Patent Publication Number: US-2023159072-A1

Title: Lift cart with mechanically actuated automatic braking device

Description:
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST 
     This invention was made with government support under HQ0276-15-C-0003 awarded by the Missile Defense Agency. The government has certain rights in the invention. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This application relates to braking devices and, more specifically, to braking devices for lift carts. 
     Scissor lift carts have tables that can be height-adjusted. When the table is in the lowest position, near the cart base, the center of gravity is low and the possibility of the cart tipping when moved is also low. However, when a cart is moved with the table in a higher position, the higher center of gravity increases possibility of the cart tipping. Typically, operating procedures require users to brake the cart before lifting the table and releasing the brakes after lowering the table. Reliance on human adherence to this braking procedure creates opportunities for user errors and cart tipping incidents. 
     SUMMARY 
     A lift cart includes a lift table that moves between a raised position and a lowest position and a braking device attached to the lift cart. A braking device includes an actuator, a linkage bar, and a first brake assembly. The linkage bar connects to the actuator. The linkage bar translates in a first direction upon activation of the actuator. The first brake assembly connects to the linkage bar. The first brake assembly moves from a deployed state to a retracted state as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
     A lift cart includes a cart platform, a lift table, and a braking device. The lift table is connected to a top side of the cart platform and moves between a raised position and a lowest position. The lift table includes a table platform, legs connected to and extending between a bottom side of the table platform and the top side of the cart platform, and a cross member connecting the legs and positioned adjacent to the top side of the cart platform. The braking device is connected to a bottom side of the cart platform. The braking device includes an actuator, a linkage bar connected to the actuator, and a first brake assembly connected to the linkage bar. The cross member of the lift table activates the actuator when the lift table is in the lowest position. The linkage bar translates in a first direction when the actuator is activated. The first brake assembly moves from a deployed state to a retracted state as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
     A lift cart includes a cart platform, a scissor lift table, and a braking device. The scissor lift table is connected to a top side of the cart platform and moves between a raised position and a lowest position. The scissor lift table includes a table platform, scissor legs connected to and extending between a bottom side of the table platform and the top side of the cart platform, and a cross member connecting the scissor legs and positioned adjacent to the top side of the cart platform. The braking device is connected to a bottom side of the cart platform. The braking device includes an actuator, a linkage bar connected to the actuator, and a first brake assembly connected to the linkage bar. The cross member of the scissor lift table activates the actuator when the scissor lift table is in the lowest position. The linkage bar translates in a first direction when the actuator is activated. The first brake assembly moves from a deployed state to a retracted state as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a top perspective view of a lift cart. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a bottom perspective view of the lift cart. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of a braking device. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a front perspective view of the braking device. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a rear view of the braking device. 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the lift cart with a scissor lift table in the raised position and the braking device deployed. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a side view of the lift cart with the scissor lift table in a lowest position and the braking device retracted. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross sectional view of the lift cart. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1 A  is a top perspective view of lift cart  10 .  FIG.  1 B  is a bottom perspective view of lift cart  10 .  1 A- 1 B will be discussed together. Lift cart  10  includes cart platform  12 , handle  16 , wheel  18 A, wheel  18 B, wheel  18 C, wheel  18 D (shown in  FIG.  1 B ), drag chain  20  (shown in  FIG.  1 B ), and scissor lift table  22 . Scissor lift table  22  includes table platform  24  (shown in  FIG.  1 A ), adapter plate  25  (shown in  FIG.  1 A ), scissor legs  26 A (shown in  FIG.  1 A ), scissor legs  26 B (shown in  FIG.  1 A ), cross member  28  (shown in  FIG.  1 A ), guide frame  29  (shown in  FIG.  1 A ), and cover  30  (shown in  FIG.  1 B ). Lift cart  10  also includes braking device  32 , which includes actuator  34 , linkage bar  36  (shown in  FIG.  1 B ), first brake assembly  38  (shown in  FIG.  1 B ), and second brake assembly  40  (shown in  FIG.  1 B ).  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  further show front F 1  and rear R 1 . 
     Lift cart  10  is positioned in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  so that front F 1  of lift cart  10  is toward the left of the figures and rear R 1  of lift cart  10  is toward the right of the figures. Lift cart  10  has platform  12  that forms a base of lift cart  10 . Handle  16  is connected to cart platform  12  at rear R 1  of lift cart  10 . Wheels  18 A,  18 B,  18 C, and  18 D are connected to a bottom side of cart platform  12 . Drag chain  20  also connects to the bottom side of cart platform  12 . 
     Scissor lift table  22  is connected to a top side of cart platform  12 . Table platform  24  is a top of scissor lift table  22 . Table platform  24  is a flat surface. Adapter plate  25  is bolted to a top of table platform  24 . Adapter plate  25  is shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  as being a flat plate, but can have any suitable design in alternate embodiments. Further, scissor lift table  22  may not include adapter plate  25  in some embodiments. As shown in  FIG.  1 A , scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B are connected to and extend between a bottom side of table platform  24  and the top side of cart platform  12 . Scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B are positioned within guide frame  29 . Guide frame  29  is bolted to the top side of cart platform  12  and connects scissor lift table  22  to cart platform  12 . Guide frame  29  is bolted to the top side of cart platform  12  and connects scissor lift table  22  to cart platform  12 . Guide frame  29  limits sideways and rearward movement of scissor legs  26 A and  26 B. Guide frame  29  also creates a front stop for scissor legs  26 A and  26 B. Cross member  28  connects scissor legs  26 A to scissor legs  26 B and is adjacent to the top side of cart platform  12 . Cross member  28  is configured to slide along rollers positioned between cross member  28  and guide frame  29  as scissor lift table  22  is raised and lowered. As shown in  FIG.  1 B , scissor lift table  22  can include cover  30  extending from table platform  24  to the top side of cart platform  12  enclosing scissor legs  26 A, scissor legs  26 B, guide frame  29 , and portions of braking device  32  that are above the top surface of cart platform  12 . 
     Scissor lift table  22  is configured to move between a lowest position and a raised position. The lowest position is a position where table platform  24  is fully lowered as far as it can be and is as close to the upper surface of cart platform  12  as scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B allow. Further, in the lowest position, cross member  28  is positioned as far forward in guide frame  29  as possible. A raised position is any position other than the lowest position. The raised position is a position in which table platform  24  has been raised from the lowest position and cross member  28  has been moved away from the forward point in guide frame  29 . 
