Method and apparatus for lifting rolls of carpet or the like

In apparatus for lifting heavy rolls of carpet or the like, which apparatus comprises a structural, roll-load-bearing, roll-insert tube having a length substantially equal to that of a roll of carpet or the like to be lifted and of a diameter permitting lengthwise insertion thereof into and along an axial opening in said roll of carpet or the like;

• a roll-carrying length of structural material whose length is substantially equivalent to that of said roll-insert tube;
• a pair of relatively short, telescopic inserts for opposite ends, respectively, of said roll-insert tube, each of which inserts has inner and outer end portions;
• a pair of first load-supporting suspension means for hanging said telescopic inserts, by means of the outer end portions thereof, from opposite ends, respectively, of said roll-carrying length;
• and second load-supporting suspension means for hanging said roll-carrying length from an overhead hoist, the improvement wherein the outer end portion of each telescopic insert is provided with a rigidly interconnected assembly of operationally upstanding, rigid, connection structure rigidly attached thereto for attachment of one of said first load-supporting suspension means;
• wherein each said assembly of rigid connection structure comprises a plate member secured to the outer end portion of the corresponding telescopic insert transversely thereof, and an operationally upstanding gusset plate member extending along and rigidly secured to the outer end portion of the corresponding telescopic insert;
• wherein the pair of first load-supporting suspension means are respective link chains;
• wherein the upper end of said gusset plate of each assembly of connection structure is provided with means for attaching a link of the corresponding link chain;
• and
• wherein means are provided adjacent to opposite ends of said roll-carrying length of structural material for attachment of links of said link chains, respectively.