LIFTING AND SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

A lifting and supporting apparatus and a method of using this apparatus, wherein the lifting and supporting apparatus includes a base portion with a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg hinged thereto and extending therefrom; a first lateral support element to which the first and second legs extend and are hingedly connected, and a second lateral support element to which the third and fourth legs extend and are hingedly connected; a lifting support portion having a fifth leg, a sixth leg, a seventh leg, and an eighth leg hinged thereto and extending therefrom;a drive apparatus and a threaded shaft for moving the first lateral support element and the second lateral support element towards and away from each other, thereby raising and lowering the lifting support portion of the lifting apparatus relative to the base portion.

Description

LIFTING AND SUPPORT DEVICE Field of Invention This description relates to a lifting and support device for raising, lowering, and supporting various objects to a desired height without including any sliding element for its operation. Background of the Invention A typical scissor jack consists of a single set of opposing connecting arms, joined at the center of a base, forming a parallelogram aligned in a flat configuration with a horizontal screw used for adjustment. This configuration lacks stability when force is applied to the jack. Other scissor lifting and support devices consist of multiple parallelograms spaced to provide greater stability, but they typically include some sliding elements to facilitate raising and lowering objects to a certain height. These sliding elements inevitably create points of failure for the lifting device. Consequently, there is a need for a lifting and support device that provides additional stability and does not include any sliding elements to reach a desired height. Summary of the Invention This description is directed to a device of Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi Ref. 343562 Lifting and support device having a fully lowered position, a fully extended position, and multiple transition positions. The lifting and support device includes a base portion with a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg hinged to it. The first, second, third, and fourth legs extend from the base portion. The device may also include a first lateral support element to which the first and second legs extend and are hinged, and a second lateral support element to which the third and fourth legs extend and are hinged.The apparatus further includes a lifting support portion having a fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth leg hinged to and extending from it. The fifth and sixth legs extend to and are hinged to the first side support element, and the seventh and eighth legs extend to and are hinged to the second side support element. In addition, the apparatus has a drive mechanism and a threaded shaft for moving the first and second side support elements toward and away from each other, thereby raising and lowering the lifting support portion of the lifting apparatus relative to each other. Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi with the base portion. This description also applies to a method of lifting or supporting an object using a lifting and supporting device. The method includes positioning the lifting and supporting device at a desired location relative to the object to be lifted and supported. The method also includes operating the lifting and supporting device to raise the object to a desired height. Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lifting apparatus in a fully extended position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 2A is another perspective view of the lifting apparatus in the fully extended position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 2B is another perspective view of a portion of the lifting apparatus in the fully extended position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lifting apparatus in a transition position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 4A is a perspective view of a portion of the lifting apparatus in a transition position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 4B is a perspective view of the lifting apparatus in a fully lowered position. Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi in accordance with this description. Figure 4C is a perspective view of a portion of the lifting apparatus in the fully lowered position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 4D is a perspective view of a portion of the lifting apparatus in a transition position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 4E is a perspective view of a portion of the lifting apparatus in a transition position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 5A is a perspective view of a portion of the lifting apparatus in a transition position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 5B is a perspective view of a portion of the lifting apparatus in a transition position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 5C is a perspective view of a portion of the lifting apparatus in a transition position constructed in accordance with the present description. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the lifting apparatus in a transition position constructed in accordance with the present description. Detailed Description of the Invention With reference to Figures 1 to 6, these show a lifting apparatus 10 for raising, lowering, and supporting objects at a desired height. The apparatus 10 includes a base portion 12, a first side support element 14, a second side support element 16, and a lifting support portion 18. The base portion 12 provides the lifting apparatus 10 with a stable base to support it. The lifting support portion 18 engages and supports any object that is to be raised and / or supported by the lifting apparatus 10. The lifting support portion 18 can be of any shape to allow the desired engagement with the objects to be raised / supported and so that the lifting apparatus 10 can still operate as described herein. In one embodiment of the present description, the lifting support portion 18 may be a platform. The lifting device 10 includes a first leg 20 and a second leg 22 hinged to a first side 24 (or first edge) of the base portion 12. The base portion 12 includes a second side 26 (or second edge), a third side 