CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/168,448, filed Apr. 10, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/168,405, filed Apr. 10, 2009 the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a portable lift assembly and system that can be connected to an object and raise and lower the connected object. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The shipment of goods by various carriers including aircraft, ships, railroad, trucks and the like typically involve the use of standardized shipping containers that can be transferred from one carrier to another. The development of shipping containers that have a standardized shape and size allows for the similar treatment of the shipping container regardless of where in the world or what type of carrier is being used. Thus, goods can be efficiently shipped around the world without having to transfer the contained goods from one shipping container to another. Thus a shipping container may be initially loaded, then placed on and then transferred to a series of carriers until reaching a final destination, all without handling the goods loaded in the shipping container. 
     The transfer of the shipping container between carriers or staging areas increases the time it takes to ship goods from the point of origin to the final destination point. Transfers are especially burdensome when the transfer is not accomplished by heavy-duty lifting equipment, such as cranes, that can easily hoist and move a shipping container. For example, many transfer and final destination points do not have a crane for the loading or off-loading of a shipping container from a flatbed of a semi-trailer truck and therefore require some type of jack or other similar lifting apparatus. Further, a jack or other similar lifting apparatus may be required to be transported to a stalled or broken-down truck in order to transfer the shipping container to another truck. Currently there is no simple, portable, lightweight, easily installed device capable of lifting a fully loaded shipping container sufficiently to remove it from or replace it upon a flatbed trailer or chassis. 
     In addition, the conventional lifting apparatus generally includes a three-part telescoping device with two moving parts positioned within a container or barrel. The smaller of the two moving parts is enclosed within the larger of the two moving parts. Hydraulic pressure applied to a container acts against the two moving parts simultaneously. The result is that the larger of the two moving parts moves first because it has a larger area. Once the larger of the two moving parts reaches its maximum extension the smaller of the two moving parts begins to move. 
     One of the problems with this type of device is an action called staging. Because the hydraulic fluid is generally applied to the lift device at a fixed continuous rate the two moving parts move at different rates depending upon the difference in their areas. As stated above, the larger of the two moving parts moves first, and because it is the larger of the two areas it moves with more force but less speed than the second moving part. When the first moving part reaches its full extension and stops moving the second moving part begins to move at a much lower force but a higher speed than the first moving part. The large difference in area between the first moving part and the second moving part causes the object being moved to move erratically when the device changes stages (i.e., when the first moving part stops and the second moving part begins its movement). 
     Furthermore, the conventional telescoping device is large and heavy due to the many moving parts adding to the weight of a lifting assembly. The overall dimensions are large such that these devices cannot be used in space-limited applications. Rather, smaller conventional non-telescoping devices would be necessary. As a consequence, the space-limited applications would then be limited as to the full extension length that can be achieved. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, various embodiments disclosed herein provide for a lift system that is lightweight, portable and can be used at any desired location by one person. 
     A lightweight lift system for lifting objects is disclosed in accordance with this embodiment. The lift system comprises at least one portable lifting assembly configured to be attached to an object, for example a shipping container, to be lifted and a lifting device to raise the object. In a more detailed aspect, the lift system can comprise multiple lifting assemblies of similar configuration to be attached to the object. The lifting assembly comprises a connecting member with a plurality of support surfaces for engaging the object to be lifted. At least one of the plurality of support surfaces may include at least one angle plate shaped to conform to a part of the object to be lifted and provides support for the lifting assembly. Another portion of the connecting member may include a lift plate which receives a fastening mechanism that engages an aperture located on one side of the object. In addition, the lifting assembly can comprise a lifting device engagement member adapted to receive a lifting device. A plurality of struts can be employed to connect the connecting member to the lifting device engagement member. The lifting device engagement member may include one or more bushing(s), cradle(s), and/or collar(s) configured to receive the lifting device. In one embodiment the lifting device is adjustable in that the angle formed between one side of the object and the lifting device at which the lift system is stable may be adjusted to suit a particular application of the lift system. For example, the distance between a corner edge of the connecting member and a center of the bushing at which the lift system is stable may be adjusted. The bushing(s), cradle(s), and/or the collar(s) are oriented along a vertical member such that a resulting size and shape of the lifting device engagement member may receive and secure the lifting device. When placed in the lifting device engagement member, one end of the lifting device may abut the one or more bushing(s) and another end of the lifting device may be encompassed by the collar. 
