3 is an isometric view of the assembled invention with the setscrew (a standard Allen-type setscrew in the preferred embodiment, not shown) removed. 2 is an end view showing the open rectangular tube with the half-round half tubing welded to the outside edges and the heavy pins with the removable metal plate and spring pins in place, but with the set screw removed. 1 is a top view of the assembled invention. This device and procedure also could enhance safety and save time and labor by enabling the operator of the forklift to secure the sling safely and reliably without assistance from a second workman, helper, or stevedore, and without several additional movements mounting and dismounting the forklift. The removable metal plate then is positioned over the two heavy pins and lowered to secure the sling in place, and the spring pins are then inserted in the holes of the two heavy pins to keep the sling in place when the sling is not under load. The sling by which the load is to be lifted is placed between the two heavy pins with the spring pins out and the removable metal plate off. The invention consists of heavy plate metal formed and welded into a rectangular tube assembly formed to include a central opening to allow sliding the invention onto and around the forklift tine, with half-round tubing welded to the outboard edges of the rectangular tube to provide a rounded edge for supporting the sling and a setscrew device allowing the invention to be secured by friction of the setscrew and the interior of the rectangular tube against the sides of the tine at the desired location along the tine, with two heavy pins welded to the top edge of the rectangular tube and a removable metal plate having holes to allow the removable metal plate to be placed over the two heavy pins on the top edge of the rectangular tube and secured by means of spring cotter-type pins through holes near the top (open) edges of the two heavy pins. The present invention embodies a new device and method for transporting loads to be conveniently and/or necessarily lifted by means of a sling as opposed to atop the tines or atop a pallet picked up by the tines of a forklift. The present invention provides a solution to the shortcomings of the prior art and conventional practice as described above by providing for a secure clamp which, when affixed to the forklift tine, secures the sling from slipping while providing rounded edges to protect the sling from the cutting, tearing, wear, and breakage against the sharper edges of the bare forklift tine. This can result in wear, tearing, cuts, and/or breakage of the sling, a condition aggravated by any damage (nicks, scrapes, cuts) to or roughness in the tine and any movement of the sling along the tine under load. In addition, the tines usually are sufficiently rectangular in cross-section that at least two fairly sharp (90 degree angle with a slight rounded corner) edges of the tine are in contact with the sling. Essentially, it is friction alone that resists slippage of the sling on the tine. While the tines of most forklifts are adjustable to angle the tine(s) slightly upward from rear (near the forklift truck body or frame) to front (the open end(s) of the tine(s)) to hinder slippage of the sling off the front of the tine, it usually is preferable to have the sling(s) positioned somewhat forward on the tine(s) so as to keep the load away from the frame of the forklift and to allow positioning the load during movement and at placement. Sometimes more than one sling is used, and both tines of the forklift sometimes are used to carry the load, either with one sling positioned over both tines, or one or more slings carried by each tine. Odd-shaped, heavy, and cumbersome objects in and around warehouses, construction sites, and docks frequently are moved about by means of a rope, strap, or cable sling connected to, or positioned under, the object (or “load”) being moved and the sling and load are lifted by placing the sling over the tine of a forklift. This invention is directed to a clamp or clamps to be attached to a standard forklift tine or tines and method for safely and reliably lifting and moving loads by means of slings attached to the loads. Patent documents, as applicable and relevant. together with the references cited in the foregoing U.S.
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