     Braking device  32  is connected to the bottom side of cart platform  12 . Actuator  34  is near front F 1  of lift cart  10 . An upper portion of actuator  34  hooks around a front side of guide frame  29 . Actuator  34  extends through cart platform  12  from the top side to the bottom side. Actuator  34  is pivotally mounted to the bottom side of cart platform  12 . A front of linkage bar  36  connects to actuator  34 . As shown in  FIG.  1 B , linkage bar  36  also connects to first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40 . Second brake assembly  40  connects to a rear of linkage bar  36 . First brake assembly  38  connects to linkage bar  36  between actuator  34  and second brake assembly  40 . In alternate embodiments, lift cart  10  can include a single brake assembly or three or more brake assemblies. First brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are spring-loaded. A top of first brake assembly  38  and a top of second brake assembly  40  are fixedly mounted to the bottom side of cart platform  12 . 
     Braking device  32  is only in a retracted state when scissor lift table  22  is in the lowest position. Braking device  32  is in a deployed state when scissor lift table  22  is raised from the lowest position into the raised position. When braking device  32  is in the deployed state, first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are in a deployed state and rest on a floor. When braking device  32  is in the retracted state, first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are in a retracted state and are raised off the floor. 
     Braking device  32  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state when scissor lift table  22  moves from the raised position to the lowest position. When braking device  32  is in the deployed state, first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are resting on the floor. Scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B support and move table platform  24  vertically from the raised position to the lowest position. When scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position, cross member  28  is not in contact with the upper portion of actuator  34  that is hooked around guide frame  29 . As scissor lift table  22  moves to the lowest position, cross member  28  moves forward towards front F 1  of lift cart  10  and contacts actuator  34 . Forward motion of cross member  28  provides the necessary force to activate actuator  34  when scissor lift table  22  is in the lowest position. 
     When actuator  34  is activated, linkage bar  36  translates toward the rear of lift cart  10 . First brake assembly  38  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state as linkage bar  36  translates rearward. Similarly, second brake assembly  40  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state as linkage bar  36  translates rearward. When linkage bar  36  translates rearward, first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are moved to the retracted state, which compresses gas springs of first bake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40 . When first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are in the retracted state, braking device  32  is in the retracted state and lift cart  10  can move. Forward pressure from cross member  28  on actuator  34  provides the necessary force to activate actuator  34  and translate linkage bar  36  rearward to move first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  from the deployed state to the retracted state. Braking device  32  is only in the retracted state when scissor lift table  22  is in the lowest position. 
     Braking device  32  moves from the retracted state to the deployed state when scissor lift table  22  moves from the lowest position to the raised position. Braking device  32  is in the retracted state when scissor lift table  22  is in the lowest position. Scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B support and move table platform  24  vertically from the lowest position to the raised position. When scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position, cross member  28  no longer presses actuator  34  forward, and thus, no longer activates actuator  34 . When actuator  34  is released, the gas springs in first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  release stored compressive force. As the gas springs release the stored compressive force, first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  move into the deployed state. When first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  move into the deployed state, linkage bar  36  translates toward the front of lift cart  10 . Forward translation of linkage bar  36  restores actuator  34  to the non-activated position. Braking device  32  is in the deployed state when scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position and lift cart  10  cannot move. 
     Lift cart  10  is safer than comparable lift carts because braking device  32  reduces the likelihood of lift cart  10  tipping. Lift cart  10  has a higher center of gravity while scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position and the lowest center of gravity while scissor lift table  22  is in the lowest position. Moving lift cart  10  with scissor lift table  22  in the raised position increases the likelihood of a tip-over accident. Braking device  32  automatically deploys without other user intervention when scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position. Therefore, scissor lift table  22  must be in the lowest position, and have the lowest center of gravity, to move. Further, the lowest position is so low that scissor lift table  22  must be in the raised position for table platform  24  to be at a comfortable height for an adult to work on table platform  24 . When the user puts scissor lift table  22  in the raised position to comfortably work, braking device  32  will automatically deploy without other user intervention. Braking device  32  decreases reliance on user compliance to braking protocol. Lift cart  10  also includes several other features to increase safety. Cover  30  surrounds scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B to increase the safety of using scissor lift table  22  by reducing operators&#39; access to pinch points within scissor lift table  22 . Drag chain  20  reduces static electricity buildup on lift cart  10  to protect projects vulnerable to static electric discharge. 
       FIG.  2    is a side view of braking device  32 . Braking device  32  includes actuator  34  with pivot point  34 A, linkage bar  36 , first brake assembly  38 , and second brake assembly  40 . First brake assembly  38  includes first linkage assembly  50  with pivot point  50 A, first brake extension assembly  52 , and first brake post assembly  54 . Second brake assembly  40  includes second linkage assembly  56  with pivot point  56 A, second brake extension assembly  58 , and second brake post assembly  60 .  FIG.  2    also includes front F 2 , rear R 2 , arrow T 1 , arrow T 2 , arrow P 1 , arrow P 2 , and arrow P 3   
     Braking device  32  is oriented in  FIG.  2    so that front F 2  of braking device  32  is on the left of the figure and rear R 2  of braking device  32  is on the right of the figure. Actuator  34  is in the front of braking device  32 . Actuator  34  is connected to the front of linkage bar  36 . Pivot point  34 A is within actuator  34  and above linkage bar  36 . Linkage bar  36  also connects to first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40 . Second brake assembly  40  connects to the rear of linkage bar  36 . First brake assembly  38  connects to linkage bar  36  between actuator  34  and second brake assembly  40 . First brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are spring-loaded. First linkage assembly  50  links first brake assembly  38  to linkage bar  36 . First linkage assembly  50  includes pivot point  50 A located above linkage bar  36 . First linkage assembly  50  also connects to a top of first brake extension assembly  52 . First brake post assembly  54  connects to a bottom of first brake extension assembly  52 . Second linkage assembly  56  links second brake assembly  40  to linkage bar  36 . Second linkage assembly  56  includes pivot point  56 A located above linkage bar  36 . Second linkage assembly  56  also connects to a top of second brake assembly  40 . Second brake post assembly  60  connects to a bottom of second brake extension assembly  58 . 
