movable engaging member, so that on lifting the handle the engaging members engage the adjacent wall of the recess with a force proportional to the weight of the component.

Abstract: After curing, cementitious blocks carried on a pallet are moved by a conveyor to a transfer apparatus which removes the blocks from the pallet and transfers them to another conveyor for delivery to a cubing mechanism. The transfer apparatus is provided with a block lift turn-over mechanism and a block push-off mechanism with those mechanisms selectively operable to provide two distinctive operational modes as necessitated by the types of blocks being transferred and the desired block attitude.

Abstract: A lifting tool for batteries and the like includes first and second members each having an upright end leg provided with a gripping shoe. The leg of the first member merges into a horizontal handle, while the leg of the second member merges into a connecting portion which extends under the handle of the first member and is connected to the leg of the first member at a pivot pin. This enables the two members to pivot relative to each other. The pivot pin extends through a slot in the connecting portion of the second member to permit the two sections to shift relative to each other to vary the spacing between the gripping shoes. The legs are spread apart by pressing the handle toward the connecting portion, and in this condition the tool is installed over the object to be lifted with the shoes opposite the end walls of the object. When the tool is lifted upwardly at its handle, the gripping legs move together, causing the shoes to bear against the end walls of the object.