Abstract: A protective cover for a lifting device which may be rolled to a position under an object to effect lifting thereof, and a method of utilizing the cover. The lifting device is particularly useful in the lifting of human patients as it accomplishes lifting by a rolling action without sliding action between the patient and the exterior of the lifting device. It comprises a hollow member of flexible material with a recess running from end to end entirely through the member and a driving stick for driving the hollow member. The cover comprises an elongate tubular member which is coupled to the stick to be drawn into the recess, which moves to cover the outside of the hollow member during a lifting operation, and which is drawn back into the recess and everted on withdrawal of the hollow member to lower the patient.

Abstract: A lifting device which may be rolled to a position under an object to effect lifting thereof. The device of the invention is particularly useful in the lifting of human patients as it accomplishes lifting without sliding action between the patient and the exterior of the lifting device. The lifting device includes a hollow member of flexible material with a recess running from end to end entirely through the member. The member also defines an enclosed chamber surrounding the recess and having a generally elongated, flattened, toroidal configuration. Preferably, the chamber is filled with a fluid medium for supporting the member and maintaining its shape. A protecting device is engageable both with said recess and with the exterior of said member to cover and protect the same. At least part of the surface of the hollow member which faces the interior of the chamber may include a layer of lubricant thereon to facilitate rolling of the member.