US20150189987A1

US20150189987A1 - Rigging tree

Info

Publication number: US20150189987A1
Application number: US14/610,053
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Barnes Louthan, JR.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-01-03
Filing date: 2015-01-30
Publication date: 2015-07-09

Abstract

The invention relates to a support structure for storing rigging devices. The support structure comprises a base portion that is mechanically associated with an extension member that extends perpendicularly away therefrom to a distal end. The distal end defines an extension interface configured for being mechanically associated with a rigging cradle. The rigging cradle is configured for receiving rigging items (chains, ropes, slings, wire rope and similar equipment) used to hoist another object. The rigging cradle supports the rigging item so that a lifting hook can be used to lift and remove the rigging item from the rigging cradle while the rigging item is associated with said rigging cradle.

Description

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims priority to provisional application 61/933,338, filed on 30 Jan. 2014 and is a continuation in part to application Ser. No. 29/478,387, filed on 3 Jan. 2014 of which the entire contents of all such references are incorporated herein by this reference for all that they disclose for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of storing lifting devices such as rigging devices including slings, shackles, and hoists.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, as used in this document, “rigging” refers to systems and equipment configured to direct and manipulate force using lines of tension in relation to load bearing anchor points. “Rigging equipment” (devices), therefore, includes a wide variety of tools used for various needs such as equipment used to pull and hoist and/or lift another object. Such objects may be associated with any number of activities such as construction, large material handling, sailing, climbing, theatre, and transportation. Rigging systems that hoist another object typically include chains, ropes (e.g. wire ropes, synthetic materials), manual hoists, shackles, clevis, and similar equipment.
When not in use, the rigging components are stored. Presently, there is a conflict between storage equipment and lifting hooks as it applies to the stowage of slings chains, ropes (e.g. wire ropes, synthetic materials), manual hoists, shackles, clevis and similar lifting equipment. This conflict results in potentially hazardous situations and an unstable or inadequate orientation of the “master link”, making it awkward or unavailable for insertion into a lifting device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be set forth in the following description, while other objects and advantages of the invention may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
Broadly speaking, a principle object of the present invention is to provide a support structure for storing rigging items that allows the lifting elements of the lifting device easy access to the rigging items while being stored.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a support structure defining a plurality of rigging item receivers each configured to receive a rigging item and positioned above a plurality of storage areas so that the rigging items being stored extend into and are supported by such storage area.
Another general object of the invention is to provide a support structure extension accessory configured for receiving the lifting elements of lifting devices so that the support structure associated with and storing rigging items may be easily moved.
Still another general object of the invention is to provide a method of making a rigging cradle from a flat piece of material wherein said rigging cradle is configured for receiving rigging items.
For one embodiment a support structure for supporting rigging devices comprises a base portion defining a bottom portion configured to be supported by a support surface such as a floor. An extension member is mechanically associated with the approximate center of the bottom portion and extends perpendicularly away from said bottom portion to define an extension member distal end. Such distal end further defines an extension interface configure for being associated with a rigging cradle.
The support structure further comprises at least one rigging cradle which is/are mechanically associated with the extension interface. A rigging cradle may define a plurality of rigging receivers or just one rigging receiver. Rigging receivers are configured for receiving rigging items such as chains and ropes and slings, etc. Some embodiments will have one rigging cradle that defines a plurality of rigging receivers and some embodiments will have a plurality of rigging cradles each defining at least one rigging receiver. It should be noted that many rigging items define features such as a ring (“master link”) that is configured for receiving lifting elements of a lifting device such as a hook associated with a crane. The rigging receivers are preferably configured to receive the rigging items so that ring is in a position to allow one to easily use the hook of a crane (for example) to remove the rigging item from the rigging receiver.
For yet another embodiment of the invention a method of making a mountable rigging cradle is disclosed. For such method, a flat plate of some “formable” material is used. Formable material is material that can be bent without breaking. The flat plate is cut to define the perimeter outline of a rigging cradle plate. Bend points are defined along the rigging cradle plate. The bending points are preferably symmetrically positioned about the center point of the cradle plate to define two halves that are basically mirror images of each other. The cradle plate is then bent along such bending points to define said rigging cradle.
For one alternative method, before bending the cradle plate at the bending points, the cradle plate is cut along the center point to create two halves. The two halves are then bent along the bending points. Such bending plate halves can be used as is or, preferably, the two halves are mechanically connected back together along the cut to form a one piece structure.
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the detailed description. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or features hereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features or parts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description).
Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a support structure apparatus associated with a plurality of rigging devices;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a crane hook associated with the hoist ring of a component element being supported by a support structure apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a support structure apparatus associated with a plurality of rigging devices and showing the base bottom portion;

