Abstract:
A manual forklift for lifting, maneuvering, and arranging palleted freight, comprising an extensible wheeled base, a steering handle, a mast, and a boom with a descending standard secured to a support frame carriage and forward extending tines. Hydraulic jack cylinders joining the mast to the boom and the boom to the descending standard in concert with hinge joints connecting the mast to the boom and the boom to the descending standard allow the tines to be manipulated forwardly or backwardly, raised or lowered, and tilted upwardly or downwardly relative to the mast and base, enabling the user to transfer palleted freight engaged by the tines between surfaces with differing heights and angles and across longitudinal spaces. Castered wheels affixed to the base further enable freight to be moved multi-directionally, including laterally leftward or rightward.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of forklift devices and more particularly to manually operated forklift systems and methods for loading and unloading freight. 
     Manual forklifts are useful for the efficient movement and organization of materials and goods. They enable an individual to quickly lift and transport a product in quantities and masses that the individual could not physically endure alone. Furthermore, manual forklifts allow for the orderly and controlled placement and storage of products in a manner that maximizes the use of space and time. To date, a variety of apparatuses designed for the lifting, transporting, and placement of objects by manual means have been described. Such systems include hoists for the lifting and moving of heavy objects, loads, and other freight. 
     Although these and other approaches may provide helpful techniques for lifting and moving heavy items, still further advances would be desirable. For example, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods which could be used to engage multiple loads at a time. It would also be desirable to provide a manually managed means for engaging, lifting, relocating, and positioning multiple products simultaneously in an efficient and cost-effective manner. 
     Further, it would be desirable to provide methods for forwardly and backwardly moving the engaged objects such as pallets, for example when loading or unloading palleted material to or from a delivery truck. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods that could be used in situation which provide limited space for maneuverability. What is more, it would be desirable to provide techniques that accomplish the loading or unloading of palleted material between a delivery truck and a loading dock, where the truck and dock have different heights. Embodiments of the present invention provide solutions that address the problems described above, and hence provide answers to at least some of these outstanding needs. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide useful and beneficial systems and methods that allow a user to efficiently lift, move, place, and organize multiple palleted goods simultaneously from a variety of heights, angles, directions, and distances as well as between surfaces of varying heights. For example, embodiments encompass an apparatus having a manual forklift having the ability to lift loads from beneath the load, thus allowing multiple products to be stacked as on a pallet and therefore to be engaged, moved, and manipulated at one time. 
     Embodiments further encompass systems and methods that allow a user to reposition the engaged goods in an upward, downward, forward, backward, forward-tilted, backward-tilted, laterally leftward, or laterally rightward manner. Configurations provided by embodiments disclosed herein allow goods to be maneuvered more efficiently and effectively within the confined area of a delivery truck as well as between a delivery truck and a loading dock of differing heights. Exemplary embodiments provide a single manual forklift that can reach, for example, both up and into a delivery truck from a loading dock and remove palleted freight intact. In some cases, such embodiments may obviate the need for a second forklift on the truck to offload the material to the dock. What is more, such embodiments can eliminate or reduce the time and cost-consuming and physically demanding processes of unloading and repositioning individual parcels from within a palleted load onto a dock from a delivery truck. Still further, embodiments provide manually powered systems and methods, which can reduce the size, weight, cost, and negative environmental impact associated with motorized and electronically powered forklifts. 
     Forklift system and method embodiments provided herein are well suited for use in transporting objects between locations having differing heights, for example a forklift on the loading dock can reach both up and into the cargo bay of a delivery truck in order to engage the palleted freight. Exemplary manual forklifts can also enable an individual to simultaneously engage multiple palleted products from a variety of angles, heights, and distances, transport them across a surface, and deposit them in a new position. Forklift embodiments also allow the lateral movement as well as the upward and downward tilting and the forward and backward manipulation of lifted palleted material, for example as within a delivery truck or between a delivery truck and loading dock of differing heights. Exemplary forklift embodiments may avoid, through the employment of a manually-powered system, the increased size, weight, and cost of a motorized or electronically powered forklift as well as the negative environmental impact associated with motorized and electronically powered apparatuses. 
