Patent ID: 8221048

Claim:
A lifting apparatus comprising: a support structure; a frame pivotally connected to said support structure, said frame comprising: a first arm pivotally affixed at one end to said support structure; a second arm pivotally affixed at one end to said support structure; and a cross bar extending between said first and second arms adjacent respective opposite ends of said first and second arms; an actuating means connected to said frame for moving said frame between a retracted position and an extended position; a lifting bar assembly pivotally connected to said frame, said lifting bar assembly comprising: a first strut having one end pivotally affixed to said first arm at a location between the ends of said first arm; a second strut having one end pivotally affixed to said second arm at a location between the ends of said second arm; and a cross member affixed adjacent opposite ends of said first and second struts and extending therebetween; and a linkage having one end pivotally connected to said support structure and an opposite end connected to at least one of said first and second struts in a location between the ends of the strut.