Curled grip member and method

Abstract

A crimped grip member for use in an ambulatory patient lifting apparatus. The grip member may have a base unit (11) that includes a number of spaced apart generally wedge-shaped segments (33) that extend from a transverse fin (30) connected to a flexible bottom backing panel (20). A tensioning cable extending through the segment can drive curling of the member. In its curled configuration, adjacent segments can be in contact with each other to prevent further curl. The bottom backing panel may have varying thicknesses or other features that control the flexibility of the gripping members, and thus which longitudinal regions begin to crimp more rapidly. Comprising a bottom panel, fins, and segments may be injection molded as a unitary piece in a simple clamshell mold.

Description

[0001] Prior application

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63,392,841, filed on July 27, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to automated mechanical lifting devices, and more particularly to devices for lifting ambulatory patients. Background Art

[0004] Many devices for lifting ambulatory medical patients have been proposed in order to avoid the necessity of having many strong and skilled people ready. An automated patient lifting device is described in Simson's U.S. Pat. No. 10,238,565 (hereinafter "Simson") and is shown in Simson's U.S. Pat. No. D879,302, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Figure 1 As shown in , the patient lift 1 may include a support frame 2 supporting a number of gripping members 3, 4, 5, 6 extending from the support frame. Each removable gripping member may be mounted to a dedicated port 7 on the frame, thereby allowing a defective gripping member to be replaced for repair or replacement. Figure 2 As shown in , each gripping member can be driven to curl inwards to reach below and curl around the body to be lifted. Curling can be driven by a motor inside the frame and / or manually driven using handle 8.

[0005] As further disclosed in Simson, in the context of a seated patient (e.g., a paraplegic), the members can extend under the thigh region and behind the patient's torso in order to grasp them. Because each member can be crimped rather than merely translated as a non-crimping clamp, the width of the device can remain substantially constant during its operation, greatly improving the usefulness of the device within the narrow confines of a personal living space.

[0006] Simson also stipulates that: components can be smoothly continuous from Figure 1 The substantially flat open configuration shown in FIG. Figure 2 Each member may use a trapezoidal segment mounted to a flexible back or outer panel. The panel may serve as an articulated connection between the segments. The articulated movement between all segments may occur simultaneously along the longitudinal dimension of the member, thereby achieving a smooth, continuous curl.

[0007] Simson also provides that a flexible top or inner panel can be used to drive the curling of the gripping member. Alternatively, a cable that operates similarly to the flexor tendons of the fingers can be used to curl the gripping member. When the tension on the cable is released, the elasticity of the back panel can spring the gripping member back to its flat configuration.

[0008] Unfortunately, the gripping member described in Simson can be relatively complex, requiring skilled and accurate manufacture and assembly of different numbers of individually molded components, which can lead to increased manufacturing costs. In addition, the mechanical strain on the back panel increases in those locations between where the segments join to the back panel, requiring the panel to be more robust and less flexible. The repeated dynamic loads placed on the member can cause rapid wear on the back panel and many other interconnected components. Therefore, frequent repair or replacement of components can be expected during the life of the lifting device, which can significantly increase the cost of operation.

[0009] Therefore, a need exists for a roll-up grip panel that addresses some or all of the above-identified deficiencies. Summary of the invention

[0010] It is a primary and secondary object of the present invention to provide an improved curling gripping member for a lifting device.These and other objects are achieved by an interchangeable gripping member comprising spaced apart fins.