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a support structure apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a front side elevational view of a support structure apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a back side elevational view of a support structure apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a right side elevational view of a support structure apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a left side elevational view of a support structure apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a support structure apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of a support structure apparatus;

FIG. 11 is an elevated perspective view of a rigging cradle comprising two rigging receivers;

FIG. 12 is an elevated perspective view of a rigging cradle comprising four rigging receivers;

FIG. 13 is a right side elevational view of a support structure apparatus comprising bottom elements;

FIG. 14 is a right side elevational view of a support structure apparatus comprising bottom extensions;

FIG. 15 is a right side elevational view of a support structure apparatus comprising lift ports;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational of a flat cradle plate;

FIG. 16 b is a side elevational view of a flat cradle plate;

FIG. 16 c is a top plan view of a flat cradle plate;

FIG. 16 d is a bottom plan view of a flat cradle plate;

FIG. 16 e is a back elevational view of a flat cradle plate;

FIG. 16 f is a back elevational view of the flat cradle plate depicted in FIG. 16 e separated at the center point;

FIG. 17 is an elevated side perspective view of a formed mountable rigging cradle;

FIG. 18 is a bottom side perspective view of a formed mountable rigging cradle;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a formed mountable rigging cradle;

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of a formed rigging cradle;

FIG. 21 is a back elevational view of a formed rigging cradle;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a formed rigging cradle;

FIG. 23 is a side elevated perspective view of a rigging cradle interface configured with a plurality of mounting points;