     Braking device  32  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state when actuator  34  is activated by a lift table, such as scissor lift table  22  shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B , moving to the lowest position. Actuator  34  is released when the lift table is in the raised position. Braking device  32  is in the deployed state when actuator  34  is released, shown in  FIG.  2   . When braking device  32  is in the deployed state, first brake assembly  38  is in the deployed state and first brake post assembly  54  is in a deployed state resting on the floor. First brake post assembly  54  is in a retracted state when first brake post assembly  54  is raised off the floor. When braking device  32  is in the deployed state, second brake assembly  40  is in the deployed state and second brake post assembly  60  is in a deployed state resting on the floor. Second brake post assembly  60  is in a retracted state when second brake post assembly  60  is raised off the floor. 
     When the lift table is in the lowest position, the lift table activates actuator  34  and provides the necessary force to move braking device  32  into the retracted state. Actuator  34  translates toward front F 2  of braking device  32  when actuator  34  is activated, as shown by arrow T 1 . Actuator  34  pivots counterclockwise around pivot point  34 A, as shown by arrow P 1 . Counterclockwise pivoting around pivot point  34 A causes linkage bar  36  to translate toward the rear of braking device  32 . Arrow T 2  shows the translation of linkage bar  36 . 
     First brake assembly  38  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state as linkage bar  36  translates rearward. Rearward translation of linkage bar  36  causes counterclockwise pivoting in first linkage assembly  50  around pivot point  50 A, as shown by arrow P 2 . Counterclockwise pivoting of first linkage assembly  50  pulls first brake extension assembly  52  upwards and raises first brake post assembly  54  from the deployed state to the retracted state. Similarly, second brake assembly  40  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state as linkage bar  36  translates rearward. Rearward translation of linkage bar  36  causes counterclockwise pivoting in second linkage assembly  56  around pivot point  56 A, as shown by arrow P 3 . Counterclockwise pivoting of second linkage assembly  56  pulls second brake extension assembly  58  upwards and raises second brake post assembly  60  from the deployed state to the retracted state. As first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  move into the retracted state, gas springs within first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are compressed. When first brake post assembly  54  and second brake post assembly  60  are in the retracted state, braking mechanism  32  is in the retracted state. Continued force against actuator  34  from the lift table being in the lowest position maintains the compression of the gas springs within first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  and holds braking device  32  in the retracted state. 
     Braking device  32  returns to the deployed state when the lift table is in the raised position. Compressive force is removed from actuator  34  and actuator  34  is released when the lift table is in the raised position. The gas springs in first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are released when actuator  34  is released. The released gas springs force first brake extension assembly  52  and second brake extension assembly  58  downward. First brake post assembly  54  and second brake post assembly  60  are forced into the deployed state as first brake extension assembly  52  and second brake extension assembly  58 , respectively, are forced downward. First linkage assembly  50  pivots clockwise around pivot point  50 A by downward motion of first brake extension assembly  52 . Second linkage assembly  56  pivots clockwise around pivot point  56 A by downward motion of second brake extension assembly  58 . Clockwise pivoting of first linkage assembly  50  and second linkage assembly  56  translates linkage bar  36  towards the front of braking device  32 . Linkage bar  36  is free to move towards the front of braking device  32  when actuator  34  is not activated. Forward motion of linkage bar  36  pivots actuator  34  clockwise. Braking device  32  is in the deployed state. 
     Braking device  32  moves from the deployed state into the retracted state automatically by activation of actuator  34 . Braking device  32  also moves from the retracted state back to the deployed state by the release of actuator  34 . When actuator  34  is activated, indicating that a lift cart with braking device  32  attached is safe to move, automatic retraction of braking device  32  allows for less user error in following otherwise necessary braking protocols. Braking device  32  is completely mechanical. No electronics or batteries are necessary to move braking device  32  between the deployed state and the retracted state, which reduces the cost to build and operate braking device  32 . Using first brake post assembly  54  and second brake post assembly  60  as brakes allows for braking device  32  to be retrofitted to many kinds of carts and devices because any wheels on those devices would not be disturbed. 
       FIG.  3 A  is a front perspective view of braking device  32 .  FIG.  3 B  is a rear view of braking device  32 . Braking device  32  includes actuator  34 , linkage bar  36 , first brake assembly  38  (including first linkage assembly  50 , first brake extension assembly  52 , and first brake post assembly  54 ), and second brake assembly  40  (including second linkage assembly  56 , second brake extension assembly  58 , and second brake post assembly  60 ). Actuator  34  includes actuator claw  70 , actuator mounting block  72 , pivot mount  74 , and attachment point  76 . First linkage assembly  50  includes rocker arm  80  and attachment point  82 . First brake extension assembly  52  includes rocker arm mounting block  84 , pivot mount  86 , top mounting plate  88 , drop linkage  90 , attachment point  92 , compression plate  94 , first guidepost  96 , second guidepost  98 , first gas spring  100 , and second gas spring  102 . First brake post assembly  54  includes shaft  104 , attachment point  106 , hex nut  108 A, hex nut  108 B, mounting collar  110 , brake pad backing plate  112 , and brake pad  114 . Second linkage assembly  56  includes rocker arm  118  and attachment point  120 . Second brake extension assembly  58  includes rocker arm mounting block  122 , pivot mount  124 , top mounting plate  126 , drop linkage  128 , attachment point  130 , compression plate  132 , third guidepost  134 , fourth guidepost  136 , third gas spring  138 , and fourth gas spring  140 . Second brake post assembly  60  includes shaft  142 , attachment point  144 , hex nut  146 A, hex nut  146 B, mounting collar  148 , brake pad backing plate  150 , and brake pad  152 .  FIG.  3 A  also includes front F 2 , rear R 2 , arrow T 1 , arrow T 2 , arrow P 1 , arrow P 2 , and arrow P 3   
     Braking device  32  is oriented in  FIG.  3 A  so that front F 2  is toward the left of the figure and rear R 2  is toward the right of the figure. Actuator  34  is toward the front of braking device  32 . Linkage bar  36  connects actuator  34 , first brake assembly  38 , and second brake assembly  40 . First brake assembly  38  is located on linkage bar  36  between actuator  34  and second brake assembly  40 . 
     Actuator  34  includes actuator claw  70 , actuator mounting block  72 , pivot mount  74 , and attachment point  76 . Actuator claw  70  pivotally connects to actuator mounting block  72  by pivot mount  74 . Actuator claw  70  connects to linkage bar  36  by attachment point  76 . Actuator  34  mounts to a cart so that actuator claw  70  extends through a cart platform from a top side of the cart platform to a bottom side. Actuator mounting block  72  affixes to the bottom side of the cart platform. Actuator claw  70  pivotally connects to the bottom side of the cart platform by pivot mount  74  through actuator mounting block  72 . 
