Patent Publication Number: US-7214025-B2

Title: Lifting apparatus for scaffold and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
   This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/401,657, filed Aug. 6, 2002, the teachings and disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by the reference hereto. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to lifting attachments, and more particularly to apparatus for maneuvering and lifting scaffolds and the like. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Large hydraulic scaffolds are commonly used in the construction industry to allow workers to be properly positioned at the worksite to accomplish their task. Generally, the workers are constructing or working on a wall of a building or structure. As the work progresses, the hydraulic scaffold may be raised or lowered as required to re-position the workers and to acquire and off load additional materials. These hydraulic scaffolds provide a significant advantage over rigid scaffold, which is typically constructed in a fixed manner. Once constructed, the rigid scaffold requires that the workers climb up and down the skeleton of the scaffold to reach the work platforms. The skeleton of the platform must also be manually constructed and destructed to relocate the scaffold as the work progresses at the construction site. 
   A typical base scaffold unit includes a working platform section, hydraulic motors, lifting towers, etc. The length of the working platform of the hydraulic scaffold assembly may be expanded quite extensively by adding additional scaffold units to the base scaffold unit. An industrial-strength extendible-boom forklift is typically used to move the hydraulic scaffold and assemble the sections to form the scaffold assembly. To facilitate the lifting of these various scaffold sections, each scaffold unit includes pre-installed forklift tang receptacles on the edge and under the scaffold platform. These receptacles are positioned about the center of the length of the scaffold unit to accommodate the forklift tangs to facilitate the lifting and movement of that single unit such that the weight of the scaffold is roughly balanced. 
   When two sections of scaffold are coupled together to extend the working length of the platform, it is still desirable to lift the assembly from the center to balance the weight. However, the positioning of the tang receptacles on one section do not align with those on the other section to accommodate both forklift tangs when attempting to balance the load when lifting the assembly. However, the forklift must be positioned such that the load is balanced on each side of the forklift. Unfortunately, the spacing between the receptacles on each end of the connected sections is wider than the spacing between the forklift tangs. While one forklift tang may be accommodated in a receptacle of one platform portion, the receptacle of the added platform portion is not positioned to allow the other forklift tang to be accommodated therein. As a result, at least one of the tangs of the forklift is not accommodated in a receptacle and the scaffold simply rests on this tang. In this limited controlled configuration, damage to the hydraulic scaffold assembly, the support structures of the scaffold and the forklift may result. 
   Additionally, even when a single scaffold unit is lifted by a forklift with both tangs properly in the receptacles, the depth of the working platform for a typical hydraulic scaffold is such that a significant torque arm is presented to the forklift. As will be discussed more fully below in relation to  FIG. 6 , this torque arm is created because the forklift is required to lift the hydraulic scaffold from the side of the working platform. Indeed, this lifting position is furthest from the center of mass of the scaffold when the base scaffold unit is lifted. This is because the hydraulic motors, towers, and lifting mechanism must be positioned adjacent to the building so that the weight of the workers and bricks do not present a significant torque on the lifting structure of the scaffold itself during use. Furthermore, the offset center of mass of the scaffold is a safety feature, because this configuration tends to cause the scaffold to tip towards the building, rather than away from the building. However, the amount of weight and torque presented to the forklift that is lifting the scaffold from the side opposite the center of mass can be significant. The significant torque presented to the forklift by the weight of the scaffold has been known to create stress and fatigue cracking of integral lifting components of the forklift. 
   Indeed, this torque loading on the forklift resulting from the positioning of the forklift receptacles of these hydraulic scaffolds is such that it is difficult if not impossible to lift a hydraulic scaffold assembly that includes multiple scaffold units. As a result, the scaffold assembly must be taken apart to allow the scaffold to be moved around or to the work site. This assembly and disassembly process wastes significant amounts of time and money. 
   Not only is the need to assemble and disassembly the scaffold wasteful of time and money, but it is difficult as well. That is, adding and removing additional platform units to a hydraulic scaffold assembly is not aided by the positioning of the tang receptacles. This is because the positioning of the receptacles requires the forklift to be positioned transverse to the direction of movement necessary to add the additional platform unit to the assembly. Specifically, the receptacles require that the forklift be positioned perpendicular to the length of the scaffold unit. However, the scaffold unit must be moved in a direction along its length to be brought into conjunction with another unit. Since a typical forklift cannot move sidewise (perpendicular to the direction that it is facing), it is of little use in constructing the scaffold assembly. 
