Lifting device for hoisting lifter bar and method

Abstract

A lifting device for use, in one embodiment, to hoist a lifter bar is described. A method of affixing a lifting device to a lifter bar is also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A lifting device for use in hoisting a lifter bar, the lifting device comprising:
 a capture portion for capturing an attachment formation of the lifter bar, the attachment formation including a shank portion and an enlarged head portion, wherein the capture portion includes a longitudinal aperture for receiving at least a portion of the shank portion of the attachment formation; and   an attachment portion for attaching a lifting hook to the lifting device, wherein, with the lifting hook attached to the attachment portion of the lifting device, the lifting hook obstructs the removal of at least a portion of the attachment formation from the capture portion of the lifting device.   
     
     
         2 . A method of affixing a lifting device according to  claim 1  to an attachment formation of a lifter bar, the attachment formation including a shank portion and an enlarged head portion, the method comprising:
 introducing at least a portion of the shank portion of the attachment formation into the longitudinal aperture of the lifting device with the lifting device in a substantially horizontal orientation; 
 sliding the lifting device with respect to the attachment formation so that the lifting device travels along the longitudinal aperture; 
 rotating the lifting device to a substantially vertical orientation; and 
 attaching a lifting hook to the attachment portion of the lifting device.