Patent ID: 7213715

Claim:
A hoisting apparatus for use at a manhole, comprising: a supporting mast; a jib crane connected at an angle to an upper end portion of the supporting mast, the jib crane having a front member pointing upwardly and extending on one side of the supporting mast and a rear member having a rear end section extending on another side of the supporting mast; a linking rod having a first end connected to said rear end section and a second end connected to the supporting mast; a winch mechanism mounted onto the jib crane and having a cable cooperating with the front member of the jib crane for hoisting an object from the manhole; and a foldable security fence for surrounding at least partially the manhole and preventing accidental entry therein, said foldable security fence comprising a plurality of substantially vertical structural posts held together by framing members, said supporting mast being one of said plurality of substantially vertical structural post.