In many situations, items must be lifted onto an elevated surface or lowered from an elevated surface. Often, equipment must be lifted onto or lowered from rooftops or elevated platforms. Unless a hoist is provided on the elevated surface, the equipment is typically carried up a ladder by hand or, if the equipment is sufficiently heavy, is lifted onto the elevated surface by a crane.
Hand carrying equipment via a ladder can be dangerous, especially if the equipment is cumbersome or heavy. The use of a crane to move equipment onto or from an elevated surface is not typically dangerous but can be quite expensive. Further, it is difficult in some circumstances to position a crane within close confines so that it can reach the elevated surface.
Thus, a need exists for a lifting device which can be inexpensively and readily positioned to lift items onto and lower items from elevated surfaces.