[0011] In some embodiments, a gripping member device for use in a lifting device is provided, the device comprising: a flexible bottom panel extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end; a plurality of fins extending upward from the flexible bottom panel; wherein the fins are longitudinally spaced apart; a first series of spaced apart segments connected to the fins; wherein the first segment is the first of the spaced apart segments, the second segment is the second of the spaced apart segments, the first fin is the first of the fins, and the second fin is the second of the fins; wherein the first segment extends longitudinally from the first fin to be separated from the flexible bottom panel; the first segment supports a first support surface; wherein the second segment extends longitudinally from the second fin; the second segment supports a second support surface; wherein the first support surface and the second support surface are separated from each other by a first longitudinal distance while the gripping member is in an uncurled configuration; wherein the first support surface and the second support surface are separated from each other by a second longitudinal distance while the gripping member is in an arched configuration; and wherein the second longitudinal distance is less than the first longitudinal distance.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second longitudinal distance is zero, whereby the first and second bearing surfaces contact each other while the gripping member is in the arcuate configuration.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first segment further comprises a longitudinal undercut between the first support surface and the flexible bottom panel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first section further includes: a forward extending protrusion, which supports the first support surface; a rearward extending protrusion, which supports the rear support surface; a front longitudinal undercut, which is between the first support surface and the flexible bottom panel; and a rear longitudinal undercut, which is between the rear support surface and the flexible bottom panel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second segment extends longitudinally from the second fin and is separate from the flexible bottom panel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first segment extends laterally a distance beyond a lateral edge of the flexible bottom panel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the device further comprises: a plurality of spaced apart tips extending laterally from the lateral edge; wherein each of the tips supports one of the segments at a fulcrum.

[0018] In some embodiments, the device further comprises: a flexible cover panel, the flexible cover panel slidingly contacting each of the fins along a top surface of each of the fins.

[0019] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a resilient pad supported by a top surface of the flexible cover panel.

[0020] In some embodiments, the device further comprises an elastic pad fixed on top of the fin.

[0021] In some embodiments, the resilient pad includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced serrations extending between the fins.

[0022] In some embodiments, the device further comprises: a curling mechanism that rotates the fins relative to each other.

[0023] In some embodiments, the crimping mechanism comprises a flexible cable extending longitudinally along the member.

[0024] In some embodiments, the device further comprises: each of the segments having an arcuate top edge; wherein the curvature of the arcuate top edge is selected to match the curvature of the member while the gripping member is in the arcuate configuration.

[0025] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: each of the segments comprises a longitudinal arcuate channel along the arcuate top edge; wherein the channel is sized to allow the cable to pass through the channel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cable includes: a ring, the ring including: a first arm, the first arm extending longitudinally along a first lateral side of the member; a second arm, the second arm extending longitudinally along a second lateral side of the member; a fastener, the fastener connecting the first arm to the second arm; and, wherein the fastener adjusts the spacing between the first arm and the second arm.

[0027] In some embodiments, the fastener comprises a turnbuckle.

[0028] In some embodiments, the device further comprises: the panel having a variable thickness between the proximal end and the distal end; and wherein the variable thickness tapers substantially linearly between the first thickness and the second thickness.

[0029] In some embodiments, the device further comprises: the panel having a variable thickness between the proximal end and the distal end; and wherein the variable thickness provides a gradually decreasing discrete thickness between successive pairs of the fins.

[0030] In some embodiments, the device further comprises: the fin having a height that gradually decreases from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0031] In some embodiments, a device for use in a lifting device is provided, the device comprising: a flexible bottom panel extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end; the flexible bottom panel extending laterally between lateral edges; at least one fin extending upward from the flexible bottom panel and extending laterally between the lateral edges; a first segment, the first segment being attached to a first end of the fin; and wherein the first segment includes a protrusion extending longitudinally from the first fin and separated from the flexible bottom panel.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first section further comprises: a protrusion that protrudes longitudinally beyond the longitudinal extent of the fin to form a longitudinal undercut between the protrusion and the flexible bottom panel.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first segment extends laterally beyond a lateral extent of the lateral edge adjacent the fin.

[0034] In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a curling gripping member for a lifting device is provided, the method comprising: selecting a gripping member structure that curls in a longitudinal plane; further selecting the gripping member structure to have a base unit made of an integral piece of material; wherein the base unit comprises: a solid flexible bottom panel having a top surface; a first fin, the first fin extending upward from the top surface; a second fin, the second fin extending upward from the top surface; the first fin and the second fin being longitudinally spaced apart; a first pair of segments, the first pair of segments being joined to opposite lateral ends of the first fin; a second pair of segments, the second pair of segments being joined to opposite lateral ends of the second fin; injection molding the base unit via a clamshell mold; installing a curling mechanism in the base unit; and, fixing a flexible cover made of an elastic material to the base unit.

