A device and method for moving cargo on inclined, horizontal or vertical surfaces utilizes frictional forces selectively applied through the use of induced mechanical vibrations on a loaded, platform in conjunction with the force of gravity acting on the platform. The platform is vibrated to pivot or shift the platform relative to a support structure, engaging a portion of the platform secured to the platform with the support structure. At the furthest extent of this motion, the platform is pulled against the support structure by gravity, disengaging the portion from the support structure. In turn the pivot point for the device is shifted to the point of engagement between the platform and the support structure, which enables the portion of the platform to move upwardly along the support structure. The alternation of this engagement of the platform with the support structure causes the platform to move along the support structure.

A portable hoisting apparatus is disclosed which, in general, includes a base, multiple legs, and a winch. The legs pivotally connect to the base. The winch includes a drum, a cable, a motor, and a battery. The cable is windably connected to the drum. The motor is coupled to a gear that rotates the drum. The battery is electrically connected to the motor. The battery is located within a battery holder. The battery holder is positioned intermediate the motor and a controller inside the drum.

A hoist for removing an object to enable an individual to work on the object includes a first substantially vertical support mounted on a floor surface. A second substantially vertical support mounted on the floor surface and being spaced a predetermined distance away from the first substantially vertical support. The first and second substantially vertical supports include an upper surface. A substantially horizontal member extending across the upper surfaces of the first and second substantially vertical supports. A first vertical lift is operatively positioned within the first substantially vertical support. A second vertical lift is operatively positioned within the second substantially vertical support. The first and second vertical lifts selectively raising the member relative to the floor surface. A winch is operatively mounted on the substantially horizontal member for lifting the object relative to the member for enabling an individual to work on the object.

A device and method for moving cargo on inclined, horizontal or vertical surfaces utilizes frictional forces selectively applied through the use of induced mechanical vibrations on a loaded, platform in conjunction with the force of gravity acting on the platform. The platform is vibrated to pivot or shift the platform relative to a support structure, engaging a portion of the platform secured to the platform with the support structure. At the furthest extent of this motion, the platform is pulled against the support structure by gravity, disengaging the portion from the support structure. In turn the pivot point for the device is shifted to the point of engagement between the platform and the support structure, which enables the portion of the platform to move upwardly along the support structure. The alternation of this engagement of the platform with the support structure causes the platform to move along the support structure.

A method for building a bridge, said bridge comprising piers and at least one deck. The method including a cantilever step, wherein a girder is set in a cantilevered position relative to a bank or to a constructed zone of the bridge so that the girder comprises a first end overhanging the bank or the constructed zone, and a second end overhanging a construction zone of the bridge, and a construction step, wherein pier elements and deck elements are installed in said construction zone via a first and a second lifting devices mounted movable on the girder between the first and second ends. The first and second lifting devices cross one another along the girder during the cantilever step and/or during the construction step.

A system and method for single-handedly hanging a gate on a gate post. The system comprises a pair of A-frames, each comprising a pair of legs hingedly attached at an apex. Each of the legs has a stabilizing foot on its free end. A flexible and length-adjustable hanger is suspended from the apex between the legs. The gate is positioned upright adjacent the gate post, and then the A-frames are positioned over the gate so that they straddle the gate and are spaced apart. Next, the hangers are attached to the gate to elevate the gate at the correct height. The gate can be leveled by adjusting the distance between the feet of each of the A-frames. Once leveled, the gate hardware can be connected to the post hardware. Then, the A-frames are removed. All this can be done easily and safely by a single person.

A bracket for attaching a lifting/lowering device to a support member of a safety structure, the bracket including: a body configured to at least partially contact or envelop a support member of a safety structure, wherein at least one surface of the body has at least one cut-out that includes at least one shaped end for contacting a support member pin inserted into the support member of the safety structure, and wherein the body includes at least one surface for mounting or securing the bracket to a lifting/lowering device. A bracket and lifting/lowering device assembly and method of installation are also disclosed.

A method for building a bridge, said bridge (4) comprising piers (6) and at least one deck (8), the method comprising: a cantilever step, wherein a girder (16) is set in a cantilevered position relative to a bank or to a constructed zone (12) of the bridge so that the girder comprises a first end (24) overhanging the bank or the constructed zone, and a second end (26) overhanging a construction zone (14) of the bridge, a construction step, wherein pier elements and deck elements (10) are installed in said construction zone (14) via a first and a second lifting devices (18, 20) mounted movable on the girder (16) between the first and second ends (24, 26).

The first and second lifting devices (18, 20) cross one another along the girder during the cantilever step and/or during the construction step.

Associated bridge-building apparatus.

A lifting device (1, 14, 18, 28, 31, 36, 46, 50) has three booms (2, 19) of adjustable length, which in each case have a first end section (4, 20) and a second end section (5, 21) opposite the first end section (4, 20). While the first end sections (4, 20) of all booms (2, 19) are articulatedly connected to one another, the second end sections (5, 21) are articulatedly and rotatably mounted in respective bearings (7, 24, 29). The bearings (7, 24, 29) are thereby arranged at fixed positions relative to one another. Furthermore, in each boom (2, 19) at least the first end section (4, 20) can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the boom (2, 19) with respect to the second end section (5, 21). In particular, the booms (2, 19) always form a tripod, which is characterized by a high stability. The lifting device (1, 14, 18, 28, 31, 36, 46, 50) is therefore suitable for lifting very heavy loads, wherein greater ranges can be achieved compared to known lifting devices. In addition, the lifting device (1, 14, 18, 28, 31, 36, 46, 50) can be pivoted further than known lifting devices.