   However, since these units are quite heavy, it is most desirable to use the forklift to maneuver these units to aid in their assembly. Currently, in an attempt to use the lifting power of the forklift when assembly multiple units, chains or straps are used. Specifically, the forklift is positioned in-line with the length of the scaffold unit to be moved and chains or straps coupled to the scaffold unit are picked up by the tangs of the forklift. The forklift is then driven forward to bring the scaffold unit into conjunction with another unit. Unfortunately, since neither chains nor straps provide a rigid connection with the platform, the scaffold unit may swing and sway. This severely limits the forklift operator&#39;s control over movement and positioning of the additional scaffold unit. This lack of control over the scaffold unit requires additional workers to steady the scaffold unit while it is being lifted and moved into position and to assist in the assembly of the scaffold. Also, if the chains and straps are improperly attached to the platform, structural members of the platform may become damaged. Furthermore, the size of chains required to lift the scaffold are themselves heavy, inconvenient and expensive. 
   Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a mechanism that facilitates the lifting, movement, assembly, and disassembly of scaffold units that overcomes the above described and other problems existing in the art. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the above, the present invention is directed to a new and improved lifting apparatus particular applicable to scaffolds. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a lifting mechanism that may be removably affixed to a scaffold to facilitate its assembly, lifting, and movement at a work site. 
   In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the lifting apparatus provides two portions, each of which including a backbone portion adapted to the width of the working platform of a scaffold. Each portion includes a forklift tang receptacle, which accommodates a forklift tang. End structure portions at each end of the portions removably affix the lifting apparatus to the working platform of a scaffold. The end structure portions include lifting bars, which extend under the working platform of the scaffold to enable the lifting thereof. In one embodiment, the end structure portions include, in addition to the lifting bar, a top abutment face, which positions above the working platform to facilitate a more secure attachment thereto. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the lifting apparatus of the present invention may be positioned almost anywhere along the length of the scaffold. Because the tang receptacles are located above the scaffold when attached thereto, the lifting structure of the forklift may be located approximately in line with the center of mass of the scaffold. This is a major improvement over the prior art which required lifting from the edge of the scaffold. With the present invention, by lifting substantially from the center of mass, the torque arm presented to the lifting structure is substantially reduced. In one embodiment, the tang receptacles are permanently offset along the length of the backbone portion such that the forklift lifting structure is approximately centered over the scaffold. Alternatively, the tang receptacles are removably and/or slidably attached to the backbone portion so that the lifting structure may be more preferably positioned as the location of the center of mass of the lifted scaffold varies with different units. This significant improvement reduces stress on structural components of the forklift allowing the forklift to lift heavier scaffold assemblies, to tilt the scaffold assemblies, and to lift the scaffolds higher. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, transverse tang receptacles are provided to aid in the assembly and disassembly of scaffold units to increase and decrease the total length of the working platform, respectively. The transverse tang receptacles allow the forklift to lift the scaffold section from a position perpendicular to the backbone portions and aligned with the length of the working platform. In this configuration, the forklift easily moves and controls the scaffold unit attached to the lifting apparatus forward or backward to connect or to disconnect the attached scaffold unit to the scaffold assembly, respectively. The increased control and maneuverability provided by the aligned positioning and the rigid and secure connection between the scaffold unit and the forklift created by the lifting apparatus substantially simplifies and allows a single worker to perform these assembly and disassembly processes. 
   Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric illustration of a lifting apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged isometric illustration of an end structure portion of the lifting apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a profile illustration of the end structure portion of the lifting apparatus of  FIG. 2  attached to a scaffold unit; 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric illustration of the lifting apparatus of  FIG. 1  used with a forklift; 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric illustration of the lifting apparatus of  FIG. 1  used with a forklift and attached to a scaffold unit; 
       FIG. 6  is a partial end view illustration of a scaffold lifted by the forklift tangs in accordance with the prior art; 
       FIG. 7  is a partial profile view illustration of the lifting apparatus of  FIG. 1  used with a forklift and scaffold unit; 
       FIG. 8  is an isometric illustration of the lifting apparatus of  FIG. 1  used with a forklift and attached to a scaffold unit transversely; 
       FIG. 9  is an isometric illustration of the lifting apparatus of  FIG. 1  used with a forklift transversely; 
       FIG. 10  is an isometric illustration of the lifting apparatus of  FIG. 1  attached to a scaffold unit and used with a forklift to connect the attached scaffold unit to another scaffold unit; 
       FIG. 11  is a partial isometric illustration of the lifting apparatus of  FIG. 1  attached to a two-section scaffold assembly; and 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric illustration of the an alternative embodiment of the lifting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
   

   While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Turning now to the drawings, there is illustrated in  FIG. 1  an isometric illustration of an embodiment of a lifting apparatus  20  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this embodiment the lifting apparatus  20  includes two identical portions or lifting bracket structures  22  adapted to facilitate lifting and maneuvering a scaffold or the like. Each portion  22  includes two end structure portions  26  and a backbone portion  28 . The end structure portions  26  are adapted to removably secure the lifting apparatus  20  to a scaffold or platform as will be discussed more fully below. The backbone portion  28  is adapted to accommodate the width of the platform of a scaffold, to link the end structure portions  26  together, and to provide locations for a forklift to attach to the lifting apparatus  20 . 