     In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention encompass manual fork lift systems for lifting and transporting a cargo. Exemplary systems include a frame having a base, a mast pivotally coupled with the base, an extendable boom pivotally coupled with the mast, and an engagement mechanism pivotally coupled with the extendable boom. The extendable boom can include a proximal support element and a distal support element that is slidably engaged with the proximal support element. A system may also include a first single-action hydraulic jack having a base and a ram, where the base of the first single-action hydraulic jack is pivotally coupled with the base of the frame, and the ram of the first single-action hydraulic jack is pivotally coupled with the extendable boom of the frame. A system may also have a second single-action hydraulic jack having a base and a ram, where the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack is pivotally coupled with a lower portion of the engagement mechanism of the frame via a first adjustable coupling mechanism, and the ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack is pivotally coupled with the extendable boom of the frame via a second adjustable coupling mechanism. In some cases, the first adjustable coupling mechanism allows the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack to be adjustably positioned relative to a bottom end of the engagement mechanism. Similarly, the second adjustable coupling mechanism can allow the ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack to be adjustably positioned along a length of the extendable boom. 
     In some embodiments, the first adjustable coupling mechanism includes a jack support having a first aperture, an engagement mechanism bracket having a second aperture, and a pin that can be received through the first aperture and the second aperture. The jack support can be coupled with the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack. In some embodiments, the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack can include a first aperture, and the first adjustable coupling mechanism can include an engagement mechanism bracket having a second aperture, and a pin that can be received through the first aperture and the second aperture. Optionally, the boom may include an aperture, and the second adjustable coupling mechanism can include a boom bracket having an aperture, and a pin that can be received through the boom bracket aperture and the boom aperture. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket. The boom may include a plurality of apertures, and the second adjustable coupling mechanism may include a boom bracket having a plurality of apertures, and a pin. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket. In some cases, the boom proximal support element includes an aperture, and the boom distal support element includes an aperture. The second adjustable coupling mechanism may include a boom bracket having an aperture, and a pin that can be received through the boom proximal support element aperture, the boom distal support element aperture, and the bracket aperture. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket. In some cases, the boom proximal support element includes a plurality of apertures, and the boom distal support element comprises a plurality of apertures. The second adjustable coupling mechanism may include a boom bracket having a plurality of apertures, and a pin. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket. 
     In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention encompass manual fork lift systems for lifting and transporting a cargo. Exemplary manual fork lift systems may include a frame having a base, a mast pivotally coupled with the base, an extendable boom pivotally coupled with the mast, and an engagement mechanism pivotally coupled with the extendable boom. The extendable boom can include a proximal support element and a distal support element that is slidably engaged with the proximal support element. The system can also include a first single-action hydraulic jack having a base and a ram, where the base of the first single-action hydraulic jack is pivotally coupled with the base of the frame, and the ram of the first single-action hydraulic jack is pivotally coupled with the extendable boom of the frame. The system may also include a second single-action hydraulic jack having a base and a ram, where the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack is pivotally coupled with a lower portion of the engagement mechanism of the frame via a first adjustable coupling mechanism, and the ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack is pivotally coupled with the extendable boom of the frame via a second adjustable coupling mechanism. The first adjustable coupling mechanism can allow the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack to be adjustably positioned relative to a bottom end of the engagement mechanism. The second adjustable coupling mechanism can allow the ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack to be adjustably positioned along a length of the extendable boom. The boom proximal support element can include an aperture, and the boom distal support element can include an aperture. The second adjustable coupling mechanism can include a boom bracket having an aperture, and a pin that can be received through the boom proximal support element aperture, the boom distal support element aperture, and the bracket aperture. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket The second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the frame of the manual fork lift system such that a release valve of the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack remains below the ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack during operation of the manual fork lift system. In some cases, the first adjustable coupling mechanism includes a jack support having a first aperture, an engagement mechanism bracket having a second aperture, and a pin that can be received through the first aperture and the second aperture. The jack support can be coupled with the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack. In some cases, the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack can include a first aperture, and the first adjustable coupling mechanism can include an engagement mechanism bracket having a second aperture, and a pin that can be received through the first aperture and the second aperture. Optionally, the boom may include a plurality of apertures, and the second adjustable coupling mechanism can include a boom bracket having a plurality of apertures, and a pin. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket. 
