Load Lifter Assembly

Abstract

A Load Lifter Assembly is configured to allow for lifting, moving and releasing a barge lid via a material hander such as a crane without need for manual intervention between the load lifter assembly and the barge lid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a Load Lifter Assembly which is useful in at least one embodiment for placement and removal of barge lids. One benefit of the of the Load Lifter Assembly as described and claimed herein is to improve safety as the Load Lifter Assembly does not require deckhands to engage with the barge lid during placement and removal.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosed and described in the patent application.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

AUTHORIZATION PURSUANT TO 37 C.F.R. § 1.171 (c)

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material that is subject to copyright and trademark protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the past a set of chains with (4) 19′ long legs were used to hook the lids. It would require (2) guys on top of the lids to separate the chains and then walk them down the sides to hook them to the eyes of the lid. If setting lids on the dock, it took (2) more workers to guide the lid and then unhook the chains.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The Load Lifter Assembly as disclosed is a device that allows for hooking and unhooking barge covers (lids, typically made of fiberglass) unassisted. The Load Lifter Assembly as disclosed herein does not require any workers to hook or unhook for movement of the lid between the barge and the dock. It consists of a main body having four (4) attached legs and four (4) mechanical arms with hooks and guide wheels attached at the end of those legs. As nearly all river terminals use material handler(s) (a crane, a loader or a high-line) with a clamshell bucket, the Load Lifter Assembly is configured with a “T” shaped piece on top for the bucket to engage (clamshell pinches) to lift the Load Lifter Assembly. Additionally, there is a switch mechanism positioned in the center of the main body assembly that rotates a quarter turn each cycle (similar to a ball point pen). In the initial lift, the whole assembly is lifted. When the Load Lifter Assembly is set down on the lid, the switch mechanism in the center releases and rotates ninety (90) degrees engaging the load arms with the hooks to grab the eyes on the lids. Once the lid is sat back down, the switch mechanism in the center rotates ninety (90) degrees again, releasing the hooks allowing lifting of the device off of the barge lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain and illustrate the principles of the Load Lifter Assembly as disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the Load Lifter Assembly for enablement of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a side view of the Load Lifter Assembly disclosed herein along with detailed call outs for enablement of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the Load Lifter Assembly as shown at FIG. 1 along with detailed call outs for enablement of the present disclosure. [disclosed herein along with detailed call outs]

FIG. 1C is an end view of the Load Lifter Assembly as shown at FIG. 1 along with detailed call outs for enablement of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a detailed view of the guide assembly of a loading leg assembly with the load arm assembly positioned in the guide.

FIG. 2 is a detailed side view of the truss body of the Load Lifter Assembly as shown throughout.

FIG. 2A is a detailed front view of the truss body center portion of the Load Lifter Assembly as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the truss body plan view throughout.

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the upper works assembly.

FIG. 3A is a detailed top view of the upper switch assembly.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the inner tube of the master switch assembly having a blade positioned at each end of the shaft all located in the inner tube.

FIG. 3C is a detailed view of the internal shaft of the switch mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the lifting mechanism of the Load Lifter Assembly.

FIG. 4A is an end view of the lifting mechanism of the Load Lifter Assembly.

FIG. 5A is a detailed view of the upper switch plate.

FIG. 5B is a detailed perspective view of the upper switch plate and its operation.

FIG. 5C is a detailed view of the lower switch plate.

FIG. 5D is a detailed perspective view of the lower switch plate and its operation.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the leg assembly.

FIG. 6A is a detailed top view of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 6B is a detailed end view of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 6C is a top view of the guide bar which attaches to the wheel assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates the clamshell of the loader engaging the “T” of the load lifter assembly which is engaged with a barge lid.

FIG. 8 illustrates the load lifter assembly engaged with a barge lid during the lid removal process wherein the hooks have deployed to engage with the barge lid.

FIG. 9 illustrates the wheel engaged with a ridge in the barge lid setting position of the hook for deployment and engagement with the barge lid.

FIG. 10 illustrates the load lifter assembly with hooks engaged around the edge of the lid, the guide wheels engaged in the recesses of the lid and the lid being either removed or attached to the barge.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are a detailed view of the hook end of the load arm of FIG. 10 engaging with the eye of the barge lid to lock or unlock the lid to the barge.

