Patent ID: 7237815

Claim:
A lifting apparatus comprising: a frame disposable on an article to be lifted and including at least two fulcrums distributed generally symmetrically around the frame; first load bearing means mounted to the frame and adapted to receive lifting means; at least two lifting arms each pivotally mounted to a corresponding fulcrum, each lifting arm having a lower end extending lower than the fulcrum and an upper end extending above the fulcrum; a central exertion member including a top surface having one sloped portion for each lifting arm, the top surface of each sloped portion being downwardly inclined from the center of the exertion member and below the upper ends of the respective lifting arms to apply force to the upper ends of the lifting arms upon application of upward force to the exertion member; and second load bearing means mounted to the exertion member and adapted to receive lifting means; wherein the lower end of each lifting arm is adapted not to contact the article in a retracted position and to contact the article in an engaged position, wherein upon application of upward force to the first load bearing means the lifting apparatus may be lifted, in the absence of other mechanical means mounted to the lifting apparatus, with the lifting arms in the retracted position, wherein in the absence of the application of external force to the second load bearing means the lifting arms are in the retracted position, and wherein upon application of upward force to the second load bearing means the lifting arms rotate around the corresponding fulcrum from the retracted position to the engaged position.