Abstract: The invention relates to a device for initiating a lifting movement in a lifting mechanism, for instance in lifting tables, of the type of which includes at least one first lifting arm (3) and one second lifting arm (4) being articulatedly interconnected by means of a first joint (10). The lifting mechanism also includes a force applying means (5) acting on one of the lifting arms, the force applying means (5) and the lifting arms (3, 4) in the initial position, before the initiation of the lifting movement, being oriented generally parallel with respect to each other in a common plane in order to achieve a low constructional height of the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A lifting table comprises at least two pairs of scissor arms pivotally interconnected by means of joints and adapted to cooperate in raising and lowering a table in relation to an underlying base portion by means of at least one longitudinally extensible power transmission device, for example a hydraulic cylinder. A carrier member coupled with the power transmission device transversely of the longitudinal direction thereof, is inserted through an oblong hole in a first scissor arm and adapted to cooperate with a sloping slideway on the second scissor arm, said slideway being adapted, on displacement of the carrier member from an initial position in which the scissor arms are in one plane, to provide a lifting of at least the first scissor arm into a position in which a substantial moment arm has been established between the carrier member and the joint between the scissor arms.