FIG. 24 is a side elevated perspective view of the rigging cradle interface of FIG. 23 associated with a mountable rigging cradle.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determined from the following detailed description. Repeat use of reference characters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements or steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.
For the purposes of this document two or more items are “mechanically associated” by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including a direct or indirect physical “releasable connections” (snaps, screws, Velcro®, bolts, etc.—generally connections designed to be easily and frequently released and reconnected), “hard-connections” (welds, rivets, macular bonds, generally connections that one does not anticipate disconnecting very often if at all and that generally needs to be “broken” to separate), and/or “moveable connections” (rotating, pivoting, oscillating, etc.).
This document includes headers that are used for place markers only. Such headers are not meant to affect the construction of this document, do not in any way relate to the meaning of this document nor should such headers be used for such purposes.
While the particulars of the present invention and associated technology may be described for use with chain rigging, the disclosed technology may be used in any number of fields associated with stowing objects.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a support structure (10) associated with rigging devices (25) is presented. Support structure (10) comprises a base portion (12) comprising a bottom portion (22, FIG. 3) that is mechanically associated with an extension member (14) that extends perpendicularly away there from to a distal end (15). For the embodiment presented in FIG. 1 distal end (15) defines an extension interface (16) configured for being mechanically associated with a rigging cradle (40) and extension accessory (13). For the currently preferred embodiment, extension interface (16) is simply a surface suitable for welding to a rigging cradle (40, 40 b) (FIG. 11) and extension accessory (13) if separate from rigging cradle (40).
As best seen in FIG. 3, for the currently preferred embodiment, base portion (12) comprises bottom portion (22). Bottom portion (22) is configured to provide a support function to keep extension member (14) extending perpendicularly from the surface supporting base portion (12) thereby defining the “vertical” direction. For the embodiment in FIG. 3, bottom portion (22) defines a flat surface configured to support rigging elements that are long enough to extend to bottom portion (22). Such flat surface may or may not be solid. For the preferred embodiment bottom portion (22) defines a continuous surface defining a plurality of holes there through to allow objects such as water and dirt to pass through bottom portion (22). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that bottom portion (22) allows support structure (10) to be moved while rigging devices are being stowed without the rigging devices dropping down and extending beyond the bottom of base portion (12). For one alternative embodiment, bottom portion (22) simply comprises cross members (23).
For the preferred embodiment depicted in the various figures, and FIG. 4 in particular, base portion (12) further comprises a plurality of outer wall elements (29) wherein each wall element is mechanically associated with and extends perpendicularly away from the perimeter of bottom portion (22) to a predefined height thereby defining a vertical wall and horizontal wall edge (30). For the current embodiment, the outer perimeter of each outer wall element defines a rectangle. Each outer wall element further defines at least one vertical wall edge that is mechanically associated with the vertical wall edge defined by an adjacent outer wall element (29) there defining outer wall element joints (31). For one alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that such “vertical” wall edge may be angled and for some embodiments the outer wall may be composed of one piece of material comprising vertical bends instead of vertical edges welded together. Additionally, the “vertical” wall edge may or may not be mechanically associated with the wall edge defined by an adjacent outer wall element (29) along the entire edge. For example, adjacent wall element (29) may define a gap there between and such gap may extend along the entire length or only a portion of a “vertical” wall edge.
As can be seen in the top view presented in FIG. 9, for the currently preferred embodiment, the perimeter of base portion (12) comprises eight outer wall elements (29 a-29 h), (referred to collectively as wall elements (29)), suitably configured to be mechanically associated together so that the perimeter of the base portion (12) defines an octagon similar to bottom portion (22). It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that base portion (12) may comprise any number of walls (as desired) and the perimeter of base portion (12) may define any suitable polygonal shape, including circles, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the perimeter of bottom portion (22) may or may not form the same polygonal shape as the base portion (12) and may or may not extend beyond the perimeter defined by the outer wall elements of base portion (12).
As best seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 9, base element (12) further comprises a plurality of inner wall elements. As best seen in FIG. 4, each outer wall element (29) and inner wall element (33) define four edges defining an outer perimeter in the shape of a rectangle (although any suitable shape may be used). For the currently preferred embodiment, there are four inner wall elements (33 a-33 d) (referred to collectively as inner wall elements (33)). As best viewed in FIG. 9, bottom portion (22), outer wall elements (29) and inner wall elements (33) are configured to define four storage areas (34 a-34 d) (referred to collectively as storage areas (34)).
Preferably, the number of storage areas (34) is equal to the number of rigging cradles (40) where each rigging cradle (40) extends away from extension member (14) to a point above the approximate center of said storage area (34) (see FIG. 9).
For the currently preferred embodiment, inner wall elements (33) are the same height as outer wall elements (29). As previously noted, for the currently preferred embodiment, the first end of extension member (14) is mechanically associated with the approximate center (24) of bottom portion (22) and extends perpendicularly away there from to distal end (15). A first edge (25 a) of each inner wall element runs along and is mechanically associated with bottom portion (22). Similarly, a second edge (25 b) of each inner wall element runs along the side of an outer wall element, at the approximate center of said outer wall element, and extends perpendicularly away there from toward the center (24) of bottom portion (22) so that a third inner wall element edge (25 c) is mechanically associated with extension member (14). Consequently, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that (as best seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4) inner wall elements (33) are configured to perform a support feature to extension member (14) (similar to a gusset).
For one embodiment, the width of outer wall elements (29) is about 15 inches and the height is about 23 inches whereas the width of inner wall is 16 inches and the height is 23 inches. The wall thicknesses are all about the same at about 0.25 inches. The length of extension member (14) is around 54 inches and defines a cylinder having an outer diameter of about 4.5 inches, and if hollow, the cylinder wall thickness of about 0.24 inches.