FIG. 10C is a detailed view of the barge lid eye (latch) moving to the unlocked position by actuation of the load arm hook end on the eye.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate the prior art latching eyes of convential barge lids. FIG. 11A is a side view showing the latching eyes unlocked. FIG. 11B is a side view showing the latching eyes locked.

Applicant includes herein an Appendix, which is incorporated by reference herein, with prints which provide further details including dimensions which would enable and support fabrication of at least one embodiment of the Load Lifter Assembly disclosed and claimed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—TABLE OF ELEMENTS
                                 Element
Element Description              Number
Barge lid                        1
Barge lid edge                   1a
Barge lid ridge                  1b
Barge lid depression             1c
Barge                            1d
Hooks/eyes of barge lid          2
Hook portion of eye              2a
Eyelet portion                   2b
Bracket (eye)                    3
Main body                        8
Upper portion                    8a
Engagement end (T-shaped)        8aa
Central portion                  8b
Lower portion                    8c
Plates                           8d
Mounting eyes                    9
Loading legs—first               10
Loading legs—first—first end     10a
Loading legs—first—second end    10b
Loading legs—second              12
Loading legs—second—first end    12a
Loading legs—second—second       12b
end
Loading legs—third               14
Loading legs—third—first end     14a
Loading legs—third—second end    14b
Loading legs—fourth              16
Loading legs—fourth—first end    16a
Loading legs—fourth—second       16b
end
Spring catch                     18
Load arm assembly (1st)          20
1st/2nd Drop-down member         20a/20aa
Horizontal member                20b
Rod                              20c
Hooked end                       20d
Load arm assembly (2nd)          22
Load arm assembly (3rd)          24
Load arm assembly (4th)          26
Master switch assembly           30
(hydraulic control system)
Upper switch plate               32
Shaft                            33a
Upper blade                      33b
Lower blade                      33c
Lower switch plate               34
Lower wedges                     34a
Outer tube                       35
Inner tube                       36
Upper wedges                     37a
Slot                             37b
Chain                            38
Spring                           39
Guide assembly                   40
Pin                              42
Clevis                           43
Guide wheels                     45
Guard                            46
Lifting Device (crane, loader,   50
excavator) (not shown)
Working End (hook, cable, chain, 51
loader bucket, excavator bucket)
Load Lifter Assembly             100

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present Load Lifter Assembly 100 is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the Load Lifter Assembly 100 is not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used with at least one embodiment of the disclosed Load Lifter Assembly 100. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all potential embodiments of the Load Lifter Assembly 100. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, components of a Load Lifter Assembly 100. Thus, if there are a variety of additional components that can be added it is understood that each of these additional components can be added with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the Load Lifter Assembly 100. The present Load Lifter Assembly 100 may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description. Generally, FIGS. 1-7 are engineering drawings made to assemble to a prototype which is disclosed herein in sufficient detail as to enable one of ordinary skill in the art as to the invention. FIGS. 7-10 are various views of the Load Lifter Assembly 100 engaged with a barge lid during attachment and removal.

Enabling Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Load Lifter Assembly 100 disclosed herein along with detailed call outs for enablement of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the Load Lifter Assembly 100 has four loading legs 10, 12, 14 and 16, respectfully, for use in lifting operations of barge lids 1. The main (truss) body 8 has an upper portion 8a (upper assembly), a center portion 8b and a lower portion 8c. The upper portion 8a has an engagement end 8aa which is generally configured for engagement with the working end 51 (bucket, hook or clamshell as shown throughout) of a lifting device 50. As shown in the figures, it has a “T-shape” but is not so limited or restricted, as many other shapes may be suitable for a particular application. See also FIG. 1A (side view), FIG. 1B (top view) and FIG. 1C is a side view of the Load Lifter Assembly as shown at FIG. 1 along with detailed call outs for enablement of the present disclosure. FIG. 1D is a detailed view of the guide assembly 40 of a loading leg assembly with the load arm assembly positioned in the cradle like guide 41.