     First brake assembly  38  includes first linkage assembly  50 , first brake extension assembly  52 , and first brake post assembly  54 . First brake assembly  38  connects to linkage bar  36  by first linkage assembly  50 . First linkage assembly  50  includes rocker arm  80  and attachment point  82 . Rocker arm  80  is a triangular linkage member. A first vertex of rocker arm  80  connects to linkage bar  36  by attachment point  82 . A second vertex and a third vertex of rocker arm  80  each connect to first brake extension assembly  52 . First linkage assembly  50  links first brake extension assembly  52  to linkage bar  36 . 
     First brake extension assembly  52  connects first linkage assembly  50  to first brake post assembly  54 . First brake extension assembly  52  includes rocker arm mounting block  84 , pivot mount  86 , top mounting plate  88 , drop linkage  90 , attachment point  92 , compression plate  94 , first guidepost  96 , second guidepost  98 , first gas spring  100 , and second gas spring  102 . Rocker arm mounting block  84  connects to the second vertex of rocker arm  80  with pivot mount  86 . Rocker arm mounting block  84  is fixed to top mounting plate  88 . The third vertex of rocker arm  80  connects to drop linkage  90  by attachment point  92 . Drop linkage  90  is located within first brake extension assembly  52  between top mounting plate  88  and compression plate  94 . Top mounting plate  88  is a top of first brake assembly  38 . Compression plate  94  is a bottom of first brake extension assembly  52 . Compression plate  94  connects to top mounting plate  88  by first guidepost  96  and second guidepost  98 . First guidepost  96  is on a first side of drop linkage  90 . Second guidepost  98  is on a second side of drop linkage  90 . First gas spring  100  and second gas spring  102  are between top mounting plate  88  and compression plate  94 . First gas spring  100  is between first guidepost  96  and the first side of drop linkage  90 . Second gas spring  102  is between second guidepost  98  and the second side of drop linkage  90 . 
     First brake extension assembly  52  connects to first brake post assembly  54  by drop linkage  90 . First brake post assembly  54  includes shaft  104 , attachment point  106 , hex nut  108 A, hex nut  108 B, mounting collar  110 , brake pad backing plate  112 , and brake pad  114 . Drop linkage  90  connects to shaft  104  by attachment point  106 . Shaft  104  extends through compression plate  94 . Shaft  104  is a threaded shaft. Hex nut  108 A and hex nut  108 B are threaded onto shaft  104 . Hex nut  108 A is on a top of compression plate  94  and hex nut  108 B is on a bottom of compression plate  94 . Mounting collar  110  is on shaft  104  underneath hex nut  108 B. Brake pad backing plate  112  connects to mounting collar  110 . Brake pad  114  connects to brake pad backing plate  112 . 
     Second brake assembly  40  has a similar configuration to first brake assembly  38 . Second brake assembly  40  connects to linkage bar  36  by second linkage assembly  56 . Second linkage assembly  56  includes rocker arm  118  and attachment point  120 . Rocker arm  118  is a triangular linkage member. A first vertex of rocker arm  118  connects to linkage bar  36  by attachment point  120 . A second vertex and a third vertex of rocker arm  118  each connect to second brake extension assembly  58 . Second linkage assembly  56  links second brake extension assembly  58  to linkage bar  36 . 
     Second brake extension assembly  58  connects second linkage assembly  56  to second brake post assembly  60 . Second brake extension assembly  58  includes rocker arm mounting block  122 , pivot mount  124 , top mounting plate  126 , drop linkage  128 , attachment point  130 , compression plate  132 , third guidepost  134 , fourth guidepost  136 , third gas spring  138 , and fourth gas spring  140 . Rocker arm mounting block  122  connects to the second vertex of rocker arm  118  with pivot mount  124 . Rocker arm mounting block  122  is fixed to top mounting plate  126 . The third vertex of rocker arm  118  connects to drop linkage  128  by attachment point  130 . Drop linkage  128  is located within second brake extension assembly  58  between top mounting plate  126  and compression plate  132 . Top mounting plate  126  is a top of second brake assembly  40 . Compression plate  132  is a bottom of second brake extension assembly  58 . Compression plate  132  connects to top mounting plate  126  by third guidepost  134  and fourth guidepost  136 . Third guidepost  134  is on a first side of drop linkage  128 . Fourth guidepost  136  is on a second side of drop linkage  128 . Third gas spring  138  and fourth gas spring  140  are between top mounting plate  126  and compression plate  132 . Third gas spring  138  is between third guidepost  134  and the first side of drop linkage  128 . Fourth gas spring  140  is between fourth guidepost  136  and the second side of drop linkage  128 . 
     Second brake extension assembly  58  connects to second brake post assembly  60  by drop linkage  128 . Second brake post assembly  60  includes shaft  142 , attachment point  144 , hex nut  146 A, hex nut  146 B, mounting collar  148 , brake pad backing plate  150 , and brake pad  152 . Drop linkage  128  connects to shaft  142  by attachment point  144 . Shaft  142  extends through compression plate  132 . Shaft  142  is a threaded shaft. Hex nut  146 A and hex nut  146 B are threaded onto shaft  142 . Hex nut  146 A is above compression plate  132  and hex nut  146 B is below compression plate  132 . Mounting collar  148  is on shaft  142  underneath hex nut  146 B. Brake pad backing plate  150  connects to mounting collar  148 . Brake pad  152  connects to brake pad backing plate  150 . 
     Braking device  32  is in the deployed state when actuator  34  is released, as shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B . Actuator  34  is released when a lift table, such as scissor lift table  22 , is in the raised position. When braking device  32  is in the deployed state, first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are in the deployed state. When first brake assembly  38  is in the deployed state, first brake post assembly  54  is in the deployed state with brake pad  114  resting on the floor. When second brake assembly  40  is in the deployed state, second brake post assembly  60  is in the deployed state with brake pad  152  resting on the floor. First brake post assembly  54  and second brake post assembly  60  are in the retracted state when brake pad  114  and brake pad  152  are raised off the floor. 