Extension Interface

As noted previously, support structure (10) comprises a base portion (12) mechanically associated with an extension member (14) defining a first end and an opposing second end wherein said second end defines a distal end (15). For the embodiment presented in FIG. 1, distal end (15) either defines or is configured for being mechanically associated with an extension interface (16) configured for being mechanically associated with or receiving at least one of a rigging cradle (40) and an extension accessory (13). Exemplary extension accessary (13) is a ring element defining a hoist point (21, FIG. 5) configured for receiving a lifting element such as crane hook (17, FIG. 2) so that support structure (10) may be lifted by said extension interface (16) and moved. Exemplary extension accessories included any number of mechanical devices used to move objects such as hooks and rings as well as electronic modules that provide visual information (e.g. lights) and transmit data (e.g. location data, rigging item data, support capacity data, etc.) to a remote device. Rigging item data includes rigging size, weight, type, and whether or not a rigging item is being stored. Such electronic modules are well known in the art and a detailed description thereof is not necessary for an enabling disclosure.
Extension interface (16) further defines, or is mechanically associated with, a rigging cradle (40) defining a plurality of rigging receivers (43) configured for receiving items such as rigging devices (25) to be stored. For one suitable embodiment rigging cradle (40) defines an extension accessory (13). For one alternative embodiment, extension interface (16) is configured to receive a rigging cradle (40) and a separate extension accessory (13). Rigging cradle (40) will be discussed in more detail below.

Base Features

For one embodiment, base portion (12) defines or is mechanically associated with hollow bottom elements (36, FIG. 13) configured for receiving lifting devices such the forks of a forklift allowing the support structure (10) to be lifted by a fork lift and relocated. For one exemplary embodiment, bottom elements (36) define tubes configured for receiving the forks of a forklift. Alternatively, bottom elements (36) are not hollow and simply provide an offset function providing a space below bottom portion (22) suitable to receive forks.
Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 14, two or more wall outer wall elements (29) may define wall extension (38) that extend beyond the bottom of base portion (12) thereby creating a gap there between suitable for receiving the lifting elements of a lifting device. For yet another alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 15, outer wall elements (29) and inner wall elements (33) (if the same height as outer wall elements) may defined lift ports (37) suitably configured for receiving the lifting elements of a lifting device (such as the forks of a forklift).

Rigging Cradles

Referring now to FIG. 11, rigging cradle (40) is considered in more detail. For the FIG. 11 embodiment, Rigging cradle (40) defines two rigging receivers (43 a, 43 b—referred to collectively as 43) disposed 180 degrees apart to offset the weight when storing rigging devices (25) preferably maintaining the center of mass for the storage system along extension member (14). Two rigging receivers are shown for simplicity and represent an alternative embodiment where the base section (12) defines only two storage spaces (34) and where two rigging receivers (43) are provided. Preferably the number of storage spaces (34) is equal to the number of rigging receivers (43).
Rigging receiver (43) extends perpendicularly away from extension element (14) thereby defining a rigging receiver length. Such rigging receiver length is the sum of rigging receiver interface width (42) and rigging receiver interface offset (45). The rigging receiver length is preferably selected so that the receiver interface center (49) is in vertical alignment with the approximate center of a storage space (34) positioned below the rigging receiver.
The rigging receiver width (44) and the rigging receiver height (46) are selected based on the width of rigging device (25) to be stored.
Each rigging receiver (43) further defines a rigging receiver interface (41). The rigging receiver interface (41) is suitably sized to receive and retain at least a portion of a rigging device (25). As depicted in FIG. 1, rigging devices (25) are chains associated with a hoist ring (“master link”). The rigging receiver interface width (42) is slightly larger than the width of the rigging device (25) hoist ring (or “master link”) so that such hoist ring may be associated with said receiver interface (41) as depicted in FIG. 3. Rigging receiver interface (41) further comprises a receiver support portion (47) configured to prevent the hoist ring from falling through the rigging receiver interface (41).
The Rigging Cradle is designed to accommodate a range of equipment sizes, while providing secure stowage of each size. Exemplary rigging receiver dimensions include a rigging receiver width (44) of 9 and ⅝ inches (9.625), and rigging receiver interface width (42) of 2 and ⅛ inches (2.125), rigging receiver length of 10 and ⅛ inches (10.125), and a rigging receiver height (46) of 8⅜ inches (8.375).
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such a configuration orients the rigging device (25) hoist ring in an upright position a predefined distance from the extension element (14) to allow easily engagement by a lifting device such as crane hook (17, FIG. 2) while the rigging device/item (25) is associated with said rigging receiver.
Referring now to FIG. 12, a four rigging receiver configuration such as the one depicted in FIG. 1-FIG. 10 is presented. For this embodiment each rigging receiver is disposed 90 degrees apart defining two sets of opposing rigging receivers. For this configuration, each receiver center point for each rigging receiver is configured to be in vertical alignment with a storage space (34) defined directly below such rigging receiver (for embodiment defining storage spaces).
For one manufacturing method, the rigging receivers defined a plurality of pieces mechanically associated by welding or similar method. Further, for the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, the rigging cradle defines an extension accessory wherein in such rigging cradle is associated with distal end (15).