28 (or third edge), and a fourth side 30 (or fourth edge). The first and second legs 20 and 22 extend from the first side 24 of the base portion 12 to the first side support element 14. More specifically, a first end 32 of the first leg 20 can extend from the first side 24 of the base portion 12 near the second side 26 of the base portion 12. Similarly, a first Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi end 34 of the second leg 22 can extend from the first side 24 of the base portion 12 near the third side 28 of the base portion 12. A second end 36 of the first leg 20 hinges into a first end 38 of the first side support element 14 and a second end 40 of the second leg 22 hinges into a second end 42 of the first side support element 14. The lifting device 10 includes a third leg 44 and a fourth leg 46 hinged to the fourth side 30 of the base portion 12. The third and fourth legs 44 and 46 extend from the fourth side 30 of the base portion 12 to the second lateral support element 16. More specifically, a first end 48 of the third leg 44 can extend from the fourth side 30 of the base portion 12 and be positioned laterally within the first leg 20 of the lifting device 10. Similarly, a first end 50 of the fourth leg 46 can extend from the fourth side 30 of the base portion 12 and be positioned laterally within the second leg 22 of the lifting device 10. A second end 52 of the third leg 44 hinges to a first end 54 of the second lateral support element 16 and a second end 56 of The fourth leg 4 6 hinges to a second end 58 of the second side support element 16.The lifting apparatus 10 further includes a fifth leg 60 extending from the first end 38 of the first lateral support element 14 to a first end 62 (or first edge) of the lifting support portion 18, and a sixth leg 64 extending from the second end 42 of the first lateral support element 14 to the first end 62 of the lifting support portion 18. The fifth leg 60 is generally aligned with the first leg 20, and the sixth leg 64 is generally aligned with the second leg 22. A first end 66 of the fifth leg 60 is hinged to the first end 38 of the first lateral support element 14, and a second end 68 of the fifth leg 60 is hinged to the first end 62 of the first lateral support element 14. the lifting support portion 18.Similarly, a first end 70 of the sixth leg 64 is hinged to the second end 42 of the first side support element 14 and a second support portion 18. In addition to the first end 62, the lifting support portion 18 includes a second end 74 (or second edge) and a third end 76 (or third edge) adjacent to the first end 62, and a fourth end (78) (or fourth edge) opposite the first end 62 of the lifting support portion (18). The second end 68 of the fifth leg 60 is hinged to the first end 62 of the lifting support portion 18 near the second end 72 of the lifting support portion 18 and the second end 72 of the sixth leg 64 is hinged to the first end 62 of the lifting support portion 18 near the third end 76 of the lifting support portion 18. The lifting apparatus 10 further includes a seventh leg 80 extending from the first end 54 of the second side support element 16 to the fourth end 78 of the lifting support portion 18 and an eighth leg 82 extending from the second end 58 of the second side support element 16 to the fourth end 78 of the lifting support portion 18. The seventh leg 80 is generally aligned with the third leg 44 and the eighth leg 82 is generally aligned with the fourth leg 46. A first end 84 of the seventh leg 80 is hinged to the first end 54 of the second side support element 16 and a second end 86 of the seventh leg 80 is hinged to the fourth end 78 of the lifting support portion 18.Similarly, a first end 88 of the eighth leg 82 is hinged to the second end 58 of the second side support element 16, and a second end 90 of the eighth leg 82 is hinged to the fourth end 78 of the lifting support portion 18. More specifically, the first end 84 of the seventh leg 80 can extend from the fourth end 78 of the lifting support portion 18 and be positioned laterally within the fifth leg 60 of the lifting apparatus 10. Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi Similarly, the first end 88 of the eighth leg 82 can extend from the fourth end 78 of the lifting support portion 18 that is placed laterally within the sixth leg of the lifting apparatus 10. The first side support element 14 can rotatably support a threaded shaft 92 extending through a threaded opening (not shown) in the second side support element 16. The threaded shaft 92 may include a drive device 96 for rotating the threaded shaft 92. The drive device 96 can be configured in any way to rotate the threaded shaft 92. In one embodiment, the drive device 96 includes a hexagonal protrusion that can be engaged with a tool to rotate the threaded shaft 92. In another embodiment, the drive device 96 may include a shaped depression area to receive a tool (for example, an Allen wrench) to rotate the threaded shaft 92. Depending on the direction in which the threaded shaft 92 is rotated, the second side support element 16 can be pulled toward or away from the first side support element 14.It should be understood and appreciated that the first and second lateral support elements 14 and 16 are interchangeable with respect to the operation of the lifting apparatus 10. It should also be understood that the drive apparatus 96 may include any feature required to rotate the threaded shaft 92. Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi In another embodiment, the second lateral support element 16 may include a threaded opening (not shown) that is also threaded to the threaded shaft 92. In this embodiment, the threaded shaft 92 may include a first threaded section 100 (shown in Figure 2A) threaded in one direction (e.g., right-hand threaded) at one end and a second threaded section 102 (shown in Figure 2A) threaded in another direction (e.g., left-hand threaded) at the other end of the threaded shaft 92. The threaded openings 94 and 94 in the first and second lateral support elements 14 and 16 are threaded such that when the threaded shaft 92 is rotated in one direction, the first and second lateral support elements 14 and 16 move away from each other. Conversely, when the threaded shaft 92 is rotated in the other direction, the first and second side support elements 14 and 16 move towards each other. In one embodiment, the hinge relationships between legs 20, 22, 44, and 46 and base portion 12, and between legs 60, 64, 80, and 82 and lifting support portion 18, are similar. