Universal beam clamp

A universal beam clamp for supportably engaging the top flange of an I-beam comprising of a pair of opposed symmetrical clamp elements, each clamp element including an elongated base having an elongated inwardly opening top flange receiving slot along its inner edge;

• an upright support plate mounted upon and secured to said base along said edge;
• there being aligned upright elongated first and second slots centrally of said support plate;
• an adjusting screw extending transversely of said support plates through said first slots, said screw having separate right and left hand threads and a polygonal wrench engaging end;
• a pair of nuts mounted on each of said threads outwardly of said support plates;
• a nut retainer on said support plate outwardly thereof receiving a nut retaining it against rotation;
• rotation of said screw in one direction simultaneously drawing said clamp elements together for gripping the I-beam flange therebetween, rotation of said screw in the opposite direction separating said clamp elements;
• and a clamp element support having a base projected through said second slots and an apex overlying said support plates adapted for connection to a crane operated lift hook.