System and method for lifting prejoined deck components
A system and method for rigging and lifting a joined, multi-section assembly of corrugated decking sections for attachment to a Cold-Form Steel. The system and method provide for the utilization of an adaptable rig that securely attaches to a multi-section assembly of corrugated decking sections which have be pre-joined by workers in a safe, preferably terrestrial, workspace. The adaptability of the rig enables it to provide attachment points for lifting and supporting the multi-sectioned decking assemblies of disparate sizes and materials. The location and number of these attachment points being a function of the size, gauge, area and aggregate weight of a given pre-joined multi-section assembly. The system and method are can be utilized with pre-joined multi-section assemblies consisting of individual decking sections fabricated from a variety of materials, including ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, as well as composite materials.
1 . An adaptable rig comprising:
a first rail having a substantially rectangular cross-section and a plurality of mating posts mounted on a first side of the first rail, wherein each post is situated so that its primary axis is orthogonal to a primary axis of the first rail;
a second rail having a substantially rectangular cross-section and a plurality of mating posts mounted on a first side of the second rail, wherein each post is situated so that its primary axis is orthogonal to a primary axis of the second rail;
a first panel mounted upon a second side of the first rail that is opposite to the first side, the first panel having a length substantially equal to a length of the first rail, and including a plurality of mounting points positioned along the length of the first panel;
a second panel mounted upon a second side of the second rail that is opposite to the first side, the second panel having a length substantially equal to a length of the second rail, and including a plurality of mounting points positioned along the length of the second panel;
a plurality of spacer tubes having an inner profile adapted to accept insertion of the mating posts on the first and second rails, wherein each of the plurality spacer tubes has a first end and a second end, and wherein each of the mating posts on the first rail are detachably inserted in and coupled to the first end of one of the spacer tubes, and each of the mating posts on the second rail are detachably inserted in and coupled to the second end of one of the spacer tubes, so that the plurality of spacer tubes serves to bridge the first rail to the second rail; and
a plurality of attachment assemblies, each adapted to detachably couple to one or more discrete flooring components, wherein the one or more discrete flooring components are joined to form a single panel of flooring.
2 . The adaptable rig of claim 1 wherein the first and second rails further comprise at least one rigging point adapted to link the adaptable rig to equipment capable of lifting the adaptable rig.
3 . The adaptable rig of claim 1 wherein the first and second rails each comprise two rigging points, each of the rigging points being adapted to link the adaptable rig to equipment capable of lifting the adaptable rig.
4 . The adaptable rig of claim 1 wherein the one or more discrete flooring components are specifically adapted for use in a cold-forged steel framing environment.
5 . The adaptable rig of claim 1 wherein the first and second rails and the mating posts of each of the first and second rails are fabricated from steel tubing having a 1.5 inch square outer cross-section and a thickness of approximately 0.25″.
6 . The adaptable rig of claim 1 wherein the spacer tubes are fabricated from steel tubing having a 2 inch square outer cross-section and a thickness of approximately 0.1875″.
7 . The adaptable rig of claim 1 wherein the plurality of attachment assemblies are selected from the group consisting of:
a flexible cable;
a chain;
a carabiner;
an electromagnet;
a suction device; and
a mechanical connector adapted to pass through a void in at least one of the one or more discrete flooring components and extends laterally to support the at least one of one or more discrete flooring components.
8 . The adaptable rig of claim 1 , wherein the one or more discrete flooring components comprise a corrugated decking.
9 . The adaptable rig of claim 8 , wherein the corrugated decking is selected from the group consisting of:
a ferrous metal;
a non-ferrous metal; and
a composite material.
10 . A method for lifting a single panel of flooring, wherein the single panel is comprised of two or more discrete flooring components that are joined, the method comprising:
detachably coupling each of a plurality of attachment assemblies of the adaptable rig of claim 1 to a respective one of the two or more discrete flooring components of the single panel of flooring;
lifting the adaptable rig and the single panel of flooring detachable detachably coupled to the adaptable rig by the attachment assemblies; and
detaching the attachment assemblies from each of the two or more discrete flooring components.
11 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising:
translating the adaptable rig and the detachably coupled single panel of flooring to a desired work site prior to detaching the attachment assemblies from the discrete flooring components.
12 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising:
before lifting the adaptable rig and the single panel of flooring detachably coupled thereto, detachably coupling the first and second rails of the adaptable rig to equipment capable of lifting the adaptable rig via at least one rigging point on each of the first and second rails.
13 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising:
before lifting the adaptable rig, detachably coupled thereto, detachably coupling the first and second rails of the adaptable rig to equipment capable of lifting the adaptable rig via two rigging points on each of the first and second rails.
14 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the two or more discrete flooring components are specifically adapted for use in a cold-forged steel framing environment.
15 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the first and second rails and the mating posts of each of the first and second rails are fabricated from steel tubing having a 1.5 inch square outer cross-section and a thickness of approximately 0.25″.
16 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the spacer tubes are fabricated from steel tubing having a 2 inch square outer cross-section and a thickness of approximately 0.1875″.
17 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of attachment assemblies are selected from the group consisting of:
a flexible cable;
a chain;
a carabiner;
an electromagnet;
a suction device; and
a mechanical connector adapted to pass through a void in at least one of one or more discrete flooring components and extends laterally to support the at least one of one or more discrete flooring components.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the corrugated decking is selected from the group consisting of:
a ferrous metal;
a non-ferrous metal; and
a composite material.
19 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the one or more flooring components comprise a corrugated decking.