[0035] The original text of the original claims is incorporated herein by reference to describe features in some embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a prior art diagrammatic perspective view of a patient lift having a removable curled gripping member in its uncurled configuration.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 0013] A prior art diagrammatic perspective view of a patient lift having a curled gripping member in its curled configuration.

[0038] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic top, front, left side perspective view of a base unit of a curled grip member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic bottom, rear, and right side perspective views of a base unit of FIG.

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic enlarged partial perspective view of the base unit of FIG. 5 taken at circle 5 - 5 .

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic enlarged partial perspective view of the base unit taken at circle 6-6.

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic right side elevation view of the base unit with the tensioning cables installed.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic partial top view.

[0044] Fig. 9yes Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional end view of the base unit taken at line 9-9.

[0045] Fig.10 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional side view of a gripping member in its uncrimped and curled configurations.

[0046] Fig.11 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional side view of a gripping member having a resilient pad with a serrated lower surface.

[0047] Fig.12 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional side view of an adjacent pair of segments extending from a variable thickness backing panel.

[0048] Fig.13 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional side view of a series of segments spanning a backing panel having discrete reduced thickness portions.

[0049] Fig.14 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a gripping member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In this specification, references to top, bottom, upward, downward, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, lateral, transverse, rear, front, proximal, distal, etc. may be used to provide a clear frame of reference for various structures relative to other structures generally as oriented in the referenced drawings. These references should not be considered absolute when the frame of reference changes, such as when the device is inverted, shown on its side, or disassembled.

[0051] If the term "substantially" is used in this specification, it may be used with respect to manufacturing imprecisions and inaccuracies that may result in asymmetries and other inaccuracies in the shapes, sizes, orientations, and positioning of various structures. In addition, the use of "substantially" in conjunction with certain geometries and orientations (such as "parallel" and "perpendicular") may be given as a guide to generally describe the function of various structures and to allow for slight deviations from exact mathematical geometries (such as cylinders, disks, and cones) and their orientations while providing substantially similar functionality. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the extent to which deviations can be made from mathematically exact geometric references.

[0052] If used in this specification, the word "axial" refers to a direction, movement or force acting substantially parallel to or along a respective axis, and not to a rotational or radial or angular direction, movement or force, nor to a torsional force.

[0053] In the present specification, the unit "millimeter" or "millimeters" may be abbreviated as "mm", and the unit "centimeter" or "centimeterters" may be abbreviated as "cm".

[0054] In this specification, reference may be made to the use of many patches or multi-layer hook-loop fabric fasteners such as the VELCRO brand fasteners available from Velcro USA Inc. of Manchester, New Hampshire, wherein a patch of a first type of hook-loop fabric fastener (hook or loop) can be releasably fastened to a patch of the opposite type. For example, a patch of the hook type will be releasably coupled to a patch of the loop type or some other common loose woven fabric. For clarity, such fasteners are referred to as fabric fasteners in this specification, and fabric fastener patches will be coupled to corresponding fabric fastener patches. Those skilled in the art will readily understand which type will be best used for any given patch and whether the type of matching patches can be exchanged.

[0055] Now refer to the accompanying drawings, Figures 3 to 7 , a base unit 11 of a gripping member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in its flat, uncoiled, open configuration. The base unit can be made of a unitary piece of durable, injection-molded solid material, such as a durable, strong industrial plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The base unit can be substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal plane extending in a vertical direction indicated by arrow V and extending along a central longitudinal axis 16. The base unit can have a proximal end 12 and a longitudinally opposite distal end 13, the proximal end 12 being used to connect to a Figure 1 The distal end 13 is used to form the end of a gripping member.

