Lifting and cribbing systems

Abstract

Underlying surface lift systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate the lifting and moving of constructions, including but not limited to structures, and machines, implements, building materials, earth, rock, and other massive massively weighted and/or large dimensioned objects or materials. The underlying surface lift systems and methods may be used or performed in combination with one or more support elements to the construction or other item to be lifted, such as steel I-beams or wooden beams or other supportive elements. The invention comprises in some embodiments underlying surface lift systems and methods, alone or in combination with or performed with supportive elements generally, such as beams and other devices or elements. Further embodiments may include an underlying surface lift apparatus having a support plate and a lift device in adjustable connection with the support plate. In some embodiments a pivot saddle is the adjustable connection of the support plate and the lift device. The invention may comprise technology that facilitates the lifting and moving of constructions such as structures or other objects, particularly those having support elements, while reducing the costs and hazards of traditional jack systems and without the added costs and risks associated with complex crane operations. Other disclosed embodiments are methods of lifting from an underlying surface, business methods of lifting and moving constructions objects, or materials, and methods of cribbing constructions, objects or materials are further disclosed. Still other methods such as those corresponding to each apparatus and assemblies are also disclosed, as well as methods of doing business. Applications may include the lifting and relocating of structures such as temporary or extension buildings to new locations and other lifting and moving solutions and may be provided in combination with other relocating technologies.

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       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . An underlying surface lift apparatus, comprising:
 a support plate;   a lift device in adjustable connection with the support plate;   a lift force element configured to extend from said lift device;   a lift support element connected with said lift device; and   a lift element connected with said lift support element configured for connection with a support element in contact with an underlying surface;   wherein a supportive force is applied from said support plate to said underlying surface in an adjustable configuration and a lifting force is applied from said extending lift element to a support element in contact with the underlying surface.   
   
   
       6 . An underlying surface lift apparatus as described in  claim 5 , wherein said adjustable connection comprises a pivot connection. 
   
   
       7 . A method of lifting a construction, object or material in contact with an underlying surface, comprising the steps of:
 providing a lift device at said underlying surface in supportive connection with the underlying surface; and   lifting the construction, object or material from a contact surface not in contact with the underlying surface.   
   
   
       8 . A method of lifting a construction, object or material in contact with an underlying surface as described in  claim 7 , wherein said step of step of lifting comprises lifting the construction, object or material from a contact surface of a support element. 
   
   
       9 . A method of cribbing a construction, object or material, comprising the steps of:
 providing a lift device at an underlying surface in supportive connection with said underlying surface;   lifting the construction, object or material from a contact surface not in contact with said underlying surface; and   providing supportive elements to support the construction, object or material.   
   
   
       10 . A method of cribbing a construction, object or material as described in  claim 9 , further comprising the steps of adjusting said lift device from said underlying surface to a location above said underlying surface and in supportive connection with said underlying surface; and lifting said construction, object or material from said initial lift height to a second height. 
   
   
       11 . A method of cribbing a construction, object or material as described in  claim 10  wherein said step of lifting comprises lifting said construction, object or material from said initial lift height to a transport height.