Tool for lifting and carrying elongated objects

Abstract

A hand-held pipe tool comprises a curvilinear rod having a series of curved segments and straight segments that form a cradle capable of grasping an elongated object such as a pipe or a hose. The curvilinear rod has a handle on one end that preferably comprises a foam rubber or other resilient material to facilitate grasping the tool under slippery or wet conditions.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A tool for grasping and moving an elongated object having a central axis, said tool comprising: 
 a rod having a first curved segment and a second curved segment spaced apart from said first curved segment, said first and second curved segments being generally opposed to one another; and    a handle depending from said rod;    wherein said first and second curved segments are engageable with the elongated object such that the elongated object may be lifted by lifting said handle.    
     
     
         2 . The tool of    claim 1    wherein said handle comprises a resilient material.  
     
     
         3 . The tool of    claim 1    wherein said first curved segment is disposed within a first plane and said second curved segment is disposed within a second plane that is substantially parallel to said first plane.  
     
     
         4 . The tool of    claim 3    wherein said first and second curved segments are substantially coaxial.  
     
     
         5 . The tool of    claim 4    wherein said tool is positionable such that the central axis of the elongated object is substantially coaxial with said first and second curved segments.  
     
     
         6 . The tool of    claim 4    wherein the combined circumference of said first and second curved segments encompasses about 360 degrees.  
     
     
         7 . The tool of    claim 4    wherein the combined circumference of said first and second curved segments encompasses slightly more than 360 degrees.  
     
     
         8 . The tool of    claim 3    wherein said handle is generally straight and substantially perpendicular to said first and second planes.  
     
     
         9 . The tool of    claim 3    wherein said handle is generally straight and substantially parallel to said first and second planes.  
     
     
         10 . A tool for grasping and moving an elongated object having a central axis and an upper portion and a lower portion, said tool comprising: 
 a rod having a first curved segment and a second curved segment spaced apart from said first curved segment, said first curved segment being disposed within a first plane and said second curved segment being disposed within a second plane substantially parallel to said first plane, said first and second curved segments being generally opposed to one another, said first and second curved segments being connected with a first straight segment substantially perpendicular to said first and second planes, said rod further having a second straight segment connected to said first curved segment, said second straight segment being substantially perpendicular to said first straight segment, said rod further having a third straight segment connected to said second straight segment, said third straight segment being substantially parallel to said first straight segment; and    a handle depending from said third straight segment of said rod, said handle comprising a resilient material;    wherein said first curved segment is adapted for supporting the lower portion of the elongated object and said second curved segment is adapted for engaging the upper portion of the elongated object such that the elongated object may be lifted by lifting said handle.    
     
     
         11 . The tool of    claim 10    further comprising a gusset connected to said first curved segment and said second straight segment.  
     
     
         12 . The tool of    claim 10    further comprising a gusset connected to said second straight segment and said third straight segment.  
     
     
         13 . The tool of    claim 10    further comprising: 
 a first gusset connected to said first curved segment and said second straight segment; and  
 a second gusset connected to said second straight segment and said third straight segment.  
 
     
     
         14 . The tool of    claim 10    wherein the combined circumference of said first and second curved segments encompasses about 360 degrees.  
     
     
         15 . The tool of    claim 10    wherein the combined circumference of said first and second curved segments encompasses slightly more than 360 degrees.