     According to some embodiments, the boom proximal support element can include a plurality of apertures, and the boom distal support element can include a plurality of apertures. The second adjustable coupling mechanism can include a boom bracket having a plurality of apertures, and a pin. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket. In some cases, the engagement mechanism can pivot relative to the extendable boom throughout an angular range of motion, and the angular range of motion or the limits of the angular range of motion can be changed by adjusting the first adjustable coupling mechanism, by adjusting the second adjustable coupling mechanism, or by adjusting both the first adjustable coupling mechanism and the second adjustable coupling mechanism. 
     In still a further aspect, embodiments of the present invention encompass methods of constructing a manual fork lift system. Exemplary methods may include providing a frame having a base, a mast pivotally coupled with the base, an extendable boom pivotally coupled with the mast, and an engagement mechanism pivotally coupled with the extendable boom. The extendable boom can include a proximal support element and a distal support element that is slidably engaged with the proximal support element. Methods may also include providing a first single-action hydraulic jack having a base and a ram, and the base of the first single-action hydraulic jack can be pivotally coupled with the base of the frame. The ram of the first single-action hydraulic jack can be pivotally coupled with the extendable boom of the frame. Methods may also include providing a second single-action hydraulic jack having a base and a ram. The base of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be pivotally coupled with a lower portion of the engagement mechanism of the frame via a first adjustable coupling mechanism. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be pivotally coupled with the extendable boom of the frame via a second adjustable coupling mechanism. Methods may also include constructing the manual fork lift system such that the first adjustable coupling mechanism allows the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack to be adjustably positioned relative to a bottom end of the engagement mechanism, and such that the second adjustable coupling mechanism allows the ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack to be adjustably positioned along a length of the extendable boom. In some cases, the first adjustable coupling mechanism includes a jack support having a first aperture, an engagement mechanism bracket having a second aperture, and a pin that can be received through the first aperture and the second aperture. The jack support can be coupled with the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack. In some cases, the base of the second single-action hydraulic jack can include a first aperture, and the first adjustable coupling mechanism can include an engagement mechanism bracket having a second aperture, and a pin that can be received through the first aperture and the second aperture. In some cases, the boom includes an aperture, and the second adjustable coupling mechanism includes a boom bracket having an aperture, and a pin that can be received through the boom bracket aperture and the boom aperture. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket. In some cases, the boom includes a plurality of apertures, and the second adjustable coupling mechanism includes a boom bracket having a plurality of apertures, and a pin. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket. In some cases, the boom proximal support element can include an aperture, and the boom distal support element can include an aperture. The second adjustable coupling mechanism can include a boom bracket having an aperture, and a pin that can be received through the boom proximal support element aperture, the boom distal support element aperture, and the bracket aperture. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket. In some cases, the boom proximal support element includes a plurality of apertures, and the boom distal support element includes a plurality of apertures. The second adjustable coupling mechanism can include a boom bracket having a plurality of apertures, and a pin. The ram of the second single-action hydraulic jack can be coupled with the boom bracket 
     In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention encompass manual fork lifts that include a supporting extensible base mounted on wheels, a vertically disposed support affixed to the base, an extensible horizontally disposed arm rotatable and attached to the vertically disposed support, wherein the horizontally disposed arm is connected to the vertically disposed support and rotated by a first hydraulic device, and a lifting element having tines for engaging and lifting an object, wherein the lifting element is rotatable and connected to the extensible horizontally disposed arm, and wherein the lifting element is configured to be moved by a second hydraulic device, whereby second hydraulic device rotates the lifting element and extends the extensible horizontal arm. 