     In accordance with different aspects, the lifting device can be a telescoping lifting device or a non-telescopic lifting device. In a more detailed aspect, if the lifting device is a three part telescoping lifting device it can comprise at least two moving parts positioned within a container or barrel. All the moving parts have different diameters and are stacked into various arrangements to facilitate storage of the lifting device. In one embodiment a three part telescoping lifting device comprises a housing stage, a large diameter moving stage and a small diameter moving stage oriented such that the small diameter moving stage engages both the housing stage and the large diameter moving stage. In a further aspect, the lifting device is provided with an arrangement of seals such that the working area of the small diameter moving stage is greater than the working area of a larger diameter moving stage causing the small diameter moving stage to move before the larger diameter moving stage. 
     Another embodiment relates to a multipart telescoping apparatus comprising a plurality of stages. A housing stage is employed for nesting moving parts of the telescoping apparatus, a large diameter moving stage is nested within the housing stage and further facilitates storing a small diameter moving stage that engages the housing stage and the large diameter moving stage when the telescoping apparatus is fully extended. The different stages are configured such that relative diameters of the large diameter moving stage and the small diameter moving stage can be in the ratio of, for example, 90:66, 78:54 or 4:3. Further, the diameters of the housing stage, the small diameter moving stage and the large diameter moving stage can range from 10 to 200 mm. 
     The multipart telescoping apparatus further comprises a first sealing connection sized such that the large diameter moving stage and the housing stage are snugly engaged at each end of the first sealing connection. A second sealing connection is also provided such that it can travel along the length of the small diameter moving stage until it meets the first sealing connection. Further, the second sealing connection comprises three different sections with different diameters. A first section of the second sealing connection with a first diameter is sized to snugly engage the small diameter moving stage. A second section diameter is sized to engage the housing stage while a third section diameter of the second sealing connection engages the large diameter moving stage. Seals such as O-rings or other types of hydraulic seals are provided between the various stages of the multipart telescoping apparatus to create liquid tight seals. The multipart telescoping apparatus also comprises two pistons including a narrow portion and a wider portion. The narrow portion of the first piston is shaped and sized to snugly engage the small diameter moving stage while its wider portion is shaped and sized to engage the housing stage. Similarly, the narrow portion of the second piston is shaped and sized to engage the small diameter moving stage and the wider portion is shaped and sized to engage the large diameter moving stage. 
     A method of minimizing staging in a lifting apparatus is disclosed in accordance with this embodiment. This methodology involves minimizing a difference in diameters of a plurality of moving stages of a telescoping lifting device while maximizing the effective working area of each of the moving stages of the telescoping lifting device. In one aspect, the effective working area of each of the moving stage is maximized by providing a small diameter moving stage between a housing stage and a large diameter moving stage. This is facilitated by providing two different sealing connections. A first sealing connection is provided in the telescoping lifting device such that the large diameter moving stage and the housing stage are snugly engaged at each end of the first sealing connection. A second sealing connection is also provided with sections of different diameters such that it can travel along the length of the small diameter moving stage while engaging the small diameter moving stage, the housing stage and the large diameter moving stage. Such an arrangement of seals facilitates providing the smaller diameter tube/moving stage with a working area greater than the working area of the larger diameter tube/moving stage thereby causing the smaller tube to move before the larger tube. 
     Given above is a simplified summary of the claimed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in making and using the subject matter hereof, reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  depicts an embodiment of a lift system connected to a shipping container in accordance with an aspect disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts the lift system of  FIG. 1A  where the lifting devices are extended. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an exploded and a perspective view of one embodiment of a lifting assembly in accordance with one aspect. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connecting member used in the lifting assembly in accordance with one aspect. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a lift plate and lift pin in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a collar in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a lifting assembly and lifting device in accordance another aspect. 
         FIG. 7  depicts the lifting assembly and lifting device of  FIG. 6  where the lifting device is extended. 
         FIG. 8  depicts perspective, extended and exploded views of an embodiment of a lifting device in accordance with one aspect. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a cross sectional view of the multipart telescoping apparatus of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a sealing connection of the housing stage. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a cap of the housing stage. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  depict perspective and cross sectional views respectively of one embodiment of a large diameter moving stage of a multipart telescoping apparatus. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a base plate of the large diameter moving stage. 