     When the lift table moves into the lowest position, braking device  32  moves into the retracted state. The lift table activates actuator  34  with forward pressure at an upper portion of actuator claw  70 , as shown by arrow T 1 . Forward pressure from the lift able on the upper portion of actuator claw  70  provides the necessary force to move braking device  32  into the retracted state. Actuator claw  70  pivots counterclockwise about pivot mount  74 , as shown by arrow P 1 , when the lift table forces the upper portion of actuator claw  70  to translate forward. Counterclockwise pivoting of actuator claw  70  translates linkage bar  36  toward the rear of braking device  32 , as shown by arrow T 2 . 
     First brake assembly  38  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state as linkage bar  36  translates rearward. Rearward translation of linkage bar  36  causes the first vertex of rocker arm  80  to translate rearward. The second vertex of rocker arm  80  pivots counterclockwise around pivot point  86 , as shown by arrow P 2 . The movements of the first vertex and the second vertex cause the third vertex of rocker arm  80  to translate vertically upwards. Counterclockwise pivoting in rocker arm  80  pulls drop linkage  90  upwards with the third vertex. Drop linkage  90  in turn raises shaft  104  and retracts first brake post assembly  54  from the deployed state to the retracted state. As shaft  104  moves upward, hex nut  108 A and hex nut  108 B lift compression plate  94 . Lifting compression plate  94  as first brake post assembly  54  is raised from the deployed state to the retracted state compresses first gas spring  100  and second gas spring  102 . First gas spring  100  and second gas spring  102  are compressed when first brake assembly  38  is in the retracted state. First guidepost  96  and second guidepost  98  keep first brake extension assembly  52  and first brake post assembly  54  straight as first brake assembly  38  moves to the retracted state. While the lift table is in the lowest position, pressure is continuously exerted on the upper portion of actuator claw  70  and first gas spring  100  and second gas spring  102  are continuously compressed. 
     Second brake assembly  40  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state as linkage bar  36  translates rearward. Rearward translation of linkage bar  36  causes the first vertex of rocker arm  118  to translate rearward. The second vertex of rocker arm  118  pivots counterclockwise around pivot point  124 , as shown by arrow P 3 . The movements of the first vertex and the second vertex cause the third vertex of rocker arm  118  to translate vertically upwards. Counterclockwise pivoting in rocker arm  118  pulls drop linkage  130  upwards with the third vertex. Drop linkage  130  in turn raises shaft  142  and retracts second brake post assembly  60  from the deployed state to the retracted state. As shaft  142  moves upward, hex nut  146 A and hex nut  146 B lift compression plate  132 . Lifting compression plate  132  as second brake post assembly  60  is raised from the deployed state to the retracted state compresses third gas spring  138  and fourth gas spring  140 . Third gas spring  138  and fourth gas spring  140  are compressed when second brake assembly  40  is in the retracted state. Third guidepost  134  and fourth guidepost  136  keep second brake extension assembly  58  and second brake post assembly  60  straight as second brake assembly  40  moves to the retracted state. While the lift table is in the lowest position, pressure is continuously exerted on the upper portion of actuator claw  70  and third gas spring  138  and fourth gas spring  140  are continuously compressed. 
     Braking device  32  returns to the deployed state when the lift table is raised into the raised position because actuator  34  is released. When the lift table is in the raised position, there is no forward pressure on the upper portion of actuator claw  70 . Without pressure on actuator claw  70  from the lift table, compressive force on first gas spring  100 , second gas spring  102 , third gas spring  138 , and fourth gas spring  140  is released. When first gas spring  100  and second gas spring  102  are released, stored compressive force pushes compression plate  94  down. Compression plate  94  is tied to shaft  104  by hex nut  108 A and hex nut  108 B. As compression plate  94  is forced down by first gas spring  100  and second gas spring  102 , shaft  104  is forced down and first brake post assembly  54  moves into the deployed state. With first brake post assembly  54  in the deployed state, brake pad  114  rests on the floor. When shaft  104  moves down because of first gas spring  100  and second gas spring  102  pressing on compression plate  94 , shaft  104  pulls drop linkage  90  down through attachment point  92 . Drop linkage  90  in turn pulls the third vertex of rocker arm  80  down and pivots rocker arm  80  clockwise around pivot point  86 , as shown by arrow P 2 . 
     Third gas spring  138  and fourth gas spring  140  are also released when the lift table moves to the raised position and pressure on actuator claw  70  is released. Stored compressive force in third gas spring  138  and fourth gas spring  140  pushes compression plate  132  down. Compression plate  132  is tied to shaft  142  by hex nut  146 A and hex nut  146 B. As compression plate  132  is forced down by third gas spring  138  and fourth gas spring  140 , shaft  142  is forced down and second brake post assembly  60  moves into the deployed state. With second brake post assembly  60  in the deployed state, brake pad  152  rests on the floor. When shaft  142  moves down because of third gas spring  138  and fourth gas spring  140  pressing on compression plate  132 , shaft  142  pulls drop linkage down through attachment point  130 . Drop linkage  128  pulls the third vertex of rocker arm  118  down and pivots rocker arm  118  clockwise around pivot point  124 , as shown by arrow P 3 . 
     Clockwise pivoting of rocker arm  80  and rocker arm  118  translates linkage bar  36  towards the front of braking device  32 . Forward motion of linkage bar  36  pivots actuator claw  70  clockwise around pivot point  74 . Braking device  32  is in the deployed state when the lift table is in the raised position because first gas spring  100 , second gas spring  102 , third gas spring  138 , and fourth gas spring  140  force compression plate  94  and compression plate  132  down. 
     Braking device  32  moves from the deployed state into the retracted state automatically by activation of actuator  34 . Braking device  32  also moves from the retracted state back to the deployed state by the release of actuator  34 . Braking device  32  is completely mechanical. No electronics or batteries are necessary to move braking device  32  between the deployed state and the retracted state, which reduces the cost to build and operate braking device  32 . Using first brake post assembly  54  and second brake post assembly  60  as brakes allows for braking device  32  to be retrofitted to many kinds of carts and devices because any wheels on those devices would not be disturbed. Actuator mounting block  72 , top mounting plate  88 , and top mounting plate  126  allow for easy mounting on bottoms of carts. 