[0056] If mainly in Figure 3 to Figure 4 As shown in , the base unit 11 and therefore the gripping member may include a bottom backing panel 20, which may be a substantially planar sheet of material in an unrolled configuration as shown. The bottom panel may be generally quadrilateral, having a proximal edge 22, an opposite distal edge 23 and a pair of lateral side edges 24, 25.

[0057] If mainly in Figure 3 As shown in , a series of longitudinally spaced apart transversely transverse reinforcing fins 30 may extend upwardly from the top surface of the bottom panel and span the transverse dimension of the bottom panel. The fins may have gradually decreasing vertical heights hi, h2, h3 ... hn as they proceed toward the distal end 13 of the base unit.

[0058] Two series 31, 32 of rotation-limiting segments 33 of substantially pentagonal, substantially home plate shape may extend from opposite lateral ends of the fin 30. In other words, each fin may have a dedicated pair of transversely spaced segments symmetrical about a central vertical longitudinal plane. The combination of a fin and its dedicated pair of segments may be referred to as a cantle unit.

[0059] As in Figures 5 to 7 As shown more clearly in FIG, each individual segment 42 can have a lower wedge-shaped portion that tapers downward to form a fulcrum 43, thereby creating a pair of longitudinal undercuts 49a, 49b across the front and rear edges of the lower wedge-shaped portion. The fulcrum can engage with a tip 26 that extends laterally beyond the corresponding edge 24 of the bottom panel 20. In this way, the segment can be extended laterally to be used for the bottom panel. A gap G can be formed between the transverse innermost portion of the segment and the edge of the bottom panel to ensure the flexibility of the panel. The corresponding fin 32 can engage with the tip and segment to strengthen the tip and segment interface. In this way, the contact area between the bottom panel and the fin can be minimized to enhance the longitudinal flexibility of the bottom panel. In other words, except where the fin contacts the upper surface of the bottom panel, the entire bottom panel can be freely flexed during curling in the vertical plane while still exhibiting enhanced lateral stiffness.

[0060] Each segment 42 may also have an upper portion having an arcuate concave top edge 45 and a pair of longitudinally projecting protrusions 77, 78, the protrusions 77, 78 supporting bearing surfaces 47, 48, each bearing surface being oriented to firmly and firmly contact a bearing surface on an adjacent segment when that portion of the base unit reaches its fully curled configuration, thereby limiting any further rotation of the cantle unit relative to the adjacent cantle unit. The first protrusion 77 may project rearwardly and the second protrusion 78 may project forwardly.

[0061] The lateral thickness of each segment 42 lends itself to material removal to reduce weight and waste. The cavity 59 may be formed into segments, creating various wall and gusset structures to maintain strength and rigidity.

[0062] It should be noted that Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in , the height of a portion of the top edge 45 of each segment 42 can be comparable to the height of the top edge 31 of the fin 32 to which it is attached. In this way, the top surface of the base unit 11 of the gripping member can be smoothly slid to the base unit under the lower surface of the top cover and / or pad, which will be further described below.

[0063] Main references Figure 7The curling of the base unit 11 of the gripping member may be driven by a curling mechanism which may include a tensioning member in the form of a cable 50 extending longitudinally from an outlet 51b in the proximal end 12 to an anchor 52 near the distal end 13. The cable may be made of coiled strands of stainless steel or other strong flexible material. Tension may be applied to the cable by a motor or crank located in the lifting device which pulls a terminal cap 53b formed on the free end of the cable. It should be noted that the cable may also provide means for carrying a load provided on the gripping member by the body being lifted.

[0064] The middle portion of the cable 50 can extend through the longitudinal inverted U-shaped channel 44 formed by the curved lip 46 near the arcuate top edge 45 of each segment 42. The channels of each series of segments are aligned to form a guide path for the cable.