     In still another aspect, embodiments of the present invention include a fork lift for lifting and transporting objects. The fork lift includes an extensible base having a vertically disposed support configured to receive a horizontally disposed rotatable arm having a first lifting device configured so that an object may be lifted by the lifting device and rotated by the rotatable arm. 
     In yet another aspect, embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus for moving objects. The apparatus includes an extensible support base, wherein the support base is adapted to be moved. The apparatus also includes a vertical member attached to the support base. The vertical member includes a rotatable extensible horizontal member that is adapted to receive a lifting fork. The lifting fork can be raised and lowered by a lifting means. In some cases, an object can be raised or lowered by the lifting fork, rotated by the horizontal member, and moved by the extensible base. 
     In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention encompass methods of transporting an object. Exemplary methods may include providing or maneuvering a forklift apparatus as described herein, engaging the object with the forklift apparatus, lifting the object with the forklift apparatus, and moving the object with the forklift apparatus. In some cases, methods may include rotating the object with the forklift apparatus. 
     Other benefits and advantages of the invention will appear from the disclosure to follow. In the disclosure reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made in details of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates aspects of a forklift system according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates aspects of a forklift system according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates aspects of a forklift system according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4 and 4A  illustrate aspects of a forklift system according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5H  illustrate aspects of a forklift system according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention include manual forklift systems and methods for lifting, transporting, and arranging palleted freight. An exemplary apparatus may include a vertical, back-tilted mast rising from a wheeled, A-frame base whose castered wheels allow for multi-directional transport along a surface, and may be propelled and directed via a steering handle attached to the back of the mast just above dual support columns that extend upwardly at a slight angle from the rear crossbeam of the A-frame base to the mast. In some cases, a vertical hydraulic jack cylinder can be attached near the base of the back-tilted mast, extending upward to an adjustable-length boom that protrudes forwardly from the pinnacle of the mast to which it is attached. The boom may be attached via a hinge joint and may be raised and lowered via a conventional hydraulic crank thus raising and lowering the palleted freight. The freight may be engaged via a pair of L-shaped fork-like tines whose tops extending forwardly from and perpendicular to a rectangular support frame carriage attached to a vertical standard that is secured to and descends from the front end of the boom. 
     A descending vertical standard may also be attached to the boom via a second hydraulic jack cylinder that extends in a downward and forward angle from the back half of the boom to the lower end of the descending vertical standard. The second hydraulic jack can be extended or rescinded as well as raised or lowered via a hand-powered handle to tilt the palleted freight, thus engaging tines and concomitant freight upwardly or downwardly as well as forwardly or backwardly relative to the mast and base of the apparatus. The L-shaped tines can be affixed along a cylindrical rod of the support frame carriage running through circular openings in the tops of the tines. The bases of the L-shaped tines can be supported by a bottom cross-member of the support frame carriage. The tines may be repositioned along the length of the cylindrical rod. The castered wheels of the base may further allow the engaged freight to be slid laterally to the left or right within confined areas. The base, mast, base-to-mast support columns, steering handle, descending vertical standard, rectangular support carriage, and tines of the apparatus can include solid metal casings, and the boom can include an elongated hollow metal housing with a second hollow, elongated metal element mounted and secured within the opposing end of the first housing. The forward end of this second elongated element can be attached to the descending standard via a flexible hinge joint allowing for the upward and downward tilting as well as the forward extension and backward retrieval of the tines affixed to the rectangular support carriage and the engaged, palleted freight through the action of the angularly attached, second hydraulic cylinder. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of an apparatus  1000  for manually lifting, transporting, and repositioning palleted freight (not pictured) is illustrated. The apparatus  1000  includes a manual forklift or pallet jack that includes a base  1100  in an A-frame configuration with two forwardly and outwardly extending castered legs. The castered legs are extendable by means of caster wheeled extensions  1110 , that allow the apparatus to be maneuvered across a floor or supporting surface. The movement of the apparatus  1000  enabled by the castered wheels  1120  and can be directed manually via a steering handle  1240 . The steering handle can be mounted perpendicularly to the back of the boom housing element  1410  or toward the top of the vertical mount  1200 . In some cases, boom housing element  1410  can be connected to a vertical mast or mount  1200  which is supported by vertical mast supports  1130  that rise or extend upward from the rear of the two base crossbeams  1150 . As shown here, vertical mast or mount  1200  is coupled with vertical mast supports  1130  and can rise or extend from the more forward of the two base crossbeams  1150 . Such configurations can allow palleted freight which is engaged and lifted by the apparatus  1000  to be maneuvered multi-directionally and within areas of confined space by a user or operator. 
