The present invention relates to lifting devices for heavy structures.

Heavy offshore structures such as steel framed modules or decks conventionally include lifting devices such as bollards or padeyes connected to strong node points to enable the structures to be lifted by, for example, crane barges. During lifting, large diameter cable slings are attached to the bollards or trunnions (often called padears).

Commonly, over the past few years these lifting devices have been produced as large steel castings which either protrude proud of the deck of the structure thereby necessitating their removal once sited, or comprise an inset sheave or bollard to receive the lifting cable. In

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this latter construction the lifting device is set into the roof or floor of the structure. One problem associated with both of these lifting devices is that they can be very heavy in order to accommodate the large diameter cable slings required to lift them. An additional problem for the inset type (that is to say a structure having an inset below the roof of the structure) is that the portion which carries the bollard has to be kept open and clear of obstructions in order to receive the cable sling. This means that, roof beam members cannot be framed in from all directions, and that the padear has to be sited on an outside face of the structure to be lifted. In many cases this is a significant disadvantage because the ideal places to lift the structure are at positions closer to the structure's centre where roof members are framing in at right angles from four directions.

The present invention sets out to provide lifting devices for cast steel structures which do not require the presence of bollards or inset sheaves so negating the need for large clearance spaces for the installation of cable slings.

According to the present invention in one aspect, the is provided a lifting device for a cast steel structure including means for connection to a shackle plate or spreader bar assembly.

The lifting device may include a pin to which link

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plates of a shackle assembly can be connected. The pin may be releasably attached to the cast structure. Additionally or alternatively, the shackle assembly may be releasably attached to the pin.

The attachment points of the lifting device to the cast structure are positioned as close as possible to the centre of action of the cast structure thereby minimising the size and weight of the structure and the bending forces imposed during lifting.

The lifting device may comprise a body portion including a pin-hole for receiving a separate pin; alternatively the pin may be cast as an integral part of the casting to form protrusions from each side of the main body. A column member of the lifting device which frames in from the underside of the casting may be of box or circular section The body of the cast node may diverge (as a cone) or converge from the interface with a column member of the structure. The other members (usually but not exclusively four in number) may be set on to the body of the cone shaping of the node with their centre lines at approximately 90° to each other.

In another aspect, there is provided a lifting device ^• comprising a cast steel node of generally conical shape and including, at its apex, means by which the device can be attached to a lifting mechanism.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic

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drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is a single elevational view of lifting apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a section taken along line II-II of Figure 1; and

Figures 3, 4 and 5 are side elevational, front elevational and plan views of an alternative lifting device in accordance with the invention.

The lifting device shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a cast steel structure 1 including a pin 2 to which are attached link plates 3, of a shackle assembly 4. The link plates 3 may be detachable from the pin 2 to assist uncoupling after lifting and installation. In this embodiment the line of lift action of the lifting device is kept as close as possible to the central work point of the cast structure in order to minimise bending forces in the structure.

The lifting device illustrated in Figures 2, 3 to 5 comprises a cast steel node 10 formed with a bore 11 to receive a pin 12 positioned as close as possible to the work point of the node. For angled cables, it is more likely (though not essential) that a spreader beam will be" provided to minimise bending forces.

The cast steel node 10 generally has a conical or reducing section moving upwards and with stub members 14 extending outwardly in four directions at right angles.

Additionally, when used with high yield strength link

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plates or spreader bar ends, the lifting devices described above achieve considerable weight savings over conventional types of cast lifting devices.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of lifting devices in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.

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