[0065] If mainly in Figure 8 As shown in , the cable can be formed by a pair of cable arms 54, 55 connected to form a loop, wherein one arm 54 can extend through a first series 40 of segments along one side 25 of the bottom panel 20, and the other arm 55 can extend through a second series 41 of segments along the opposite side 24. The two cable arms can be joined at their distal ends by a turnbuckle connector, which forms an anchor 52 having a pair of alternating threaded coaxial posts 56a, 56b that engage threaded holes in a pair of cable arm end pieces 57a, 57b that are slidably mounted in a recess 58 that is molded into the base unit or integral with the distal-most cantle unit distally. The turnbuckle can have a knurled center drum 59 to facilitate manual manipulation during adjustment. Adjusting the turnbuckle while the gripping member is in its open, uncurled configuration allows the length of the cable arm to be adjusted to compensate for tensioning inaccuracies. This enables adjustment of the rest tension on the cable and helps prevent rearward curling of the gripping member if it encounters unforeseen forces as it engages the patient's body. A pair of generally circularly curved cable tracks 61a, 61b facilitate smooth adjustment of tension along the length of the cable arm. A pair of tabs 62a, 62b may project laterally and forwardly from the top edges of these tracks to help prevent the cable arm from inadvertently moving out of the tracks. The proximal end of each cable arm may extend through a corresponding outlet 51a, 51b and terminate in a terminal cap 53a, 53b.

[0066] During crimping, as tension on the cable arms 54, 55 increases, the distal-most segments begin to lift upward. The cables can then act on the channels of each segment to successively pull the distal-most segment pairs into rotation as the back panel flexes. As the cable tension increases, it causes the cantle unit to gradually rotate sequentially or simultaneously from the distal end toward the proximal end. In this way, the cables act as a tensioning member that draws a series of segments together.

[0067] As shown in the figure, in addition to the crimping mechanism wiring, Figures 1 to 9 The entire base unit of the gripping member can be molded in its open flat configuration without structures stacked on top of each other. Thus, those skilled in the art of injection mold manufacturing will appreciate that in this manner, the entire base unit of the gripping member can be injection molded using a simple clamshell mold. Thus, the base unit can combine all the required structure, flexibility, and load paths required for a fully functional, removable and replaceable gripping member into a single injection molded component made of flexible plastic. The total part count of the base unit can be one.

[0068] Fig.10 A partial side view of a gripping member in its open flat configuration 80a and in its closed curled configuration 80b is shown, wherein the last five segments are numbered continuously from 1 to 5 starting from the last most distal segment. The gripping member can include a flexible cover 81 fixed to a bottom base unit 86 on its top inner side. The cover can be easily fixed to the base unit by, for example, snap fit or by a fabric fastener. The cover can include a flexible cover panel 82, which is made of a substantially planar, substantially quadrilateral piece of a durable, flexible, substantially incompressible solid sheet (such as a sturdy industrial plastic, such as polypropylene or polyethylene). The top surface 83 of the fins and segments of the base unit and the bottom surface 84 of the cover panel 82 can be smooth so that they can slide freely relative to each other during curling. A pad 85 made of an elastically compressible foam material can be incorporated into the top surface of the cover panel to enhance the comfort of the patient being lifted. Alternatively, the flexible cover panel can be fixed to the base unit separately, and the protective pad made of elastic compressible foam material can be fitted on the combined base unit and cover panel. In addition, for hygienic reasons, the entire gripping member can be easily inserted into a disposable or washable form-fitting sleeve made of fabric, plastic or other flexible sheet material.

[0069] Fig.10It is also shown that when the base unit is in its open flat configuration 80a, the corresponding bearing surfaces 91, 92 of adjacent segments 1, 2 can be at an angle A relative to each other. This angle can be selected so that the base unit in its curled configuration provides a desired radius of curvature R. This radius can be common to all segments, or selected to be different for each pair of segments, resulting in a base unit with a variable radius of curvature across the segments. In this way, successively adjacent segments 1-5 can form a smoothly curved gripping member in the curled configuration 80b.

