Patent ID: 7070167

Claim:
A lifting apparatus ( 20 ) comprising: one of a mobile and stationary support structure or base ( 40 ; 42 ); a lift platform ( 30 ) having a geometric first center ( 32 ), the lift platform movable relative to the base from a lowered position to an upper position; a linkage ( 50 ) interconnecting the base and the lift platform for guiding the base and the lift platform to stay in a generally mutually parallel relationship as the lift platform moves relative to the base; lift means, operatively mounted between the lift platform and the base, for controllably lifting and lowering the lift platform between the lowered and upper position, the lift means comprising a pneumatically inflatable device ( 60 ) having at least a first or lower member lower and an adjacent and operatively connected second or upper member, the inflatable members configured to move vertically and horizontally relatively to one another, and when in the lowered position the second or upper inflatable member is offset in a first direction relative to the first or lower inflatable member, and when in the upper position, the second or upper inflatable member is offset from the first or lower inflatable member in an opposite direction.