     The mast  1200 , which can include an upper portion  1210  and a lower portion  1220 , provides for stability while the apparatus  1000  engages a load. The mast  1200  is secured at its apex to a boom  1400  via a flexible hinge joint  1230  that, through the action of a vertical hydraulic jack  1300  bolted to or coupled with the mast  1200  near the mast&#39;s base and to the boom  1400  near the boom&#39;s back third, allows palleted freight engaged by the apparatus  1000  to be raised and lowered in relation to the mast  1200  and base  1100 . The vertical hydraulic jack  1300  includes a jack base  1310  and a sliding cylinder  1320  operated in a conventional manner utilizing a conventional hydraulic jack crank handle  1330 . 
     The boom  1400  extends forwardly from the mast  1200  and includes an elongated, hollowed, exterior, extension housing element  1410 , bolted at its posterior to the mast  1200  via the mast hinge joint  1230 , and an interior, hollowed extension element  1420  that extends forwardly from the anterior opening of the exterior extension element  1410 . The interior extension element  1420  is sized to fit in a slidable manner and adjustably within the opposed end of the exterior extension element  1410  to which it is secured via conventional hitch pins  1490  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) inserted into aligned openings or apertures  1492 ,  1494  drilled in the casing of the exterior  1410  and interior  1420  extension elements, respectively. The slidable adjustable nature of the adjoinment between the exterior  1410  and interior  1420  extension elements allows for palleted loads of differing masses to be securely lifted, moved, and manipulated. Bolted to the forward end of the interior extension element  1420  and forming a flexible hinge joint  1430  is the descending standard  1510 , connecting the boom  1400  to a rectangular support frame carriage or engagement mechanism  1500 . A top transverse element or cylindrical rod  1520 , forming the lid of the rectangular support frame carriage  1500 , may be attached with a hinge joint element  1522  and help connect the rest of the frame carriage  1500  with the descending standard  1510 . Actuation or extension of the boom hinge  1430  can be effected by the action of a second conventional hydraulic jack  1440  that includes a hydraulic jack base  1450  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and a sliding hydraulic jack cylinder or ram  1452  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     Operation of the second jack  1440  can be carried out via manipulation of a conventional jack handle  1454  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Jack base  1450  is coupled with descending standard  1510  via a hinge  1550  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Second jack cylinder is coupled with boom  1400  via a hinge  1560  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Hence, second jack  1440  can be affixed flexibly via bolts to a connector plate, forming a hinge joint between the underside of the midsection of the exterior extension element  1410  of the boom  1400  and the boom hydraulic jack  1440 , which descends angularly and forwardly from the boom to the lower end of the descending standard  1510  of the support frame carriage  1500 , and enables both the forward and backward movement as well as the upward and downward tilting in relation to the mast  1200  and base  1100  of freight engaged and lifted by the apparatus  1000 . Engagement of the freight can be with L-shaped tines  1540  that extend forwardly from the base of the support carriage frame  1500  and that slide into the engagement openings of a freight pallet (not pictured) loaded with freight. The bases of the L-shaped tines  1540  are supported by the base of the rectangular support carriage frame  1500  as well as affixed to a cylindrical connector rod  1530  that runs through the midsection of the support frame carriage  1500  parallel to the carriage&#39;s base and lid as well as through eye-hole openings in the connecting ends of the L-shaped tine  1540  bases. The L-shaped tines  1540  may be repositioned along the length of cylindrical connector rod  1530 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the fork lift lowered and ready to receive a load or lift an object (not shown). As depicted here, the sliding cylinder of the second jack  1440  is coupled with boom  1400  via an adjustable bracket  1460 .  