As shown FIGS. 2-3B, the main (truss) body 8 of the Load Lifter Assembly 100 is positioned between the loading leg assemblies (10, 12, 14 and 16) and is generally configured as a central rectangular structure that can support the load placed upon it by the lifting device, the load legs and the load and is further comprised of multiple cross members and supporting struts. (See also FIG. 1) FIG. 2A is a detailed end view of the truss body of the Load Lifter Assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 2 and throughout the remaining figures. Further, at each corner of the main body 8, on each side, plates have been welded to allow attachment with each load leg assembly thereby attaching the load leg assembly at two points to the main body 8. See also FIG. 2B which provides a detailed truss body plan view and FIG. 6. As will be understood from this description and the figures, the load arm assemblies (20, 22, 24, 26) also attach to the main body truss 8 via a pair of mounting eyes 9 mounted upon the top portion of the main truss body 8 at each corner. Each load arm assembly is comprised of three main segments. A first segment is configured with a pair of drop-down members 20a connected to a horizontal member 20b. The first end of each drop-down member 20a is then connected to the horizontal member 20b. The second end of the drop-down member connects to the mounting eyes 9 of the top portion of the main truss body 8. The second end of the horizontal member 20b is configured to attach the second segment of the load arm assembly which is a rod 20c which extends most of the length of the load leg assembly 10. The pivot action of the drop down members 20a attached to the main body truss 8 allows the horizontal members 20b to move generally horizontally yet affect generally vertical movement on the rod 20c which acts on the third segment of the load arm assemblies for lid engagement as will be discussed further herein as shown at FIGS. 6A-6B as guide assembly 40.

FIG. 3 is a detailed end view of the upper portion 8a (upper assembly) or upper works assembly which comprises the upper portion of the load lifter assembly. As shown, the upper works assembly is configured as an inverted “V” on top of and interior of the rectangular shaped main (truss) body 8 which provides support and stabilization during operation. (See also FIG. 1B) FIG. 3A is a detailed section view of the upper works assembly. FIG. 3B is a detailed side view of the upper works assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 3B is a side view of the inner tube 36 of the master switch assembly 30 having a blade (33b/33c) positioned at each end of the shaft 33a all located in the inner tube 36 which is configured to ride up and down inside outer tube 35 which is affixed to the lower portion of the main frame assembly 8c.

As shown, a lubricated inner sleeve square (36) is positioned in the center of the upper works assembly 8a. The upper works assembly is configured with a main support beam which is positioned above the main body. The center portion 8b may be configured to hold and support a switch assembly 30 to control a load engagement system 32 and the lower portion configured for engagement with the loading legs which engage with a load, which is shown through-out the figures as a barge lid 1 but is not so limited or restricted as other applications may be suitable for the structure and methods disclosed and claimed. As through-out and particularly in FIGS. 1-1B, a there are four loading legs 10, 12, 14 and 16. As shown in FIG. 1 each loading leg assembly (10, 12, 14, 16) has a first end (10a, 12a, 14a, 16a) and a second end (10b, 12b, 14b, 16b), with the first end configured for attachment to the lower portion of the main body 8c, the second end generally configured for engagement with the load. Each one of the four loading leg assemblies is further configured with a loading arm (20, 22, 24, 26, respectively) positioned proximate the loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly 30 for engagement and disengagement with the load. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the load arm assembly (20, 22, 24, 26) is positioned to extend the length of the load leg assembly (10, 12, 14, 16) from the top portion to the bottom portion where the load is engaged. See also FIG. 1A which is a top view of the Load Lifter Assembly 100 and FIG. 1B which is a side view of the Load Lifter Assembly as shown at FIG. 1. In at least one embodiment of the switch assembly 30 disclosed herein, the switch assembly 30 is configured as a control system to allow the load lifter assembly 100 to allow an operator (not shown) using a lifting device 50, such as crane or hi-line, engaged with the load lifter assembly upper portion 8a to control engagement and disengagement with the load by lifting, releasing and lowering the load lifting assembly 100. Further as shown in at least FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the leg assembly is configured with guide wheels 45 positioned at the lower end of the loading leg assembly (10, 12, 14, 16), the guide wheel 45 configured to engage with and be positioned on the top of the barge lid 1, between and in the depression Ic between the ridges Id. See also FIG. 4 which is a side view of the lifting mechanism of the Load Lifter Assembly 100 and FIG. 4A is an end view of the lifting mechanism of the Load Lifter Assembly 100. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the upper switch plate 32. FIG. 5A is a detailed view of the lower switch plate 34. FIG. 5B is a detailed perspective view of the switch plate and its operation.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of one loading leg assembly (10, 12, 14, 16), which is labeled as 10. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that each of the loading leg assemblies (12, 14 and 16) are similarly configured and operate in a similar manner. As shown, a chain 38 is attached to the end of the first drop down member 20a which is pivotably attached to the horizontal member first end 20b. The second end of the horizontal member 20b is pivotably attached to the rod 20c of the loading arm assembly 20. As previously shown, the first end of the second drop down member 20aa is pivotably attached to the structure of the loading leg assembly 10 and the second end attached to the horizontal member 20b. The second end of the horizontal member 20b is pivotably attached to the first end of the rod 20c which extends along the length of the leg assembly 10 to the guide assembly 40. FIG. 6A is a detailed top view of the wheel assembly 45 of the guide assembly 40 and FIG. 6B is a detailed end view of the wheel assembly 45. FIG. 6C is a top view of the guide bar 41 which attaches to the guide assembly 40. As shown the ends of the leg assemblies (10,12,14,16) are configured with guide wheels 45 and guards 46. The load arm assemblies 10 are configured to operate upon and slide through the guide bar assembly 40 with the hooked end 20d positioned proximate the eyes 2 around the rim (edge) la of the barge lid 1. The wheels 45 work to position the hooked end 20d upon the lid 1 and proximate the eyes 2.