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the relationship between legs 20, 22, 44, and 46 and base portion 12, and between legs 60, 64, 80, and 82 and lifting support portion 18, is non-slidable. Base portion 12 may include at least a first extended portion 104 projecting upwards from it, which can hinge-engage the first end 32 of the first leg 20.Similarly, the base portion 12 may include at least a second extended portion 106, at least a third extended portion 108, and at least a fourth extended portion 110 projecting upward from the base portion 12, which can hinge to the first end 34 of the second leg 22, the first end 48 of the third leg 44, and the first end 50 of the fourth leg 46, respectively. Each extended portion 104, 106, 108, and 110 projecting from the base portion 12 has a lateral opening 112 disposed through it. The ends 32, 34, 48 and 50 of each of the first 20, second 22, third 44 and fourth leg 46 have at least one groove 114 arranged on them to engage with the first, second, third and fourth extended portions 104, 106, 108 and 110 that protrude from the base portion 12, respectively.The at least one slot 114 arranged at the ends 32, 34, 48, and 50 of the first, second, third, and fourth legs 20, 22, 44, and 46 is designed to engage coincidentally with the first, second, third, and fourth extended portions 104, 106, 108, and 110, respectively, protruding from the base portion 12. When the at least one slot 114 is arranged at the first ends 32, 34, 48, and 50 of the first, second, third, and fourth legs 20, 22, 44, and 46, the extension elements 116 are created adjacent to each. Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi slot 114. Extension elements 116 for each leg 20, 22, 44 and 46 may include laterally arranged openings in them (inferred, but not shown) that can generally be aligned with the lateral openings 112 arranged in the extended portions projecting from the base portion 12. Pins 120 may be inserted through the lateral openings 112 in the extended portions 104, 106, 108 and 110 and the laterally arranged openings (inferred, but not shown) in the extension elements 116 from legs 20, 22, 44 and 46 to facilitate the hinged relationship between the first, second, third and fourth legs 20, 22, 44 and 46 and the base portion 12. Similar to base portion 12, lifting support portion 18 may include at least a first extended portion 122 projecting downwards from it that can be hinged to the second end 68 of the first leg 60. Similarly, lifting support portion 18 may include at least a second extended portion 124, at least a third extended portion 126, and at least a fourth extended portion (inferred, but not shown) projecting downwards from lifting support portion 18 that can be hinged to the second end 72 of the sixth leg 64, the second end 86 of the seventh leg 80, and the second end 90 of the eighth leg 82, respectively. Each extended portion 122, 124, 126 and 128 that protrudes from the lifting support portion αζζζηη / ρζηζ / E / γίΛΐ has a side opening 130 arranged through it.The second end 68, 72, 86 and 90 of each of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth leg 60, 64, 80 and 82 has at least one groove 132 arranged on them to engage with the first, second, third and fourth extended portions 122, 124, 126 and 128 that protrude from the lifting support portion 18, respectively. The at least one slot 132 arranged at the ends 68, 72, 86, and 90 of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth legs 60, 64, 80, and 82 is designed to coincidentally engage the first, second, third, and fourth extended portions 122, 124, 126, and 128, respectively, which protrude from the lifting support portion 18. When the at least one slot 132 is arranged at the second ends 68, 72, 86, and 90 of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth legs 60, 64, 80, and 82, the extension elements 134 are created adjacent to each slot 132.The extension elements 134 for each leg 60, 64, 80 and 82 may include a laterally disposed opening (inferred, but not shown) that can generally be aligned with the lateral openings 130 disposed in the extended portions 122, 124, 126 and 128 that protrude from the lifting support portion 18. Pins 138 can be inserted through the lateral openings 130 in the extended portions 122, 124, 126 and 128 and the laterally disposed openings (inferred, but not shown) in the extension elements. Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi 134 from legs 60, 64, 80 and 82 to facilitate the hinged relationship between the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth legs 60, 64, 80 and 82 and the lifting support portion 18. In addition to the hinged connection to the base portion 12 and the lift support portion 18, some of the legs have a hinged connection to the first side support element 14, and some of the legs have a hinged connection to the second side support element 16. The first side support element 14 includes an inner part 140, an outer part 142, a top part 144, and a bottom part 146. The inner part 140 and the top part 144 cooperate to create a top corner 148, and the inner part 140 and the bottom part 146 cooperate to create a bottom corner 150. The bottom corner 150 or the inner part 140 of the first end 38 of the first side support element 14 may have a first set of slots 152 disposed thereon, which creates a first set of fin elements 154 between the first slots 152.The second end 36 of the first leg 20 may have at least one slot 156 disposed therein that can engage coincidentally with the fin elements 154 created by the slots 152 in the lower corner 150 or the inner part 140 of the first end 38 of the first side support element 14. The fin elements 154 in the lower corner 150 or the inner part 140 of the first end 38 of the first side support element 14 and. The fin elements 158 arranged at the second end 36 of the first leg 20 may include laterally arranged openings (inferred, but not shown) that are generally aligned. A pin element 162 may be inserted within the openings (inferred, but not shown) in the fin elements 154, 158 to facilitate the hinged relationship between the first end 38 of the first lateral support element 14 and the second end 36 of the first leg 20.Similarly, the lower corner 150 or the inner portion 140 of the second end 42 of the first lateral support element 14 may have a second set of slots 164 arranged therein, which creates at least one fin element 166 between the second slots 164. The