   In the embodiment illustrated in this  FIG. 1 , the two portions  22  are adjustably held in relative position to one another by a cross-positioning bar  86  attached to each end of each portion  22 , transverse to the backbone portions  28 . The cross-positioning bar  86  reduces most torsion forces that may otherwise result from improper positioning of the two portions  22 , particularly when lifting heavy or awkward loads. These cross-positioning bars  86  may integrally attach to the portions  22 , thereby permanently fixing the lateral spacing. Preferably, these cross-positioning bars  86  slidably attach to the portions  22  allowing the relative position to be adjusted to accommodate forklifts with varying tang spacing and length. 
   In one embodiment, the end structure portions  26  include cross-positioning bar receptacles  88 . The cross-positioning bars  86  are inserted therethrough and secured therein. The illustrated embodiment uses a threaded bolt  90  as a locking mechanism to secure the cross-positioning bar  86  within the cross-positioning bar receptacles  88  and to fix the relative positioning of the two portions  22 . This embodiment provides for incremental changes in the lateral spacing. One skilled in the art would realize that the cross-positioning bars  86  are not required elements of the disclosed invention. Furthermore, alternative locking mechanisms, such as pins, clamps, etc. could be used to fix the position of the cross-positioning bars  86 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the end structure portion  26  secures the lifting apparatus  20  to a scaffold  30  and more particularly to the scaffold&#39;s working platform  32  (see  FIG. 3 ). Each end structure portion  26  carries a lifting bar  34  inserted through and removably attached within a lifting bar receptacle  36 . The lifting bar  34  extends under the working platform  32  (see  FIG. 3 ) to enable the lifting of the scaffold  30 . A locking mechanism may be used to hold the lifting bar  34  in proper working position. In one embodiment, a locking pin  38  inserted through holes in the lifting bar  34  and lifting bar receptacle  36  removably fix the lifting bar  34  in proper position under the working platform  32  and prevent the lifting bar  34  from becoming dislodged during lifting or moving operations. Other locking mechanisms may be used, such as bolts, clamps, etc. Because the lifting bar receptacle  36  supports the lifting bar  34 , the lifting bar receptacle  36  is preferably of a length sufficient to support the weight lifted by the cantilevered lifting bar  34 . 
   In one embodiment, the lifting bar  34  is able to slide completely through the lifting bar receptacle  36  to facilitate removal of the lifting bar  34 , particularly when placing the scaffold  30  substantially close to a wall or structure (see  FIG. 7 ). If the lifting bar were not allowed to be removed by sliding completely through the lifting bar receptacle  36 , thereby sliding under the working platform  32 , the wall or structure  62  may obstruct the removal of the lifting bar  34 . Preventing removal of the lifting bar  34  may obstruct the lifting apparatus  20  from being removed from the scaffold  30 . 
   When the lifting apparatus  20  is not attached to the scaffold, the lifting bar  34  may be placed on or in a lifting bar holder  40 , thereby providing a convenient receptacle for storing the lifting bar  34  with the lifting apparatus  20 . This lessens the likelihood that the lifting bar  34  will become lost or damaged. In one embodiment, the lifting bar holder  40  is a rod over which the lifting bar  34  slides. The holder  40  could comprise many alternatives, including clamps, receptacles, chains, pins, etc. 
