Patent ID: 6503045
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: B65F

Abstract:
A lifting device for moving a container between a first and a second position relative to a base, the container having a body with first and second bars secured thereto in spaced parallel relationship, the device comprising:(a) a motor secured to the base, the motor having a shaft rotatable about a first axis; (b) at least one lift arm having first and second ends, the first end being secured to the shaft; (c) at least one actuator arm having first and second ends, the first end being pivotally mounted to the base for rotation about a second axis displaced from the first axis; (d) a carriage having a first hook for selectively engaging the first bar on the container and the second hook for engaging the second bar on the container so as to secure the container to the carriage as the container is moved between the first and second positions, the first hook and second hook being connected to each other by a telescoping member having first and second ends, the first end of the telescoping member being rigidly connected to the second end of the lift arm and the second end of the telescoping member being pivotally connected to the second end of the actuator arm so that the first end of the telescoping member moves away from the second end of the telescoping member as the container is moved from the first to the second position and the first end of the telescoping member moves toward the second end of the telescoping member as the container is moved from the second position to the first position.