second end 40 of the second leg 22 may have at least one slot 168 arranged therein that can coincidentally engage with the fin elements 166 created by the slots 164 at the lower corner 150 or the inner portion 140 of the second end 142 of the first lateral support element 14. The fin elements 166 at the lower corner 150 or the inner portion 140 of the second end 42 of the first lateral support element 14 and the fin elements 170 arranged at the second end of the second leg 22 may include laterally arranged openings (inferred, but not shown). They are generally aligned.A pin element (inferred, but not shown) can be inserted within the openings (inferred, but not shown) in the fin elements 166 and 170 to facilitate the hinged relationship between the second end 42 of the first side support element 14 and the second end 40 of the second leg 22. The second side support element 16 includes an inner portion 176, an outer portion 178, a top portion 180, and a bottom portion 182. The inner portion 176 and the top portion 180 cooperate to create a top corner 184, and the inner portion 176 and the bottom portion 182 cooperate to create a bottom corner 186. The bottom corner 186 or the inner portion 176 of the first end 54 of the second side support element 16 may have a first set of slots 190 disposed therein, which creates at least one fin element 192 between the first slots 190. The second end 52 of the third leg 44 may have at least one slot disposed therein that can coincidentally engage with the at least one fin element 192 created by the slots 190 in the bottom corner 188 or the inner portion 176 of the first end 54 of the second side support element. side support 16.The at least one fin element 192 at the lower corner 188 or the inner part 176 of the first end 54 of the second side support element 16 and the fin elements 196 arranged at the second end 52 of the third leg 44 may include openings (inferred, but not shown) arranged laterally in them that are generally Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi aligned. A pin element 200 can be inserted within the openings (inferred, but not shown) in the fin elements 192 and 196 to facilitate the hinged relationship between the first end 54 of the second side support element 16 and the second end 52 of the third leg 44. Similarly, the lower corner 188 or the inner portion 176 of the second end 58 of the second lateral support element 16 may have a second set of slots 202 arranged therein, which creates at least one fin element 204 between the second slots 202. The second end 56 of the fourth leg 46 may have at least one slot 206 arranged therein that can coincidentally engage with the fin element 204 created by the slots 202 at the lower corner 188 or the inner portion 176 of the second end 58 of the second lateral support element 16. The fin element 204 at the lower corner 188 or the inner portion 176 of the second end 58 of the second lateral support element 16 and the fin elements 208 arranged at the second end 56 of the fourth leg 46 may include laterally arranged openings (inferred, but not shown). in them that are generally aligned.A pin element 212 can be inserted into the openings (inferred, but not shown) in the fin elements 204 and 208 to facilitate the hinged relationship between the second end 58 of the second side support element 16 and the second end 56 of the. Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi fourth leg 46. The upper corner 148 or the inner part 140 of the first end 38 of the first side support element 14 may have a third set of slots 214 arranged therein, which creates at least one fin element 216 between the third slots. The first end 66 of the fifth leg 60 may have at least one slot 218 disposed therein that can engage coincidentally with the fin element 216 created by the slots 214 at the upper corner 148 or the inner part 140 of the first end 38 of the first side support element 14. The fin elements 216 at the upper corner 148 or the inner part 140 of the first end 38 of the first side support element 14 and at least one fin element 220 disposed at the second end 68 of the fifth leg 60 may include openings (inferred, but not shown) disposed laterally therein that are generally aligned.A pin element (inferred, but not shown) can be inserted into the openings (inferred, but not shown) in the fin elements 216 and 220 to facilitate the hinged relationship between the first end 38 of the first side support element 14 and the second end 68 of the fifth leg 60. Similarly, the upper corner 148 or the inner part 140 of the second end 42 of the first side support element 14 may have a fourth set of slots 226 Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi arranged therein, which creates at least one fin element 228 between the fourth slots 226. The first end 70 of the sixth leg 64 may have at least one slot 230 arranged therein that can coincidentally engage with the fin element 228 created by the slots 226 at the upper corner 148 or the inner part 140 of the second end 38 of the first side support element 14. The fin element 228 at the upper corner 148 or the inner part 140 of the second end 38 of the first side support element 14 and the fin elements 232 arranged at the second end 72 of the sixth leg 64 may include openings (inferred, but not shown) arranged laterally therein that are generally aligned.A pin element (inferred, but not shown) can be inserted into the openings (inferred, but not shown) in the fin elements 228 and 232 to facilitate the hinged relationship between the second end 38 of the first side support element 14 and the second end 72 of the sixth leg 64. The upper corner 184 or the inner portion 176 of the first end 54 of the second lateral support element 16 may have a third set of slots 238 disposed therein, which creates at least one fin element 240 between the third slots 238. The first end 84 of the seventh leg 80 may have at least one slot 242 disposed therein that can engage coincidentally with the fin element 240 created by the slots 238 at the upper corner 184 or the inner portion 176 of the first end 54 of the second lateral support element 16. The fin element 240 at the upper corner 184 or the inner portion 176 of the first end 54 of the second lateral support element 16 and the fin elements 244 disposed in The second end 86 of the seventh leg 80 may include openings (inferred, but not shown) arranged laterally on them that are generally aligned.A pin element (inferred, but not shown) can be inserted into the openings (inferred, but