Method of Operation

FIG. 7 illustrates the clamshell of the loader enclosing the engagement end 8aa configured as a “T” of the load lifter assembly 100 which is engaged with a barge lid 1. FIG. 8 illustrates the load lifter assembly 100 just prior to engagement with the barge lid 1 during the lid removal process wherein the hooks 2 of the barge lid 1 are to be engaged with the the guide assembly 40. FIG. 9 illustrates the guide wheels 45 engaged with a ridge 1b in the barge lid setting the position of the guide assembly/bar (40/41) with the hook/eye 2 of the barge lid for securement. As shown, the load lifter assembly 100 has been allowed to rest against the barge lid 1 via the wheels 45, allowing release of the master switch 30 (hydrualic cylinder) which then acuates the guide assembly 40 via the chain 38 acting on the load arm assemblies 20 and the springs 39 therein. When the load lifter assembly 100 is then lifted, the guide assemblies 40 are engaged with the hooks or eyes 2 of the barge lid thus securing the barge lid 1 to the load lifter assembly 100. FIG. 10 illustrates the load lifter assembly 100 with hooks 2 fully engaged around the edge of the lid, the guide wheels 45 engaged in the recesses of the lid and the lid being removed from the barge. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that load lifter assembly 100 is configured to either operate to position and place the barge lid 1 upon the barge or remove the lid from the barge as well. FIG. 10B is a detailed view of the hook end of the load arm of FIG. 10 engaging with the eye of the barge lid to lock or unlock the lid to the barge. FIG. 10C is a detailed view of the barge lid eye (latch) moving to the unlocked position by actuation of the load arm hook end on the eye.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 11A-11B, conventional barge lids 1 include one or more latch members, referenced herein as hooks or lifting eyes 2 (hereinafter eye) which can be pivotally disposed on lid 1 and can be used to effectively latch and unlatch lid 1 to and from the barge Id.

As shown, eye 2 in FIG. 11B is pivotally disposed on a bracket 3 attached to lid 1. Eye 2 is shown with a hook portion 2a and eyelet portion 2b. As the lifting eye 2 rotates with respect to lid 1, the hook portion 2a can rotate to engage or disengage the barge. As can be seen from FIG. 11B, the eye 2 can be in a normally latched position, with the hook portion 2a engaging barge lid 1 such that lid 1 remains latched or locked onto the barge Id.