Extension Element

It should be noted that for one alternative embodiment, extension element (14) may defined two piece configuration comprising a first extension element section and a second extension element section configured to be removably mechanically associated together. Such a configuration allows for any number and types of rigging cradles (40) and extension accessories to be associated with a base portion (12) thereby providing for a configurable support structure. Such an embodiment further allows for easy replacement of damaged rigging cradles and extension accessories.

Mountable Rigging Cradle

Referring now to FIG. 16 through FIG. 22, one alternative embodiment of mountable rigging cradle plate (50) that is configured to be formed to define a mountable rigging cradle (40 b) is presented. As depicted in FIG. 16, rigging cradle plate (50) is formed or cut from a material that can be manipulated to define a mountable rigging cradle (40 b). For example, cradle plate (50) may be cut from a piece of metal to define the general shape shown in FIG. 16 though FIG. 16 f. Cradle plate (50) has plate width (51) which is twice the distance (61) thereby defining plate-center (52) (the center of plate (50)).
Cradle plate (50) further defines a plurality of bend points comprising a plurality of left bend points (54L-60L) and right bend points (54R-60R). Each left bend point is defined at a predefined distance to the left of plate-center (52) and each right bend point is defined at a predefined distance to the right of plate-center (52). Further, for the preferred embodiment, each left bend point has a corresponding right bend point defined at equal distances from plate-center (52) so that said plurality of bend points are symmetrically disposed about plate-center (52).
Referring now to FIG. 17, FIG. 18, and FIG. 19, mountable rigging cradle (40 b) is presented. Mounting rigging cradle (40 b) is similar to previously rigging cradle (40). Indeed, for some embodiments of support structure (10), the extension interface (16) is configured to receive a plurality of mountable rigging cradles (40 b). FIG. 17 presents an elevated side perspective view of mountable rigging cradle (40 b) after cradle plate (50) bend points are bent into position.
Mounting interface (70) defines a plurality of mounting points between bend points (54L) and (54R) configured for being associated with or receiving mounting devices such as bolts (or welding). Such features are configured for securing mountable rigging cradle to a support structure. Exemplary support structures include a support structure (10), walls, the side of vehicles, or any object suitable for supporting the weight of mountable rigging cradle (40 b) storing any associated rigging item (25).
As best seen in FIG. 19, as with rigging cradle (40), mountable rigging cradle (40 b) defines a receiver interface offset (45) distance and a receiver interface width (42).
As seen in FIG. 22, cradle plate (50) is further configured to provide for the cutting or engraving of a logo such as logo (57).
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored, said support structure comprising:

a base portion defining a bottom portion wherein said base portion is configured for to be supported by a support surface;

an extension member mechanically associated with said bottom portion and extending perpendicularly away from said bottom portion to an extension member distal end wherein said distal end defines an extension interface; and

at least one rigging cradle mechanically associated with said extension interface wherein said rigging cradle defines a plurality of rigging receivers each configured for receiving a rigging item comprising a hoist element so that said hoist element may be engaged by a lifting device while said rigging item associated with said rigging receiver.

2. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 1, further comprising an extension accessory that is one of (a) mechanically associated with said extension interface, (b) defined by said rigging cradle, and (c) mechanically associated width said rigging cradle.

3. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 2, wherein said extension accessory is at least one of (a) ring element defining a hoist point, (b) a hook, and (c) an electronic module wherein said electronic module is configured to provide at least on of location data, rigging item data, support capacity data, visual data, sound data, a transmitted data signal.

4. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 1, wherein said at least one rigging cradle defines comprises four mountable rigging cradles each defining one rigging receiver disposed 90 degrees apart around the perimeter of said distal end.

5. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 1, wherein said bottom portion defines at least one of (a) a continuous surface defining a plurality of holes, (b) a solid continuous surface, and (c) cross members.

6. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 5, wherein said extension member is mechanically associated with said bottom portion at the approximate center of said bottom portion.

7. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 6, wherein said base portion defines an outer wall element associated with said bottom portion and extending away from said bottom portion to a predefined point thereby defining an outer wall height and wherein said outer wall element extends at least partially around said extension element.

8. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 7, wherein said base portion further defines a plurality inner wall elements each defining four edges wherein a first edge of each wall element is associated with the side of said outer wall element, a second side is associated with the base portion and a third side is mechanically associated with said extension member thereby defining a plurality of storage areas.

9. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 8, wherein the number of storage areas is equal to the number of rigging receivers.

10. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of rigging receivers extend away from said extension element to a point above the approximate center of a storage area.

11. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 8, wherein said bottom portion defines a continuous surface with a perimeter defining bp-polygonal shape and wherein said outer wall element runs along and extends perpendicularly away from said bottom portion.

12. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 11, wherein said bp-polygonal shape defines an octagon and wherein said outer wall element comprises eight outer wall segments mechanically associated together so that the perimeter so that the perimeter defined by said outer wall element defines an octagon similar said bp-polygonal shape.

13. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 9, wherein said inner wall elements height is one of equal to and less than the height of said outer wall elements.

14. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 5, further defining at least one base lifting interface wherein said base lifting interface comprises one of (a) bottom elements mechanically associated with one of said base portion, (b) outer wall extensions, (c) inner wall extensions, and (c) lift ports wherein said lifting interface is suitably configured for receiving the lifting elements of a lifting device.

15. A method of making a mountable rigging cradle, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a flat plate of a formable material;

cutting said flat plate to defined the perimeter outline of a rigging cradle plate;

defining bend points along said rigging cradle plate;

bending said rigging cradle plate at said bend points to define a mountable rigging cradle wherein said mountable rigging cradle defines a mounting interface comprising a plurality of mounting points.

16. A method of making a mountable rigging cradle as in claim 15, wherein said rigging cradle plate defines a plate center and wherein said bend points are disposed symmetrically from said plate center.

17. A method of making a mountable rigging cradle as in claim 16, further comprising the step of cutting said rigging cradle along said plate center thereby defining a cut point and further defining two symmetric halves before bending said bend points.

18. A method of making a mountable rigging cradle as in claim 17, further comprising the steps of bending said bend points and then mechanically associating the two halves back together along said cut.

19. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored, said support structure comprising:

a base portion defining a bottom portion wherein said base portion is configured for to be supported by a support surface and wherein said bottom portion defines at least one of (a) a continuous surface defining a plurality of holes, (b) a solid continuous surface, and (c) cross members;

an extension member mechanically associated with said bottom portion at the approximate center point of said bottom portion wherein said extension member extends perpendicularly away from said bottom portion to an extension member distal end wherein said distal end defines an extension interface; and

at least one of (a) one rigging cradle mechanically associated with said extension interface wherein said rigging cradle defines a plurality of rigging receivers and (b) a plurality of rigging cradles each defining one rigging receiver and wherein said rigging receivers are each configured for receiving a rigging item comprising a hoist element so that said hoist element may be engaged by a lifting device while said rigging item is associated with one of said rigging receivers.

20. A support structure for supporting rigging devices to be stored as in claim 19, further comprising an extension accessory that is one of (a) mechanically associated with said extension interface, (b) defined by said rigging cradle, and (c) mechanically associated width said rigging cradle and wherein:

said extension accessory is at least one of (a) ring element defining a hoist point, (b) a hook, and (c) an electronic module wherein said electronic module is configured to provide at least on of location data, rigging item data, support capacity data, visual data, sound data, a transmitted data signal;

wherein said at least one rigging cradle defines four mountable rigging cradles each defining one rigging receiver and wherein said rigging receivers are disposed 90 degrees apart around the perimeter of said distal end.