not shown) in the fin elements 240 and 244 to facilitate the hinged relationship between the first end 54 of the second side support element 16 and the second end 86 of the seventh leg 80. Similarly, the upper corner 188 or the inner portion 176 of the second end 58 of the second side support element 16 may have a fourth set of slots 250 disposed therein, which creates at least one fin element 252 between the fourth slots 250. The first end 88 of the eighth leg 82 may have at least one slot 256 disposed therein that can coincidentally engage with the fin element 252 created by the slots 250 at the upper corner 188 or the inner portion 176 of the second end 58 of the second side support element 16. The fin element Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi 252 at the upper corner 188 or the inner part 176 of the second end 58 of the second side support element 16 and the fin elements 258 disposed at the second end 90 of the eighth leg 82 may include openings (inferred, but not shown) arranged laterally therein that are generally aligned. A pin element (not clearly shown) may be inserted within the openings (not clearly shown) in the fin elements 252 and 258 to facilitate the hinged relationship between the second end 58 of the second side support element 16 and the second end 90 of the eighth leg 82. The side openings in the fin elements at the upper corner of the first side support element 14 and the fin elements at the lower corner of the first side support are separate openings and are spaced so that the lifting support portion 18 can reach the desired height without the need for the sliding engagement of any part of the lifting apparatus 10. Similarly, the side openings in the fin elements at the upper corner of the second side support element 16 and the fin elements at the lower corner of the second side support are separate openings and are spaced so that the lifting support portion 18 can reach the desired height. It should be understood and appreciated that all hinged relationships between the legs and the base portion 12, the legs αζζζηη / ρζηζ / E / γίΛΐ and the lifting support portion 18 and the legs and side support elements can have any type of hinged relationship known in the art. In a further embodiment of the present description, shown in more detail in Figures 4A-4E, the lifting device 10 may include a first lifting initiator 270 and a second lifting initiator 272 supported by the first and second side support elements, respectively, to facilitate the transition of the lifting device 10 from a lowered position to a raised position. The lowered position is the position of the lifting device 10 fully lowered, and the raised position may be that of the lifting device 10 at any desired height, including, but not limited to, the highest height of the lifting device 10. The first lifting initiator 270 may include a wedge 274, a flange 276, and a sleeve 278 extending between the wedge 274 and the flange 276. The sleeve 278 may extend through an opening 280 provided in the first side support element 14.The wedge 274 is arranged at the end of the sleeve 278 on the inside of the first side support element 14 and the flange 276 is arranged at the end of the sleeve 278 on the outside of the first side support element 14. The wedge 274 may also include a back side 290 to prevent the first lifting initiator 270 from Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi prevents excessive movement in one direction, and the flange 276 prevents excessive movement in the opposite direction. The sleeve 278 and the opening 280 may be shaped (in cross-section) such that the sleeve 278 cannot rotate on the first lateral support element 14 and the wedge 274 cannot rotate. The flange 276 may include an opening 282 to receive the threaded shaft 92 of the lifting apparatus 10. The opening 282 in the flange 276 may be threaded or unthreaded, depending on the configuration of the lifting apparatus.The wedge 274, arranged on the opposite side of the first lateral support element 14 from the flange 276, may include a wedge side 284 to be driven between a first ramp 286 arranged on the base portion 12 and a second ramp 288 arranged on the lifting support portion 18 to more efficiently initiate the lifting of the lifting support portion 18 when the lifting apparatus 10 changes from the lowered to the raised position. The wedge 274 may also include an opening 292 arranged therein to allow the threaded shaft 92 to pass through it. Similar to the first lifting initiator 270, the second lifting initiator 272 may include a wedge 294, a flange 296, and a sleeve 298 extending between the wedge 294 and the flange 296. The sleeve 298 may extend through an opening 300 arranged in the second side support element 16. The wedge 294 is arranged at the end of the sleeve 298 on the inside of the second side support element 16, and the flange 296 is arranged at the end of the sleeve 298 on the outside of the second side support element 16. The wedge 294 may also include a backside 310 to prevent the second lifting initiator 272 from moving too far in one direction. The sleeve 298 and the opening 300 can be shaped (in cross section) such that the sleeve 298 cannot rotate in the second side support element 16 and the wedge 294 cannot rotate.The flange 296 may include an opening 302 to receive the threaded shaft 92 of the lifting device 10. The opening 302 in the flange 296 may be threaded or unthreaded depending on the configuration of the lifting device. The wedge 294, arranged on the opposite side of the second side support element 16 from the flange 296, may include a wedge side 304 to be driven between a third ramp 306 arranged on the base portion 12 and a fourth ramp 308 arranged on the lifting support portion 18 to more efficiently initiate the lifting of the lifting support portion 18 when the lifting device 10 changes from the lowered to the raised position. The wedge 294 may also include an opening 312 arranged therein to allow the threaded shaft 92 to pass through it.In an additional embodiment, ramp portions 286, 288, 306 and 308 may have cut sections 309 in which the threaded shaft αζζζηη / ρζηζ / E / γίΛΐ and other ramp parts (as a whole) may be arranged when the lifting apparatus 10 is in the lowered position. In another embodiment of the present description, shown in more detail in Figures 5A and 5B, the lifting apparatus 10 may include a first guide apparatus and a second guide apparatus. The first and second guide apparatuses maintain the lifting support