   As may also be seen in these  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an embodiment of the present invention includes a support pad  42  located on the bottom of the end structure portion  26 . This support pad  42  provides additional rigidity and strength to this end structure  26 . In a preferred embodiment, the support pad  42  is wider than the end structure portion  26  to increase the stabilization of the lifting apparatus  20  when it is placed on the ground. This may be particularly important when the two portions are not coupled together by the cross-positioning bar  86  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
   To attach the end structure portions  26  to the working platform  32  more rigidly, and thereby provide more controlled lifting and enable more precise maneuvering of a scaffold, an embodiment of the present invention includes an end structure portion  26  that includes a top abutment surface  44 . The top abutment surface  44  prevents the working platform  32  from substantially moving relative to the lifting apparatus  20 , particularly if the forklift hits a bump or hole causing the working platform  32  to bounce. Limiting movement also reduces damage of the working platform  32 , structural support members  46 , the lifting apparatus  20  and the forklift. To accommodate scaffolds  30  having various working platform  32  thicknesses T (see  FIG. 3 ), a preferred embodiment incorporates a combination of top abutment surfaces  44 ,  44 ′ by including a step  48  defined by the end structure portion  26  and removably attached shims  50 . With the shims  50  removed, a gap  52  between the lifting bar  34  and top abutment surface  44 , which is defined by the step  48 , accommodates scaffolds  30  having thicker working platforms  32 . To provide a more secure attachment when lifting scaffolds  30  having thinner working platforms  32 , a shim  50 , which defines top abutment surface  44 ′, is removably attached to the end structure  26  to reduce the gap  52  between the step  48  and the lifting bar  34 . In alternative embodiments, the underside of the backbone portion  28  could function as a top abutment surface. 
   Referring now to the isometric illustration of  FIG. 4 , each portion  22  includes a tang receptacle  54  adapted to receive a forklift tang  56  for attaching the lifting apparatus  20  to a forklift lifting structure  58  of a forklift. The tang receptacles  54  allow a forklift to lift, to move, or to position the scaffold. In a preferred embodiment, the tang receptacle  54  is on an upper surface of the backbone portion  28  making the tang receptacle  54  very accessible to the forklift tang  56 . In addition, the tang receptacle  54  is preferably axially offset along the length of the backbone portion  28  such that one end of the tang receptacle  54  is approximately centered relative to the length of the backbone portion  28 . As illustrated, the forklift tang  56  is inserted into the tang receptacle  54 . In a preferred embodiment, the inner periphery of each tang receptacle  54  provides a close fit between the tang receptacle  54  and the inserted forklift tang  56 . The close fitting configuration reduces lateral and vertical movement of the forklift tang  56  within the tang receptacle  54 , thereby increasing control over the lifting apparatus  20  and reducing damage thereto. Safety chains (not illustrated) may be attached between the forklift lifting structure  58  and the lifting apparatus  20  to provide added security and safety. Eye bolts  60  mounted on top of the tang receptacles  54  provide convenient attachment points on the lifting apparatus  20  for safety chains. 
   While attached to the forklift tangs  56  using the tang receptacles  54 , the lifting apparatus  20  may be positioned on top of and attached to a scaffold  30 , as illustrated in the isometric view of  FIG. 5 . The end structure portions  26  secure the lifting apparatus  20  to the working platform  32  of the scaffold  30 . The use of the end structure portions  26  to attach the lifting apparatus to the working platform  32  is a substantial benefit by allowing the lifting apparatus to be positioned substantially anywhere along the length, L, of the working platform  32 . The lifting apparatus  20  thereby creates a connection between the scaffold  30  and the forklift tang  56 . In this configuration the forklift tang  56 , and consequently the forklift (not illustrated), is positioned perpendicular to the length of the working platform  32  of the scaffold  30 . More importantly, the lifting structure  58  of the forklift may act from a position approximately centered over the scaffold  30 , which greatly reduces the torque loading on the tangs  56  as will be discussed below. This orientation and the exceptional control provided by the rigidly secured end structure portions  26  assists positioning and maneuvering of the scaffold  30  and working platform  32 , particularly, adjacent to a building or structure  62 , as will be discussed more fully below with regard to  FIG. 7 . The forklift may be driven forward or backward to position the scaffold  30  closer or further from the structure  62 , respectively. 