       FIG.  4    is a side view of lift cart  10  with scissor lift table  22  in the raised position and braking device  32  in the deployed state.  FIG.  5 A  is a side view of lift cart  10  with scissor lift table  22  in the lowest position and braking device  32  in the retracted state.  FIG.  5 B  is a cross sectional view of lift cart  10  taken through cart platform  12  and scissor lift table  22  and adjacent to a side of braking device  32 .  FIG.  5 B  shows lift cart  10  with scissor lift table  22  in the lowest position and braking device  32  in the retracted state. Lift cart  10  includes cart platform  12 , scissor lift table  22 , and braking device  32 . Scissor lift table  22  includes table platform  24 , adapter plate  25 , scissor legs  26 A (shown in  FIG.  5 B ), scissor legs  26 B (shown in  FIG.  4    and  FIG.  5 A ), cross member  28  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ) and guide frame  29 . Braking device  32  includes actuator  34 , linkage bar  36 , first brake assembly  38 , and second brake assembly  40 . Actuator  34  includes actuator claw  70 , actuator mounting block  72  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ), pivot mount  74  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ), and attachment point  76 . First brake assembly  38  includes first linkage assembly  50 , first brake extension assembly  52 , and first brake post assembly  54 . First linkage assembly  50  includes rocker arm  80  and attachment point  82 . First brake extension assembly  52  includes rocker arm mounting block  84  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ), pivot mount  86  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ), drop linkage  90  (shown in  FIG.  3 A ), and compression plate  94 . Second brake assembly  40  includes second linkage assembly  56 , second brake extension assembly  58 , and second brake post assembly  60 . Second linkage assembly  56  includes rocker arm  118  and attachment point  120 . Second brake extension assembly  58  includes rocker arm mounting block  122  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ), pivot mount  124  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ), drop linkage  128  (shown in  FIG.  3 A ), and compression plate  132 .  FIGS.  4 - 5 B  also include front F 1 , rear R 1 , and floor G.  FIG.  5 B  also shows arrow T 1 , arrow T 2 , arrow P 1 , arrow P 2 , and arrow P 3 . 
     Lift cart  10  is positioned in  FIGS.  4 - 5 B  so that front F 1  of lift cart  10  is toward the left of the figures and rear R 1  is toward the right of the figures. Lift cart  10  is sitting on floor G. Lift cart  10  has platform  12  that forms a base of lift cart  10 . Scissor lift table  22  is connected to the top side of cart platform  12 . Table platform  24  is a top of scissor lift table  22 . Adapter plate  25  can optionally be bolted onto a top side of table platform  24 . Scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B are connected to and extend between a bottom side of table platform  24  and the top side of cart platform  12 . Cross member  28  connects scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B and is adjacent to the top side of cart platform  12 . Scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B are positioned within guide frame  29 . Guide frame  29  is connected to the top side of cart platform  12 . Braking device  32  is connected to the bottom side of cart platform  12 . Actuator  34  is toward a front of braking device  32  and front F 1  of lift cart  10 . Actuator  34  extends through cart platform  12  from the top side to the bottom side. A front of linkage bar  36  connects to actuator  34 . Linkage bar  36  also connects to first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40 . Second brake assembly  40  connects to the rear of linkage bar  36 . First brake assembly  38  connects to linkage bar  36  between actuator  34  and second brake assembly  40 . 
     Actuator  34  includes actuator claw  70 , actuator mounting block  72 , pivot mount  74 , and attachment point  76 . Actuator claw  70  hooks around a front of guide frame  29  so that an upper portion of actuator claw  70  can contact and be activated by cross member  28 . Actuator claw  70  extends through cart platform  12  from the top side to the bottom side. Actuator claw  70  pivotally mounts to the bottom side of cart platform  12  by actuator mounting block  72 . Pivot mount  74  pivotally holds actuator claw  70  to actuator mounting block  72 . Actuator  34  connects to the front of linkage bar  36  by attachment point  76  through a lower portion of actuator claw  70 . 
     First brake assembly  38  connects to linkage bar  36  by first linkage assembly  50 . First linkage assembly  50  includes rocker arm  80  and attachment point  82 . Rocker arm  80  is a triangular linkage member. The first vertex of rocker arm  80  connects to linkage bar  36  by attachment point  82 . The second vertex and the third vertex of rocker arm  80  connect to first brake extension assembly  52 . First linkage assembly  50  links first brake extension assembly  52  to linkage bar  36 . 
     First brake extension assembly  52  connects first linkage assembly  50  to first brake post assembly  54 . First brake extension assembly  52  includes rocker arm mounting block  84 , pivot mount  86 , drop linkage  90  (shown in  FIG.  3 A ) and compression plate  94 . Rocker arm mounting block  84  connects to the second vertex of rocker arm  80  with pivot mount  86 . Rocker arm mounting block  84  is fixed to the bottom side of cart platform  12 . The third vertex of rocker arm  80  connects to drop linkage  90 . Drop linkage  90  is located within first brake extension assembly  52  between the bottom side of cart platform  12  and compression plate  94 . First brake extension assembly  52  is spring-loaded. Drop linkage  90  connects to first brake post assembly  54 . First brake post assembly  54  extends through and is fixed to compression plate  94 . 
     Second brake assembly  40  has a similar configuration to first brake assembly  38 . Second brake assembly  40  connects to linkage bar  36  by second linkage assembly  56 . Second linkage assembly  56  includes rocker arm  118  and attachment point  120 . Rocker arm  118  is a triangular linkage member. The first vertex of rocker arm  118  connects to linkage bar  36  by attachment point  120 . The second vertex and the third vertex of rocker arm  118  connect to second brake extension assembly  58 . Second linkage assembly  56  links second brake extension assembly  58  to linkage bar  36 . 
     Second brake extension assembly  58  connects second linkage assembly  56  to second brake post assembly  60 . Second brake extension  58  assembly includes rocker arm mounting block  122 , pivot mount  124 , drop linkage  128  (shown in  FIG.  3 A ), and compression plate  132 . Rocker arm mounting block  122  connects to the second vertex of rocker arm  118  with pivot mount  124 . Rocker arm mounting block  122  is fixed to the bottom side of cart platform  12 . The third vertex of rocker arm  118  connects to drop linkage  128 . Drop linkage  128  is located within second brake extension assembly  58  between the bottom side of cart platform  12  and compression plate  132 . Second brake extension assembly  58  is spring-loaded. Drop linkage  128  connects to second brake post assembly  60 . Second brake post assembly  60  extends through and is fixed to compression plate  132 . 