[0070] Fig.11 An alternative embodiment of a gripping member 100 is shown in which a cover 101 is mounted to a base unit 102. The cover may be made of a flexible, compressible material such as a plastic foam. The lower surface of the cover is formed with a number of longitudinally spaced serrations 103 extending into the longitudinal gaps between adjacent fins 104. When the base unit achieves its rolled configuration, the serrations are compressed and are therefore frictionally held by contact with the fins, thereby preventing undesired separation of the cover from the middle section of the base unit.

[0071] Fig.12 An alternative embodiment of the base unit 110 is shown that allows for further control of the sequential rotation of the fin and segment pair cantle units relative to each other. The bottom panel 111 can have a thickness that tapers from a first thickness Tp near the proximal end 12 toward a second thickness Td near the distal end 13, where Tp is thicker than Td. For example, Tp can be selected to have a thickness of 0.125 inches, while Td can have a thickness of 0.06 inches, where the thickness tapers substantially linearly between the first thickness Tp and the second thickness Td.

[0072] Fig.12 It also more clearly shows some of the features found in the previous embodiments, namely that the width W of the fin 113 can be commensurate with the longitudinal thickness of the fulcrum 114 at its narrowest point N, and that the longitudinal undercuts 117, 118 between adjacent segments 120, 121 spaced longitudinally apart by a spacing S can support adjacent angled bearing surfaces 122, 123. This embodiment also more clearly shows that the top edge 125 of the segment 121 can have a concave cross-section with a radius of curvature C that provides a smooth transition of curvature to the adjacent segment and that allows the base unit to have a substantially smooth and continuous concave inner surface when in the curled configuration. For comparison, the flat cross-section 126 is shown in phantom.

[0073] Alternatively, if Fig.13As shown in , the thickness of the bottom panel 130 can gradually decrease in discrete steps between successive portions of the bottom panel between the fins. For example, the bottom panel between the cantle units C1 and C2 can have a uniform thickness T1-2. Between the cantle units C2 and C3, the bottom panel can have a uniform thickness T2-3. And, between the cantle units C3 and C4, the bottom panel can have a uniform thickness T3-4. The thickness can gradually decrease in size in the distal direction DD.

[0074] The size of the gripping member can be readily scaled to the size of the lifting apparatus and to the expected weight limits to which the apparatus will be subjected. Figure 3 In an embodiment of the present invention, the gripping member can have a longitudinal length of about 12 inches (30 cm) and a width of about 10 inches (25 cm). The total vertical thickness of the proximal end can be about 1.5 inches (4 cm). The above dimensions are intended to accommodate patients weighing up to about 500 pounds (225 kg).

[0075] Reference now Fig.14 , an exemplary embodiment of a method 200 for manufacturing a curled gripping member for a lifting device is shown. The method may include selecting 201 a gripping member structure that curls in a longitudinal plane, and further selecting 202 the gripping member to include a base unit made from a unitary piece of material such as injection molded plastic. The base unit may include a solid flexible bottom panel, at least a pair of spaced apart fins extending upwardly from a top surface, and a pair of rotation limiting segments joined to the lateral ends of each fin. The base unit may be injection molded 203 using a single simple clamshell mold. Once the base unit has been molded, it can be installed 204 such as Figure 8 Thereafter, the wires such as Fig.11 The flexible cover of the cover shown in FIG. 2 is fixed 205 to the base unit.

