Patent ID: 7513333

Claim:
A selectively liftable platform mechanism, comprising: a trailer; a support structure on the trailer comprising: a platform having a first end and a second opposite end, at least one linear support bar having a proximal end pivotally connected to the trailer, and a distal end pivotally connected to the platform proximate the first end of the platform there being no movable linkages between the two ends of the linear support bar, and a ladder having two side stiles and a plurality of rungs there-between, and a proximal end pivotally connected to and slidably movable along the trailer, and a distal end pivotally connected to the platform proximate the second opposite end of the platform, wherein the side stiles do not include any linkages between the two ends other than the rungs there-between, the ladder providing structural support for the platform when the platform is in a raised position above the trailer; and a stop member to limit longitudinal movement of the proximal end of the ladder so that the platform is in a substantially horizontal position once the proximal end of the ladder engages the stop member and the platform is in its raised position.