Patent attributes
The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for securely gripping objects or panels having cross sections, including heavy objects such as granite slabs to be used as counter tops, or lighter objects such as doors or windows, in order to facilitate lifting, moving, transporting, installing and/or storage thereof. A pair of jaws are provided between a rotatable turnbuckle and ratchet assembly which opens or closes the jaws around an object. The ratchet may be used to impart fine rotation to the turnbuckle in one direction to apply pressure to the jaws to firmly engage an object. Reversing the ratchet and rotating the turnbuckle in an opposite direction allows the object to be released. A handle on the ratchet facilitates lifting and moving the object gripped between the jaws.