   To highlight a significant feature of the present invention, a prior method of lifting will be discussed briefly. As illustrated by the scaffold end profile view of  FIG. 6 , this previous method of lifting a scaffold  30  required that the forklift lift the scaffold  30  from the edge  64  of the working platform  32 . This edge  64  is farthest from the hydraulic motors  74  and lifting towers  72 , which are positioned next to the building or structure  62 . Unfortunately, the center of mass  66  of the scaffold unit  30  is not located in the center of the scaffold, nor close to edge  64 . Indeed, it is substantially offset from the center of the scaffold  30  towards edge  65  located near the building or structure  62  and away from the lifting structure  58  of the forklift. The center of mass  66  is offset from the center of the scaffold unit because the base scaffold unit  30  includes additional lifting components, including the lifting towers  72 , lifting motors  74  and stabilization pads  76  located near edge  65 . 
   As seen in this  FIG. 6 , a substantial torque arm TA is developed between the lifting structure  58  and the offset center of mass  66 . The combination of the torque arm and weight  67  (illustrated as a downward arrow) of the scaffold unit  30  transmits a substantial torque to the lifting structure  58 . This significant torque reduces the amount of weight that can be lift and can damage components of the forklift, such as bending tangs, fatigue and stress cracking of the lifting structure, etc. This potential damage is particularly acute when the forklift hits a bump or hole while moving the scaffold  30  at a worksite. 
   Advantageously, the lifting apparatus of the present invention significantly reduces this problem. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the offset position of the tang receptacles  54  greatly reduces the torque arm TA by positioning the lifting structure  58  substantially closer to the center of mass  66  of base scaffold unit. Furthermore, when lifting standard scaffold units that do not include the motors  74 , towers  72 , lifting pads  76 , etc., the positioning of the lifting structure  58  is nearly in-line with the center of mass, nearly eliminating the torque arm developed while lifting these standard scaffold units. The torque transmitted to the lifting structure  58 , by the weight  67  of the scaffold, is thereby substantially reduced. By reducing the resultant torque, maneuverability, control, and overall weight lifted may be significantly enhanced. In an alternative embodiment, the tang receptacles  54  are slidably and/or removably attached along the axis of the backbone portion  28  such that the position of the forklift tang receptacle  54  can be altered. This allows even more improved/preferred positioning of the lifting structure  58  relative to the center of mass  66  of the lifted scaffold  30 . 
   In addition to significantly aiding in the lifting and maneuvering of the scaffold, the apparatus of the present invention includes features that aid in the construction and destruction of the scaffold itself prior to and while the scaffold is in place at a worksite. Such construction allows the length of a base scaffold unit to be substantially increased by adding additional standard scaffold units or wings to the base unit.  FIG. 8  is an isometric illustration of an embodiment of the lifting apparatus  20  of the present invention attached to a forklift  29  and a scaffold  30  in a configuration that assists in this construction process. Specifically, the lifting apparatus  20  is positioned on the scaffold  30  to balance the weight in relation to the lifting structure of the forklift  29 . The forklift  29  is then able to lift and maneuver the scaffold unit  30  in a direction that is in-line with the length of the scaffold  30 . 
   Referring briefly to the isometric illustration of  FIG. 9 , the lifting apparatus  20  includes transverse tang receptacles  78  to accommodate the forklift tangs  56  and facilitate lifting the scaffold along its length to aid the construction of a scaffold assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse tang receptacles  78  are attached to the underside of the backbone portion  28  and are transverse thereto. Similar to the tang receptacle  54  previously described, the inner periphery of each transverse tang receptacle  78  preferably provides a close fit between the transverse tang receptacle  78  and an inserted forklift tang  56 . The transverse tang receptacles  78  position the forklift tangs  56 , and thereby the forklift, perpendicular to the portions  22  and the length of the scaffold to which the apparatus is attached. In an alternate embodiment, the transverse tang receptacles  78  are slidably and/or removably attached to the portions  22  such that the position of the transverse tang receptacles  78  can be altered. This allows the lifting apparatus  20  to accommodate the tangs of different forklifts. 
   Turning now to the isometric illustration of  FIG. 10 , the construction of the scaffold units  30  and  30 ′ will now be discussed more fully. As illustrated, an embodiment of the lifting apparatus of the present invention is attached to a working platform  32  of a single scaffold unit  30 . The forklift tangs  56  are inserted into the transverse tang receptacles  78  substantially parallel to the length of the working platform  32  and perpendicular to the backbone portions  28  of the lifting apparatus  20 . To add stability and balance while lifting the scaffold unit  30  using this configuration, each portion  22  of the lifting apparatus  20  may be secured to the working platform  32 , using the end structure portions  26 , such that the lifting structure  58  is approximately centered over the center of mass  66  of the scaffold unit  30 . In one embodiment of the disclosed invention, only a single portion  22  is used. In this configuration the single portion  22  would be positioned close to the center of mass  66  of the scaffold unit  30  to prevent substantial torque to be applied to the lifting apparatus  20  (the single portion  22 ). 