FIG. 3  shows the fork lift raised to lift and transfer a load or object (not shown.) In operation, the apparatus  1000  can, from a loading dock (not pictured), raise its engagement tines  1540  through the action of the vertical hydraulic jack  1300 . As shown here, first jack  1300  is coupled with the mast  1200  and boom  1400 . First jack  1300  can be adjusted so that tines  1450  can match the height of palleted freight in the cargo bay of a delivery truck (not pictured) standing at a height that diverges from that of the dock. Through the action of the boom hydraulic jack  1440 , the apparatus can then reach into the delivery truck, engage the palleted freight, remove the freight from the truck, transport the freight to a desired location, and disengage the freight, leaving it in that desired location even if that location is at a height or angle or given longitudinal distance different from that of the base of the apparatus  1000 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a lift system according to embodiments of the present invention. Lift system  2000  includes frame elements such as a base  2100 , a mast  2200 , a boom  2400 , and a lift or engagement mechanism  2500 . Lift system  2000  may also include actuating elements such as a first jack  2300  and a second jack  2600 . As depicted here, a lower section  2202  of mast  2200  is coupled with a rear section  2102  of base  2100 , and an upper section  2204  of mast  2200  is coupled with a rear section  2402  of boom  2400 . Relatedly, an upper section  2502  of engagement mechanism  2500  is coupled with a forward section  2404  of boom  2400 , such as a portion of a distal support element  2420  of boom  2400 . Support element  2420  can be slidably engaged with support element  2410 . A lower portion  2303  of first jack  2300  is coupled with mast  2200  or optionally with base  2100 . An upper portion  2302  of first jack  2300  is coupled with boom  2400 . A lower portion  2602  of second jack  2600  is coupled with engagement mechanism  2500 , for example at or toward a lower portion  2504  of the engagement mechanism. An upper portion  2604  of second jack  2600  is coupled with boom  2400 , for example with a boom housing element or proximal support element  2410  of the boom  2400 . 
       FIG. 4A  demonstrates that boom  2400  is configured to move relative to base  2100 , or relative to the ground or a resting surface  2700  or a horizontal plane  2702 , throughout a range of motion defined by angle α, as depicted by arrow A. Angle β can represent the angle between boom  2400  and a horizontal plane. Angle γ can represent the angle between boom and a vertical plane  2704 . The angular orientation of boom  2400  can be changed by actuation of first jack  2300 , as jack  2300  is extended and retracted. Relatedly, with returning reference to  FIG. 4 , angle δ can represent the angle between engagement mechanism  2500  and boom  2400 . The angular orientation of engagement mechanism  2500  can be changed by actuation of second jack  2600 , as jack  2600  is extended and retracted, thus changing angle δ as shown by arrow B. 
     According to some embodiments, frame elements can be coupled with other frame elements via hinged or pivoting connections. Similarly, actuating elements can be coupled with frame elements via hinged or pivoting connections. Hence, boom  2400  can be coupled with engagement mechanism  2500  via a hinge  2010 . Boom  2400  can be coupled with mast  2200  via a hinge  2020 , or optionally with base  2100  via a hinge. First jack  1300  can be coupled with mast  2200  via a hinge  2030 , or optionally with base  2100  via a hinge. First jack  1300  can be coupled with boom  2400  via a hinge  2040 . Second jack  2600  can be coupled with engagement mechanism  2500  via a hinge  2050 , and second jack  2600  can be coupled with boom  2400  via a hinge  2060 . 
