Patent ID: 8016266
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: B66F

Abstract:
1. A lifting apparatus for lifting a portion of a vehicle comprising: a base positioned toward a first end of the lifting apparatus; a bell crank having a first end and a second end, the first end of the bell crank pivotably coupled to the base; at least a first lift member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least first lift member pivotably coupled to a coupling portion of the bell crank positioned between the first and second ends of the bell crank; a coupling member pivotably coupled to the second end of the at least first lift member and configured to engage a portion of the vehicle; a biasing device having a first end and a second end, the first end of the biasing device pivotably coupled to the second end of the bell crank, the biasing device being configured to exert a force on the second end of the bell crank, pivoting the bell crank about the base and shifting the at least first lift member from a first retracted position to a second extended position; and a longeron assembly having a first end and a second end, the longeron assembly being pivotably coupled to the base toward the first end and rigidly coupled to the coupling member toward the second end, the second end of the longeron assembly pivoting about at least one of a first axis and a second axis, with respect to the base, in response to a movement of the vehicle, the first end shifting with the vehicle and repositioning the biasing device, the bell crank, and the at least first lift member to compensate for the lateral shift of the vehicle, when the coupling member is engaged to the portion of the vehicle and the at least first lift member is in the second extended position.