It is contemplated that in the illustrative embodiment shown in the enclosed figures the Load Lifter Assembly 100 may be constructed of, but not limited to, any metal or combination of metals including bronze, steel and aluminum; plastics or carbon fiber including Kevlar®, foam-blown polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, other polymers, other thermoplastics, carbon rubber, blown rubber polymers, composite materials, natural materials (e.g., rubber, leather, etc.), elastomers, combinations thereof, and/or any other material with suitable characteristics (e.g., compressive strength, stability, elasticity, density). This particular embodiment of a Load Lifter Assembly 100 was fabricated from steel using various laser cutting, welding, securement and machining technologies which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the Load Lifter Assembly 100 could be constructed by any method known to those in the art including via casting, forging and machining or stamping and punching, without restriction or limitation. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the Load Lifter Assembly 100 disclosed herein is designed, fabricated and configured to work with any type of bucket which can engage the upper portion of the load lifter assembly and or any type of cable or chain which be engaged with or wrapped around the load lifter assembly as shown but is in no way limited to working only with particular buckets, cables or chains shown herein.

Having described the preferred embodiments, other features of the Load Lifter Assembly 100 will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, as will numerous modifications and alterations in the embodiments as illustrated herein, all of which may be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the Load Lifter Assembly 100 disclosed herein. Accordingly, the methods and embodiments pictured and described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the present disclosure extends to all method and/or structures for providing increased functionality, comfort, longevity, enjoyment and aesthetics in the use and access of Load Lifter Assemblies 100. Furthermore, the methods and embodiments pictured and described herein are no way limiting to the scope of the Load Lifter Assembly 100 and method of use unless so stated in the following claims.

It should be noted that the Load Lifter Assembly 100 is not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar apparatuses and methods for providing the various benefits and/or features of a Load Lifter Assembly 100. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the Load Lifter Assembly 100. It is understood that the Load Lifter Assembly 100 as disclosed herein extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of the individual features mentioned, evident from the text and/or drawings, and/or inherently disclosed. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the Load Lifter Assembly 100 and/or components thereof. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the Load Lifter Assembly 100 and/or components thereof and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the same. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

While the Load Lifter Assembly 100 has been described in connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including but not limited to: Maters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids comprising: a) a main body, the main body further comprising: i) an upper portion, the upper portion configured for engagement with the working end of a lifting device;ii) a center portion;iii) a lower portion; and,iv) a switch assembly connected to the upper portion of the main body and the lower portion of the main body;b) a first loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for attachment to the lower portion of the main body, the second end configured for engagement with the load;c) a second loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for attachment to the lower portion of the main body, the second end configured for engagement with the load;d) a third loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for attachment to the lower portion of the main body, the second end configured for engagement with the load;e) a fourth loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for attachment to the lower portion of the main body, the second end configured for engagement with the load;f) a first loading arm positioned proximate the first loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the load;g) a second loading arm positioned proximate the second loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the load;h) a third loading arm positioned proximate the third loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the load;i) a fourth loading arm positioned proximate the first loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the load;j) the center portion configured to hold and support a switch assembly to control a load engagement system and the lower portion configured for engagement with a load; and,k) wherein the switch assembly is actuated by a lifting device engaged with the upper portion of the load lifter assembly to control engagement and disengagement with a load by the lifting, releasing and lowering of the load lifting assembly by the lifting device.

2. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 1 wherein the switch assembly mechanism is positioned in the center of the main body and is configured to rotate a quarter turn during a cycle of lifting, releasing and lowering of the load lifter assembly by the lifting device.

3. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 2 wherein during the cycle of lifting, releasing and lowering of the load lifter assembly by the lifting device, the switch assembly mechanism engages the loading arms to engage the barge lid.

4. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 2 wherein during the cycle of lifting, releasing and lowering of the load lifter assembly by the lifting device, the switch assembly mechanism engages the loading arms to lift the barge lid.

5. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 2 wherein during upon the lifting, the releasing and the lowering of the load lifter assembly by the lifting device, the switch assembly mechanism engages the loading arms to release the barge lid.

6. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 1 wherein the load lifter assembly is configured with either a hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and or electronic system, in combination therein to control the switch assembly to control engagement and disengagement with the barge lid.

7. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 2 wherein the switch assembly mechanism further comprises an inner tube which is configured to ride up and down inside an outer tube, the outer tube being affixed to the center portion of the main body and the inner tube being affixed to the upper portion of the main body.

8. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 7 wherein during the cycle of lifting, releasing and lowering of the load lifter assembly by the lifting device, the switch assembly mechanism engages the loading arms to engage the barge lid.

9. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 7 wherein during the cycle of lifting, releasing and lowering of the load lifter assembly by the lifting device, the switch assembly mechanism engages the loading arms for lifting of the barge lid.

10. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 7 wherein during upon the lifting, the releasing and the lowering of the load lifter assembly by the lifting device, the switch assembly mechanism engages the loading arms to release the barge lid.

11. A load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids comprising: a) a main body having an upper portion, a center portion and a lower portion, the upper portion configured for engagement with the working end of a lifting device, the center portion configured to hold and support a switch assembly to control a load engagement system and the lower portion configured for engagement with a barge lid;b) a first loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for attachment to the lower portion of the main body, the second end configured for engagement with the barge lid;c) a second loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for attachment to the lower portion of the main body, the second end configured for engagement with the barge lid;d) a third loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for attachment to the lower portion of the main body, the second end configured for engagement with the barge lid;e) a fourth loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for attachment to the lower portion of the main body, the second end configured for engagement with the barge lid;f) a first loading arm positioned proximate the first loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the barge lid;g) a second loading arm positioned proximate the second loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the barge lid;h) a third loading arm positioned proximate the third loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the barge lid;i) a fourth loading arm positioned proximate the fourth loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the barge lid; and,j) wherein the switch assembly further comprises an inner tube which is configured to ride up and down inside an outer tube, the outer tube being affixed to the center portion of the main body and the inner tube being affixed to the upper portion of the main body.

12. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 11 wherein the switch assembly controls engagement and disengagement between the load lifter assembly and the barge lid by the lifting and lowering of the load lifting assembly via a lifting device.

13. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 11 wherein the switch assembly mechanism is positioned in the center of the main body and is configured to rotate a quarter turn by the lifting and lowering of the load lifter assembly.

14. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 13 wherein the switch assembly controls engagement and disengagement between the load lifter assembly and the barge lid by the lifting and lowering of the load lifter assembly via a lifting device.

15. The load lifter assembly for use in lifting operations of barge lids according to claim 14 wherein during the cycle of lifting, releasing, and lowering, when the barge lid is let down, the switch assembly mechanism allow the hooks engaged with the barge lid to be released.

16. The method of moving a barge lid attached to a barge using a load lifter assembly comprising: a) configuring a load lifter assembly with a main body that allows for engagement between a material handler and a barge lid, wherein the main body is configured to hold and support a switch assembly which controls a load engagement system, the load engagement system further comprising: i) a first loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the main body, the second end configured for engagement with a barge lid;ii) a second loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the main body, the second end configured for engagement the barge lid;iii) a third loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the main body, the second end configured for engagement with the barge lid;iv) a fourth loading leg having a first end and a second end, the first end configured attached to the main body, the second end configured for engagement with the barge lid;v) a first loading arm positioned proximate the first loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the barge lid;vi) a second loading arm positioned proximate the second loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the barge lid;vii) a third loading arm positioned proximate the third loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the barge lid;viii) a fourth loading arm positioned proximate the first loading leg and configured for actuation by the switch assembly for engagement and disengagement with the barge lid;b) lifting the load lifter assembly with the material handler and positioning the load lifter assembly over the barge lid;c) lowering the load lifter assembly onto the barge lid to actuate the switch assembly mechanism to engage the barge lid with the load engagement system; and,d) raising the load lifter assembly to actuate the switch assembly mechanism to release a plurality of barge hooks engaged with the barge lid.

17. The method of moving a barge lid attached to a barge using a load lifter assembly according to claim 16 wherein the barge lid is lifted from the barge.

18. The method of moving a barge lid attached to a barge using a load lifter assembly according to claim 17 wherein the barge lid is released from the load lifter assembly by lowering the load lifter assembly until the barge lid is supported to release the switch mechanism.

19. The method of moving a barge lid attached to a barge using a load lifter assembly according to claim 16 wherein the switch assembly further comprises an inner tube which is configured to ride up and down inside an outer tube, the outer tube being affixed to the center portion of the main body and the inner tube being affixed to the upper portion of the main body to allow control of engagement and disengagement with the barge lid by the lifting, releasing, and lowering of the load lifter assembly.

20. The method of moving a barge lid attached to a barge using a load lifter assembly according to claim 19 wherein the barge lid is released from the load lifter assembly by lowering the load lifter assembly until the barge lid is supported to release the switch mechanism.