portion 18 in a level position while the lifting support portion 18 is being raised. The first guide apparatus includes a first guide post 314 extending from an outer side 316 of the fourth leg 46, which can engage with a first guide channel 318 disposed on an inner side 320 of the second leg 22. The outer side of a leg is the side facing outward from the center (threaded axis direction) of the lifting apparatus, and the inner side of a leg is the side facing toward the center of the lifting apparatus.The second guide apparatus includes a second guide post 322 extending from an outer side 324 of the seventh leg 80, which can engage with a second guide channel 326 disposed on an inner side 328 of the fifth leg 60. The guide channels 318 and 326 can be of any form such that the guide posts 314 and 322 can move through the guide channels 318 and 326 while the lifting apparatus 10 moves back and forth between the lowered and raised positions. In one modality, the guide channels 318 and 326 are generally C-shaped. In a further modality, the ends 330 are straightened to allow the guide posts 314 and 322 to be arranged more securely when the lifting apparatus 10 is in the lowered or fully raised position. The lifting device 10 may also include a removable connecting top that can be selectively secured to the lifting support portion 18 to provide the lifting device 10 with multiple options for connecting to various objects. This gives the lifting device 10 many options for its use. In yet another embodiment of the present description, the lifting and supporting apparatus 10 can replace the four inner legs that create two inner leg assemblies as described herein, and has only one inner leg assembly disposed between the other two outer leg assemblies. A center leg extends from the base portion 12 to the second side support element 16, and a second center leg extends from the second side support element 16 to the lifting support portion 18. Both ends of the legs of the inner leg assembly are hinged or rotatably attached to the appropriate part of the lifting apparatus 10. The hinge relationship of the ends of the Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi central legs can be executed in any of the ways described herein. In another embodiment, the second lateral support element 16 may include a block element extending into the first lateral support element 14. The block is dimensioned such that the width of the block is only slightly smaller than the distance between the third and fourth legs 44 and 46 and the distance between the seventh and eighth legs 80 and 82. The block portion may act as an internal stabilizer for the legs. The ends of the legs of the lifting apparatus 10, the upper and lower corners of the first and second side support elements 14 and 16, and the extended portions of the base portion 12 and the lifting support portion 18 may be rounded to facilitate rotational movement of the hinged portions of the lifting apparatus 10. In yet another embodiment of the present description, a method of using the lifting device 10 to raise a desired object, such as a platform component, to a desired height is described. The method is also directed to the use of multiple lifting devices 10 to raise multiple platform components to a desired height for the entire platform. In one embodiment, a single lifting device could be used to lift and support multiple separate platform components. The lifting device 10 can also achieve a desired height in a fully extended position relative to its height in a fully lowered position. In one embodiment, the height of the lifting device 10 in a fully extended position is 3 or more times greater than its height in the fully lowered position. In another embodiment, the height of the lifting device 10 in a fully extended position is 4 or more times greater than its height in the fully lowered position. In yet another embodiment, the height of the lifting device 10 in a fully extended position is 5 or more times greater than its height in the fully lowered position.In one embodiment, the height of the lifting device 10 in a fully extended position is 6 or more times greater than the height of the lifting device 10 in the fully lowered position. In another embodiment, the height of the lifting device 10 in the fully extended position is 7 or more times greater than the height of the lifting device 10 in the fully lowered position. In yet another embodiment, the height of the lifting device 10 in the fully extended position is 8 or more times greater than the height of the lifting device 10 in the fully lowered position. Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi From the foregoing description, it is clear that the present description is well suited to accomplish the objectives and achieve the advantages mentioned herein, as well as those inherent in the description. Although these five preferred embodiments have been described herein, it is understood that various changes may be made, which can be readily suggested by those skilled in the art and which are achieved within the spirit of the description and the claims. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A lifting and supporting apparatus having a fully lowered position, a fully extended position, and multiple transition positions, characterized in that it comprises: a base portion with a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg hinged thereto to create hinge points; wherein each hinge point is static with respect to the base portion; the first, second, third, and fourth legs extending from the base portion; a guide channel disposed in the second leg; a guide post extending from the fourth leg to slidably engage the guide channel disposed in the second leg; a first lateral support element toward which the first and second legs extend and to which they are hinged; a second lateral support element toward which the third and fourth legs extend and to which they are hinged;a lifting support portion having a fifth leg, a sixth leg, a seventh leg, and an eighth leg hinged thereto and extending therefrom, the fifth and sixth legs extending to and hinged to the first side support element, and the seventh and eighth legs extending to and hinged to the second side support element; and a drive apparatus and a threaded shaft for moving the first side support element and the second side support element toward and away from each other, thereby raising and lowering the lifting support portion of the lifting apparatus relative to the base portion.

2. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first lateral support element has a first opening arranged therein and the second lateral support element has a second opening arranged therein to receive the threaded shaft, the first opening or the second opening being threaded to engage the threaded shaft in a threaded manner.

3. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the threaded shaft has a first threaded section and a second threaded section which are threaded in different directions, the first and second openings being threaded to engage the threaded shaft in a threaded manner.

4. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a height in a fully extended position that is 3 or more times higher than the height of the lifting apparatus in a fully lowered position.

5. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that e has a height in the fully extended position that is 7 or more times higher than the height of the lifting apparatus in the fully lowered position.

6. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the fifth leg has a guide channel disposed therein and the seventh leg has a guide post extending therefrom to slide-engage the guide channel disposed in the fifth leg.

7. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first leg, the second leg, the third leg and the fourth leg are non-slipfully attached to the base portion and the fifth leg, the sixth leg, the seventh leg and the eighth leg are non-slipfully attached to the lifting support portion.

8. A method of lifting or supporting an object with a lifting and supporting apparatus characterized in that it comprises: placing the lifting and supporting apparatus in a desired position relative to the object to be lifted and supported, the lifting and supporting apparatus comprising: a base portion with a first leg, a second leg, a third leg and a fourth leg hinged thereto to create hinge points; wherein each hinge point is static with respect to the base portion; the first, second, third and fourth legs extending from the base portion; a guide channel disposed in the second leg; a guide post extending from the fourth leg to slidably engage the guide channel disposed in the second leg; a first lateral support element toward which the first and second legs extend and to which they are hingedly connected;a second lateral support element toward which the third and fourth legs extend and to which they are hinged; a lifting support portion having a fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth leg hinged thereto and extending therefrom, the fifth and sixth legs extending to and hinged to the first lateral support element, and the seventh and eighth legs extending to and hinged to the second lateral support element; and a drive apparatus and threaded shaft for moving the first lateral support element and the second lateral support element toward and away from each other, thereby raising and lowering the lifting support portion of the lifting apparatus relative to the base portion;Operate the lifting and support device to raise or lower the object to a desired height.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the first lateral support element has a first opening disposed therein and the second lateral support element has a second opening disposed therein to receive the threaded shaft, the first opening or the second opening being threaded to engage the threaded shaft in a threaded manner.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the threaded shaft has a first threaded section and a second threaded section that are threaded in different directions, the first and second openings being threaded to engage the threaded shaft in a threaded manner.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the lifting apparatus has a height in a fully extended position that is 3 or more times higher than the height of the lifting apparatus in a fully lowered position.

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the lifting apparatus has a height in a fully extended position that is 7 or more times higher than the height of the lifting apparatus in a fully lowered position.

13. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the fifth leg has a guide channel disposed therein and the seventh leg has a guide post extending therefrom to slide-engage the guide channel disposed therein in the fifth leg.

14. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the first leg, the second leg, the third leg and the fourth leg are non-slipfully attached to the base portion and the fifth leg, the sixth leg, the seventh leg and the eighth leg are non-slipfully attached to the lifting support portion.

15. A lifting and supporting apparatus having a fully lowered position, a fully extended position, and many transition positions, characterized in that it comprises: a base portion with a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg hinged thereto to create hinge points; wherein each hinge point is static with respect to the base portion; the first, second, third, and fourth legs extending from the base portion; a first lateral support element toward which the first and second legs extend and to which they are hinged, the first lateral support element being disposed entirely outside the base portion in a lateral direction when the lifting and supporting apparatus is in the fully lowered position;a second lateral support element towards which the third and fourth legs extend and to which they are hinged, the second lateral support element being disposed completely outside the base portion in a lateral direction when the lifting and support apparatus is in the fully lowered position; a lifting support portion having a fifth leg, a sixth leg, a seventh leg and an eighth leg hinged to and extending therefrom, the fifth and sixth legs extending to and hinged to the first lateral support element and the seventh and eighth legs extending to and hinged to the second lateral support element;and a drive apparatus and a threaded shaft for moving the first lateral support element and the second lateral support element toward and away from each other, thereby raising and lowering the lifting support portion of the lifting apparatus relative to the base portion. Qzzznn / eznz / E / YiAi; 16. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the first lateral support element has a first opening arranged therein and the second lateral support element has a second opening arranged therein to receive the threaded shaft, the first opening or the second opening being threaded to engage the threaded shaft in a threaded manner.

17. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the threaded shaft has a first threaded section and a second threaded section which are threaded in different directions, the first and second openings being threaded to engage the threaded shaft in a threaded manner.

18. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the lifting apparatus has a height in the fully extended position that is 3 or more times higher than the height of the lifting apparatus in the fully lowered position.

19. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the lifting apparatus has a height in the fully extended position that is 7 or more times higher than the height of the lifting apparatus in the fully lowered position.

20. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the second leg has a guide channel disposed therein and the fourth leg has a guide post extending therefrom to slide-engage the guide channel disposed therein and the fifth leg has a guide channel disposed therein and the seventh leg has a guide post extending therefrom to slide-engage the guide channel disposed therein.

21. The lifting and support apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the first leg, the second leg, the third leg and the fourth leg are non-slipfully attached to the base portion and the fifth leg, the sixth leg, the seventh leg and the eighth leg are non-slipfully attached to the lifting support portion.

22. A method of lifting or supporting an object with a lifting and supporting apparatus characterized in that it comprises: placing the lifting and supporting apparatus in a desired position relative to the object to be lifted and supported, the lifting and supporting apparatus comprising: a base portion with a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg hinged thereto to create hinge points; wherein each hinge point is static with respect to the base portion; the first, second, third, and fourth legs extending from the base portion; a first lateral support element toward which the first and second legs extend and to which they are hinged, the first lateral support element being disposed completely outside the base portion in a lateral direction when the lifting and supporting apparatus is in a fully lowered position;a second lateral support element towards which the third and fourth legs extend and to which they are hinged, the second lateral support element being disposed completely outside the base portion in a lateral direction when the lifting and support apparatus is in the fully lowered position; a lifting support portion having a fifth leg, a sixth leg, a seventh leg and an eighth leg hinged to and extending therefrom, the fifth and sixth legs extending to and hinged to the first lateral support element and the seventh and eighth legs extending to and hinged to the second lateral support element;and a drive apparatus and a threaded shaft for moving the first lateral support element and the second lateral support element towards and away from each other, thereby raising and lowering the lifting support portion of the lifting apparatus relative to the base portion; to operate the lifting and support apparatus to raise or lower the object to a desired height.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the first lateral support element has a first opening disposed therein and the second lateral support element has a second opening disposed therein to receive the threaded shaft, the first opening or the second opening being threaded to engage the threaded shaft in a threaded manner.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the threaded shaft has a first threaded section and a second threaded section that are threaded in different directions, the first and second openings being threaded to engage the threaded shaft in a threaded manner.

25. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the lifting apparatus has a height in a fully extended position that is 3 or more times higher than the height of the lifting apparatus in the fully lowered position.

26. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the lifting apparatus has a height in the fully extended position that is 7 or more times higher than the height of the lifting apparatus in the fully lowered position.

27. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the second leg has a guide channel arranged therein and the fourth leg has a guide post extending therefrom to slide-engage the guide channel arranged therein and the fifth leg has a guide channel arranged therein and the seventh leg 5 has a guide post extending therefrom to slide-engage the guide channel arranged therein.

28. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the first leg, the second leg, the third leg and the fourth leg are non-slipfully attached to the base portion and the fifth leg, the sixth leg, the seventh leg and the eighth leg are non-slipfully attached to the lifting support portion.

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