     Lift cart  10  is designed so that braking device  32  is in the deployed state when scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position and actuator  34  is released, as shown in  FIG.  4   . Lift cart  10  is also designed so that braking device  32  is in the retracted state only when scissor lift table  22  is in the lowest position. Scissor lift table  22  is in the lowest position when table platform  24  is as close to the upper surface of cart platform  12  as scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B allow. Scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position when table platform  24  is at any position higher than the lowest position. When braking device  32  is in the deployed state, first brake assembly  38  and second brake assembly  40  are in the deployed state. First brake post assembly  54  is in the deployed state and resting on floor G when first brake assembly  38  is in the deployed state. Second brake post assembly  60  is in the deployed state and resting on floor G when second brake assembly  40  is in the deployed state. Braking device  32  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state when scissor lift table  22  moves from the raised position to the lowest position. Scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B support and move table platform  24  vertically from the raised position to the lowest position. Guide frame  29  bounds the movement of scissor legs  26 A and scissor legs  26 B to moving forward and backward within guide frame  29 . When scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position, cross member  28  is not in contact with actuator  34  (shown in  FIG.  1 A ). As scissor lift table  22  moves to the lowest position, cross member  28  moves towards front F 1  of lift cart  10  and contacts actuator  34 . 
     Lift cart  10  is designed so that braking device  32  is in the retracted state only when scissor lift table  22  is in the lowest position, as shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B . Braking device  32  moves from the retracted state to the deployed state when scissor lift table  22  is moved to the lowest position. Moving scissor lift table  22  to the lowest position activates actuator  34  and provides the force necessary to move braking device  32  to the retracted state. As scissor lift table  22  is moved into the lowest position, cross member  28  pushes against and activates actuator  34  at the upper portion of actuator claw  70  that is hooked around guide frame  29 . Cross member  28  translates the upper portion of actuator claw  70  forward, as shown by arrow T 1  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ). The front side of guide frame  29  acts as a stop for scissor lift table  22  and actuator claw  70 . Actuator claw  70  pivots counterclockwise around pivot mount  74 , as shown by arrow P 1  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ), when cross member  28  translates the upper portion of actuator claw  70  forward. Counterclockwise pivoting of actuator claw  70  translates linkage bar  36  toward the rear of braking device  32  and the rear of lift cart  10 , as shown by arrow T 2  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ). 
     First brake assembly  38  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state as linkage bar  36  translates rearward. Rearward translation of linkage bar  36  causes the first vertex of rocker arm  80  to translate rearward. The translation of the first vertex of rocker arm  80  causes the second vertex of rocker arm  80  to pivot counterclockwise around pivot point  86 , as shown by arrow P 2  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ). The movements of the first vertex and the second vertex cause the third vertex of rocker arm  80  to translate vertically upwards. Counterclockwise pivoting in rocker arm  80  pulls drop linkage  90  upwards with the third vertex of rocker arm  80 . Drop linkage  90  in turn raises first brake post assembly  54  from the deployed state to the retracted state. Raising first brake post assembly  54  raises compression plate  94  and compresses the gas springs in spring-loaded first brake extension assembly  52 . Continued pressure from cross member  28  on actuator claw  70  keeps the gas springs in first brake extension assembly  52  compressed. 
     Second brake assembly  40  moves from the deployed state to the retracted state as linkage bar  36  translates rearward. Rearward translation of linkage bar  36  causes the first vertex of rocker arm  118  to translate rearward. The translation of the first vertex of rocker arm  118  causes the second vertex of rocker arm  118  to pivot counterclockwise around pivot point  124 , as shown by arrow P 3  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ). The movements of the first vertex and the second vertex cause the third vertex of rocker arm  118  to translate vertically upwards. Counterclockwise pivoting in rocker arm  118  pulls drop linkage  128  upwards with the third vertex of rocker arm  118 . Drop linkage  128  in turn raises second brake post assembly  60  from the deployed state to the retracted state. Raising second brake post assembly  60  raises compression plate  132  and compresses the gas springs in spring-loaded second brake extension assembly  58 . Continued pressure from cross member  28  on actuator claw  70  keeps the gas springs in second brake extension assembly  58  compressed. When first brake post assembly  54  and second brake post assembly  60  are in the retracted state, braking device  32  is in the retracted state and lift cart  10  is movable. Braking device  32  is only in the retracted state when scissor lift table  22  is in the lowest position. 
     Lift cart  10  is designed so that braking device  32  is in the deployed state when scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position, as shown in  FIG.  4   . Braking device  32  moves from the retracted state to the deployed state when scissor lift table  22  moves from the lowest position to the raised position. As scissor lift table  22  moves to the raised position, cross member  28  moves away from actuator  34 . Cross member  28  no longer provides force against actuator  34  when scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position. When actuator  34  is released, the gas springs within spring-loaded first brake extension assembly  52  and spring-loaded second brake extension assembly  58  are released. When spring-loaded first brake extension assembly  52  is released, stored compressive force pushes compression plate  94  down. Compression plate  94  moves first brake post assembly  54  into the deployed state. First brake post assembly  54  rests on floor G when in the deployed state. Drop linkage  90  (shown in  FIG.  3 A ) is pulled down by first brake post assembly  54 . Drop linkage  90  pulls the third vertex of rocker arm  80  down and pivots rocker arm  80  clockwise around pivot point  86 , as shown by arrow P 2  (shown in  FIG.  5 B ). When spring-loaded second brake extension assembly  58  is released, stored compressive force pushes compression plate  132  down. Compression plate  132  moves second brake post assembly  60  into the deployed state. Second brake post assembly  60  rests on floor G when in the deployed state. Drop linkage  128  (shown in  FIG.  3 A ) is pulled down by second brake post assembly  60 . Drop linkage  128  pulls the third vertex of rocker arm  118  down and pivots rocker arm  118  clockwise around pivot point  124  (shown by arrow P 3  in  FIG.  5 B ). Clockwise pivoting of rocker arm  80  and rocker arm  118  translates linkage bar  36  towards the front of braking device  32  and lift cart  10  (shown by arrow T 2  in  FIG.  5 B ). Forward translation of linkage bar  36  pivots actuator claw  70  clockwise around pivot point  74  (shown by arrow P 1  in  FIG.  5 B ). Braking device  32  is in the deployed state when scissor lift table  22  is in the raised position and lift cart  10  cannot move. 