   The positioning provided by the transverse tang receptacles is extremely beneficial when connecting or disconnecting multiple scaffold units  30 ,  30 ′. Being parallel to the longitudinal length of the working platform  32 , the forklift is also parallel to the plurality of scaffold connecting bars  80  of scaffold unit  30  which slide into the corresponding plurality of scaffold connecting bar receptacles  82  of scaffold unit  30 ′ to secure the two scaffold units  30 ,  30 ′ together. Because the end structure portions  26  securely and rigidly fix the lifting apparatus  20  to the working platform  32 , scaffold unit  30  is easily controlled and maneuvered when performing tilting, lifting and positioning operations. The forklift and lifted scaffold unit  30  may be easily aligned with scaffold unit  30 ′ such that scaffold units  30 ,  30 ′ may be easily assembled or disassembled by simply driving the forklift forward or backward, respectively. Furthermore, the increased control over scaffold  30  allows a single person, the forklift operator, to perform the assembly or disassembly. 
   By rigidly attaching the scaffold to the forklift while aligning the forklift with the scaffold connecting bars  80  and connecting bar receptacles  82  the disclosed invention is a significant improvement over previous assembly or disassembly methods. These prior methods required hanging scaffold unit  30  from the forklift tangs  56  using chains. Because the chains provided loose non-rigid connections to the scaffold and provided limited and substantially uncontrolled maneuvering of scaffold  30  by the forklift, this method was inaccurate, difficult, dangerous and required numerous additional workers. One worker had to drive the forklift. A second worker had to steady and guide the scaffold that was hung from the forklift tangs. A third worker had to guide the scaffold connecting bars into the scaffold connecting bar receptacles. 
   During disassembly safety chains attached between the lifting apparatus  20  and forklift lifting structure  58  add additional control over the lifting apparatus  20  and facilitate pulling assembled scaffold units  30 ,  30 ′ apart. In alternative embodiments, other mechanisms to improve control over the lifting apparatus  20  may be provided including pins, bolts, clamps, etc. 
     FIG. 11  is a partial isometric illustration of the lifting apparatus  20  attached to a scaffold assembly of two scaffold units. When lifting and maneuvering a scaffold assembly constructed from multiple scaffold units  30 , the lifting apparatus  20  provides a secure lifting point for the forklift lifting structure  58  that allows lifting of the assembly without damaging either scaffold unit. Further, this lifting point may be positioned along the length of the assembly so that the load may be balanced. Previously, when the pre-installed scaffold tang receptacles  94  were used, damage to one of the scaffold sections would often result. This was because pre-installed scaffold tang receptacles  94  near the union  96  of the two sections are too far apart to accept both forklift tangs  56 . Previously in these instances, a single forklift tang is inserted into one pre-installed scaffold tang receptacle  94  located near the union end of one scaffold unit  30 . The other tang, which cannot be accommodated in the pre-installed scaffold tang receptacle  94  of the other scaffold unit, is placed under the working platform  32  of that other scaffold unit  30 . As explained previously, this can result in substantial damage to structural support members  46  of the scaffold units  30 . Because the end structure portions  26  may be attached to the scaffold  30  substantially anywhere along the length of the scaffold  30 , as indicated previously, and are not limited to being positioned solely where the pre-installed scaffold tang receptacles  94  are positioned, this problem is eliminated or substantially reduced. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 12 , there is illustrated an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a lifting apparatus  120  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. This alternate embodiment is almost entirely defined by rectangular tubing. Each portion  122  of the lifting apparatus  120  includes two end structure portions  126  and a backbone portion  128 . This embodiment also includes tang receptacles as well as transverse tang receptacles  168  for accommodating the tangs of a forklift. The top abutment surface  144  is formed by a section of rectangular tubing. The lifting bar holder  140  is also formed by a section of rectangular tubing. The lifting bar holder  140  includes a locking mechanism  141  to retain the lifting bar  136  therein when not carried in the lifting bar receptacle  136  of the end structure portion  126 . This locking mechanism  141 , as illustrated, is a bolt threaded through the side of the rectangular tubing, although other mechanisms may be used as recognized by those skilled in the art from the foregoing description of the present invention. 
   All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
   The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
   Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.