Abstract: A lifting truck is provided with a folding rail assembly for confining workers to an elevated platform. The folding rail assembly includes a plurality of link members pivotally connected relative to the platform and to a protective railing structure. The link members permit movement of the protective railing structure between a lowered position and an elevated position relative to the platform. One or more latch members are pivotally connected with respective link members for preventing movement of the railing from the elevated position. The latch members are configured to allow the railing to be lifted directly to the elevated position. The latch members comprise handles for exerting an opposing force against the bias of a spring for releasing the latch members to permit the railing to be lowered after use.

Abstract: The invention provides an elevating apparatus for raising and lowering a work station holding personnel, equipment, and/or materials between a downward declining, compact retracted position and an upwardly inclining extended limit position. The work station is connected to a mobile support base by parallelogram first and second boom assemblies which are operatively interconnected by a boom assembly coupler and rigid compression link. Thus, raising or lowering the first boom assembly by hydraulic lift means causes the second boom assembly to move correspondingly such that the work station moves vertically, unaccompanied by any substantial horizontal motion, and is maintained in a level attitude throughout the range of motion of the apparatus.