Portable lift for installing and uninstalling computer-related equipment into a storage cabinet

A portable lift for installing and uninstalling computer-related equipment into and from a storage cabinet, the portable lift comprising:

• a frame divisible along a longitudinal axis of the frame into at least first and second sections, such that the first section is operable to fold proximate to the second section to facilitate storage of the frame in a carrying unit for transportation by one user, the frame further operable to be removably secured to the storage cabinet without damaging the cabinet;
• a trolley for supporting the computer-related equipment, the trolley being operable to move vertically along the longitudinal axis of the frame, the trolley including
• a tray separable from the frame and operable to receive the computer-related equipment thereon at a location remote from the frame, the tray including means for transporting the tray from the remote location to the frame while having the computer-related equipment received on the tray, and
• a pair of support brackets on which the tray may rest while being moved vertically along the longitudinal axis of the frame, wherein the support brackets are removable from the frame to facilitate storage of the frame in the carrying unit;
• and
• a positioning assembly for vertically moving the trolley along the longitudinal axis of the frame, the positioning assembly including
• at least one pulley, and
• at least one cable portion trained over the pulley and configured for cooperating with the pulley for vertically moving the trolley within the frame.

A lift for installing and uninstalling computer-related equipment into and from a storage cabinet, the lift comprising:

• a frame;
• a trolley for supporting the computer-related equipment;
• and
• a positioning assembly for vertically moving the trolley within the frame, the positioning assembly including
• a winch,
• first, second, and third pulleys,
• first, second, and third cable portions, wherein the first cable portion is trained over the first pulley, and the second cable portion is trained over the second pulley,
• a cable connector, wherein the first and second cable portions are secured to the cable connector, the first cable portion is secured to the winch and is operable to wind around the first pulley, and the second cable portion is operable to wind around the second pulley, such that winding the winch moves the cable portions trained across the pulleys, which results in vertical movement of the trolley within the frame, and
• first and second guide rollers, wherein the third cable portion is secured to the cable connector, wound around the second and third pulleys, and secured to the second guide roller.

A lift for installing and uninstalling computer-related equipment into and from a storage cabinet, the lift comprising:

• a frame having first and second ends and operable to be removably secured to the storage cabinet, the frame including
• first and second vertical frame members,
• a horizontal frame member positioned between the first and second vertical frame members at the first end of the frame,
• a base positioned at the second end of the frame, and
• at least one rotating and telescoping securing arm for securing the lift to the storage cabinet;
• a trolley for supporting the computer-related equipment, the trolley including first and second support brackets, and a tray operable to be removably secured within the support brackets;
• and
• a winch assembly for vertically positioning the trolley within the vertical frame members, the winch assembly including
• a winch,
• first, second, and third pulleys,
• first and second guide rollers,
• a cable connector, and
• first, second, and third cable portions,
• wherein a first end of the first cable portion is secured to the winch and a second end of the first cable portion is secured to the cable connector, the first cable portion being operable to wind around the first pulley,
• wherein a first end of the second cable portion is secured to the cable connector and a second end of the second cable portion is secured to the first guide roller, the second cable portion being operable to wind around the second pulley and proceed along the first vertical frame member towards the second end of the frame, and
• wherein a first end of the third cable portion is secured to the cable connector and a second end of the third cable portion is secured to the second guide roller, the third cable portion being operable to wind around second pulley, proceed along the horizontal frame member, wind around the third pulley and proceed along the second vertical frame member towards the second end of the frame.