     Lift cart  10  is designed so that brake device  32  is automatically set when scissor lift table  22  is in a raised position. To move braking device  32  from the deployed state into the retracted state, scissor lift table  22  must be in the lowest position. Forward cross member  28  must be in contact with actuator claw  70  to activate actuator  34 . Actuator  34  must be activated to retract braking device  32 . Lift cart  10  sets braking device  32  without other human intervention when scissor lift table  22  is raised. Requiring scissor lift table  22  to be in the lowest position before braking device  32  is put in the retracted state means that lift cart  10  has the lowest center of gravity possible when it can move. Decreasing the center of gravity of lift cart  10  decreases the likelihood of tip-over incidents when lift cart  10  is being moved. Braking device  32  is completely mechanical and interacts with scissor lift table  22  mechanically. This reduces the need for batteries or electronics and in turn reduces the cost of manufacturing and operating lift cart  10 . 
     Discussion of Possible Embodiments 
     The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention. 
     A lift cart includes a lift table that moves between a raised position and a lowest position and a braking device attached to the lift cart. The braking device includes an actuator, a linkage bar and a first brake assembly. The actuator is activated when the lift table is in the lowest position. The linkage bar is connected to the actuator. The linkage bar translates in a first direction when the actuator is activated. The first brake assembly is connected to the linkage bar. The first brake assembly moves from a deployed state to a retracted state as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
     The lift cart of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components: 
     A further embodiment of the foregoing lift cart, wherein when the first brake assembly is in the deployed state, the first brake assembly rests on a floor, and wherein when the first brake assembly is in the retracted state, the first brake assembly is raised off a floor. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the first brake assembly further includes a first brake post assembly that retracts from a floor as the gas spring is compressed. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the first brake assembly further includes a first linkage assembly linking the first brake assembly to the linkage bar. The first linkage assembly includes a first rocker arm connected to the linkage bar. The first rocker arm pivots as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the first brake assembly further includes a first brake post assembly and a first brake extension assembly. The first brake extension assembly connects to the first linkage assembly and to the first brake post assembly. The first brake extension assembly includes a first drop linkage. The first drop linkage is connected to the first linkage assembly and the first brake post assembly. The first drop linkage is pulled upwards by the first linkage assembly to raise the first brake post assembly form the deployed state to the retracted state. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the braking device further includes a second brake assembly connected to the linkage bar. The second brake assembly moves from a deployed state to a retracted state as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
     A lift cart includes a cart platform, a lift table connected to a top side of the cart platform, and a braking device connected to a bottom side of the cart platform. The lift table moves between a raised position and a lowest position. The lift table includes a table platform, legs connected to and extending between a bottom side of the table platform and the top side of the cart platform, and a cross member connect the legs and positioned adjacent to the top side of the cart platform. The braking device includes an actuator, a linkage bar connected to the actuator, and a first brake assembly connected to the linkage bar. The cross member of the lift table activates the actuator when the lift table is in the lowest position. The linkage bar translates in a first direction when the actuator is activated. The first brake assembly moves from a deployed state to a retracted state as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
     The lift cart of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components: 
     A further embodiment of the foregoing lift cart, wherein in the lowest position, the table platform of the lift table is fully lowered, and wherein in the raised position, the table platform of the lift table is in any position other than the lowest position. 
     A further embodiment of the foregoing lift cart, wherein the actuator includes an actuator claw pivotally mounted to the cart platform. The cross member contacts an upper portion of the actuator claw when the lift table is in the lowest position to induce the actuator claw to pivot about a pivot point. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein when the first brake assembly is in the deployed state, the first brake assembly rests on a floor and when the first brake assembly is in the retracted state, the first brake assembly is raised from the floor. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the first brake assembly further comprises a gas spring the compresses as the first brake assembly moves to the retracted state. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the first brake assembly further comprises a first brake post assembly that retracts from a floor as the gas spring is compressed. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the first brake assembly also includes a first linkage assembly linking the first brake assembly to the linkage bar. The first linkage assembly includes a first rocker arm connected to the linkage bar. The first linkage bar is also pivotally mounted to the bottom side of the care platform. The first rocker arm pivots about a pivot point as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the first brake assembly also includes a first brake extension assembly and a first brake post assembly. The first brake extension assembly connects to the first linkage assembly. The first brake post assembly connects to the first brake extension assembly. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the first brake extension assembly includes a first drop linkage and a gas spring. The first drop linkage is connected to the first linkage assembly and the first brake post assembly. The first drop linkage is pulled upwards by the first linkage assembly to raise the first brake post assembly from the deployed state to the retracted state. The gas spring extends between a bottom side of the cart platform and the first brake post assembly. The first gas spring compresses as the first brake post assembly is raised from the deployed state to the retracted state. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the braking device includes a second brake assembly connected to the linkage bar. The second brake assembly moves from a deployed state to a retracted state as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
     A lift cart includes a cart platform, a scissor lift table, and a braking device. The scissor lift table connects to a top side of the cart platform and moves between a raised position and a lowest position. The scissor lift table includes a table platform, scissor legs, and a cross member. The scissor legs connect to and extend between a bottom side of the table platform and a top side of the cart platform. The cross member connects the scissor legs and is positioned adjacent to the top side of the cart platform. The braking device is connected to a bottom side of the cart platform. The braking device includes an actuator, a linkage bar, and a first brake assembly. The actuator extends through the cart platform for the top side to the bottom side. The cross member of the scissor lift table activates the actuator when the scissor lift table is in the lowest position. The linkage bar connects to the actuator. The linkage bar translates in a first direction when the actuator is activated. The first brake assembly connects to the linkage bar. The first brake assembly moves from a deployed state to a retracted state as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
     The lift cart of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components: 
     A further embodiment of the foregoing lift cart, wherein first brake assembly also includes a first linkage assembly linking the first brake assembly to the linkage bar. The first linkage assembly includes a first rocker arm. The first rocker arm is connected to the linkage bar and pivotally mounted to the bottom side of the cart platform. The first rocker arm pivots about a pivot point as the linkage bar translates in the first direction. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing lift carts, wherein the first brake assembly also includes a first brake post assembly and a first brake extension assembly. The first brake extension assembly connects to the first linkage assembly and the first brake post assembly. The first brake extension assembly includes a first drop linkage and a first gas spring. The first drop linkage connects to the first linkage assembly and the first brake post assembly. The first drop linkage is pulled upwards by the first linkage assembly to raise the first brake post assembly from the deployed state to the retracted state. The first gas spring extends between a bottom side of the cart platform and the first brake post assembly. The first gas spring compresses as the first brake post assembly is raised from the deployed state to the retracted state. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.