     In general, a hydraulic jack can include a base and a ram. In operation, the jack generates movement in response to fluid volume accumulation in the base. A single-acting hydraulic jack typically generates force in one direction, by extending a ram. The ram is returned to the original position by the effect or gravity, a spring, or the like. A hydraulic jack can use an incompressible fluid, such as oil, that is forced into the base as the user operates the handle. As pressure is generated, due to fluid that is directed into the base, the fluid displaces the ram and thereby forces the ram out of the base. In a single-acting or single-action jack, pressurized fluid is accepted on one side of a piston, so as to extend the ram. A pressure-release valve can be actuated to allow the ram to return toward the original or unextended position. In some cases, a pressure-release valve may include a needle-type release valve. Typically, after the fluid pressure is released, gravitational forces, or perhaps a spring mechanism, brings the ram back into the base. As shown in  FIG. 4 , first jack  2300  includes an actuating handle  2320 , a ram  2340 , a base  2350 , and a pressure release valve  2330 . Similarly, second jack  2600  includes an actuating handle  2620 , a ram  2640 , a base  2650 , and a pressure release valve  2630 . In some embodiments, during operation, the pressure release valve is maintained in a position disposed below the ram. 
     In some embodiments, a lift system may include a hydraulic jack such as a 19¼ inch stroke Central Hydraulics 8 ton Super Heavy Duty Long Ram Hydraulic Round Bottom Jack (Harbor Freight Tools, Camarillo Calif.). Optionally, a lift system may include a hydraulic jack such as a 19.4 inch stroke, 24.8-44.1 inch range, 8 ton capacity Torin Big Red jack (Torin Jack, Inc., Ontario Calif.). Similar hydraulic jacks are also suitable for use with lift system embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, dual-action hydraulic jacks may be used. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A to 5H , actuating elements such as the hydraulic jacks can be coupled with the frame elements in an adjustable configuration. Often, coupling between the hydraulic jacks and the frame elements can be made with bracket or connector configurations that involve pins and apertures, such as those described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 .  FIG. 5A  shows a coupling between first jack  3300  and mast  3200 . As depicted here, the base of first jack  3300  is coupled with a connector  3340  that can be adjustably positioned and secured along the length of mast  3200 . Optionally, the base of first jack  3300  can be adjustably positioned and secured along a bracket  3350  which is coupled with mast  3200  or the system base as shown in  FIG. 5B . Any of a variety of coupling mechanisms can be employed to adjustably position and secure the base of first jack  3300  relative to the mast  3200  or system base.  FIG. 5C  shows a coupling between first jack  3300  and boom  3400 . As depicted here, the ram of first jack  3300  is coupled with a connector  3340  that can be adjustably positioned and secured along the length of boom  3400 . Optionally, the ram of first jack  3300  can be adjustably positioned and secured along a bracket  3360  which is coupled with boom  3400  as shown in  FIG. 5D . Any of a variety of coupling mechanisms can be employed to adjustably position and secure the ram of first jack  3300  relative to the boom  3400 .  FIG. 5E  shows a coupling between second jack  3600  and engagement mechanism  3500 . As depicted here, the base of second jack  3600  is coupled with a connector  3342  that can be adjustably positioned and secured at a desired position along engagement mechanism  3500 . Optionally, the base of second jack  3600  can be adjustably positioned and secured along a bracket  3352  which is coupled with engagement mechanism  3500  as shown in  FIG. 5F . Any of a variety of coupling mechanisms can be employed to adjustably position and secure the base of second jack  3600  relative to the engagement mechanism  3500 .  FIG. 5G  shows a coupling between second jack  3600  and boom  3400 . As depicted here, the ram of second jack  3600  is coupled with a connector  3344  that can be adjustably positioned and secured along the length of boom  3400 . Optionally, the ram of second jack  3600  can be adjustably positioned and secured along a bracket  3364  which is coupled with boom  3400  as shown in  FIG. 5H . Any of a variety of coupling mechanisms can be employed to adjustably position and secure the ram of second jack  3600  relative to the boom  3400 . 
     While the above provides a full and complete disclosure of certain embodiments of the present invention, various modifications, alternate constructions and equivalents may be employed as desired. Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.