[0076] While illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described, modifications may be made and other embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gripping member device for use in a lifting device, the device comprising: a flexible bottom panel extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end; a plurality of fins extending upwardly from the flexible bottom panel; wherein the fins are longitudinally spaced apart; a first series of spaced-apart segments connected to the fin; wherein the first segment is a first one of the spaced apart segments, the second segment is a second one of the spaced apart segments, the first fin is a first one of the fins, and the second fin is a second one of the fins; wherein the first section extends longitudinally from the first fin and is separated from the flexible bottom panel; The first segment supports a first bearing surface; wherein the second section extends longitudinally from the second fin; The second section supports a second bearing surface; wherein the first support surface and the second support surface are separated from each other by a first longitudinal distance while the gripping member is in an uncurled configuration; wherein the first support surface and the second support surface are separated from each other by a second longitudinal distance while the gripping member is in the arcuate configuration; and Wherein, the second longitudinal distance is smaller than the first longitudinal distance.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The second longitudinal distance is zero, whereby the first and second bearing surfaces contact each other while the gripping member is in the arcuate configuration.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first paragraph also includes: A longitudinal undercut is provided between the first support surface and the flexible bottom panel.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first paragraph also includes: a forwardly extending protrusion, the forwardly extending protrusion supporting the first bearing surface; a rearwardly extending projection, the rearwardly extending projection supporting the rear bearing surface; a front longitudinal undercut between the first support surface and the flexible bottom panel; and A rear longitudinal undercut is between the rear support surface and the flexible bottom panel.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The second segment extends longitudinally from the second fin and is spaced apart from the flexible bottom panel.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first segment extends laterally a distance beyond a lateral edge of the flexible bottom panel.

7. The device according to claim 6, further comprising: a plurality of spaced apart tips extending laterally from the lateral edge; wherein each of the tips supports one of the segments at a fulcrum.

8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: A flexible cover panel slidingly contacts each of the fins along a top surface of each of the fins.

9. The device of claim 9, further comprising a resilient pad supported by a top surface of the flexible cover panel.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic pad fixed on top of the fin.

11. The device according to claim 11, wherein: The elastic pad comprises: A plurality of longitudinally spaced serrations extend between the fins.

12. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: A curling mechanism rotates the fins relative to each other.

13. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The crimping mechanism includes a flexible cable extending longitudinally along the member.

14. The device according to claim 14, further comprising: Each of said segments has an arcuate top edge; Wherein, while the gripping member is in the arcuate configuration, the curvature of the arcuate top edge is selected to match the curvature of the member.

15. The device according to claim 15, further comprising: Each of the segments includes a longitudinal arcuate channel along the arcuate top edge; wherein the channel is sized to allow the cable to pass through the channel.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The cable comprises: A ring, comprising: a first arm extending longitudinally along a first lateral side of the member; a second arm extending longitudinally along a second lateral side of the member; a fastener connecting the first arm to the second arm; and, Wherein the fastener adjusts the spacing between the first arm and the second arm.

17. The device according to claim 17, wherein: The fastener comprises a turnbuckle.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The panel has a variable thickness between the proximal end and the distal end; and, Wherein, the variable thickness tapers substantially linearly between a first thickness and a second thickness.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The panel has a variable thickness between the proximal end and the distal end; and, wherein the variable thickness provides a gradually decreasing discrete thickness between successive pairs of the fins.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The fin has a height that gradually decreases from the proximal end to the distal end.

21. A device for use in a lifting device, the device comprising: a flexible bottom panel extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end; The flexible bottom panel extends laterally between the lateral edges; at least one fin extending upwardly from the flexible bottom panel and extending laterally between the lateral edges; a first section, the first section being attached to a first end of the fin; and, The first section includes a protrusion that extends longitudinally from the first fin and is separated from the flexible bottom panel.

22. The device according to claim 22, wherein: The first paragraph also includes: A protrusion protrudes longitudinally beyond the longitudinal extent of the fin to form a longitudinal undercut between the protrusion and the flexible bottom panel.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein: The first segment extends laterally beyond a lateral extent of the lateral edge adjacent the fin.

24. A method for making a curled gripping member for a lifting device, the method comprising: selecting a gripping member configuration that is curled in a longitudinal plane; The gripping member structure is further selected to have a base unit formed from a unitary piece of material; Wherein, the base unit comprises: a solid flexible bottom panel having a top surface; a first fin extending upward from the top surface; a second fin extending upward from the top surface; The first fin and the second fin are longitudinally spaced apart; a first pair of segments joined to opposite lateral ends of the first fin; a second pair of segments joined to opposite lateral ends of the second fin; injection molding the base unit via a clamshell mold; installing a curling mechanism in the base unit; and, A flexible cover made of an elastic material is secured to the base unit.

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