         FIG. 14  depicts perspective and exploded views of one embodiment of a small diameter moving stage of a multipart telescoping apparatus. 
         FIG. 15A  depicts a cross sectional view of the small diameter moving stage. 
         FIG. 15B  depicts another cross sectional view of the small diameter moving stage. 
         FIG. 16  depicts perspective and cross sectional views of one embodiment of a sealing connection of the large diameter moving stage. 
         FIG. 17  depicts perspective and cross sectional views of one embodiment of a piston of the housing stage. 
         FIG. 18  depicts perspective and cross sectional views of one embodiment of a piston of the large diameter moving stage. 
     
    
    
     It should be noted that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be construed as limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. Where possible, identical reference numerals have been inserted in the figures to denote identical elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following is a detailed description of the invention provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art may make modifications and variations in the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. All publications, patent applications, patents, figures and other references mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known features may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the present invention. Furthermore, reference in the specification to phrases such as “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases such as “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     A lift system employing one or more lift assemblies in accordance with different aspects disclosed herein overcomes the problems associated with conventional systems. By applying one or more of the embodiments described herein a shipping container can be raised or lowered to a suitable height under which a flat bed may fit. These embodiments are designed so that one person may use it on a fully loaded shipping container, lift and load or unload the shipping container on a flatbed trailer, chassis or the like without any additional equipment while experiencing minimal staging effects. 
     The advantages of the lift assembly and system disclosed herein include it being compact, lightweight and portable such that it can be stowed in a transport vehicle; and its ease of use such that it can be used by one person. Turning now to the details of the drawings,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  are a view of a lift system  10 , in accordance with one or more aspects disclosed herein, that is connected to a shipping container  20 .  FIG. 1A  depicts a lift system  10  in the lowered conformation and  FIG. 1B  depicts the lift system in the raised conformation. The lift system  10  includes at least one lifting assembly  100 , at least one lifting device  114 , and can optionally further include at least one power source such as a hydraulic pump (not shown). The lifting assembly  100  is shaped and sized to conform to a section of the shipping container. For example,  FIG. 1A  depicts a lifting assembly attached to a corner of a shipping container  20  and to optionally engage container apertures (not shown) such as may be located for example on each corner of a container. Standardized shipping containers  20  typically include uniform castings including an aperture at each of the corners for the purposes of securing the shipping containers  20  during transport and as a connection point for cranes to hoist or elevate the shipping containers  20  from a staging area to a carrier or from one carrier to another carrier. 
     It is contemplated that the lifting assembly  100  is light enough so that one person can position and connect them to the shipping container  20  without any additional help or equipment. Once the lifting assembly  100  is attached to the shipping container  20  the lifting devices  114  can be activated to raise the shipping container  20 . In one embodiment, the lifting devices  114  are hydraulic jacks, which can be further connected to a hydraulic pump (not shown) which is then used to produce hydraulic pressure to raise the shipping container  20 . Various schemes can be used to assure that the shipping container  20  is raised evenly on the four corners. One scheme involves using a separate hydraulic valve for each of the four lifting assemblies  100  where the person would be responsible to keep the shipping container  20  level as it is lifted or lowered. Another scheme is to use a device, such as an accelerometer or other like device, that may be attached to the shipping container  20  and would indicate to a computer or controller the level state of the shipping container  20  and cause it to make adjustments accordingly to each lifting assembly  100 . Although the  FIGS. 1A and 1B  show three lifting assemblies  100  (a fourth not shown is located at the unseen fourth corner of the container) of similar shapes attached to the four corners of the shipping container  20 , it can be appreciated that this is not necessary. More or fewer lifting assemblies  100  of different shapes made to be attached to other parts of the shipping container  20  can also be contemplated in accordance with different aspects. Selection of different lifting assemblies  100  for lifting a shipping container  20  can be made based on the attributes of the shipping container  20 , for example, its weight. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment the lifting assembly  100  is disclosed herein. It includes a connecting member  110  for engaging a container or other item to be lifted, and a lifting device engagement member  112 . The connecting member  110  may include a plurality of support surfaces, such as a lift plate  310 , an angle plate  312 , and one or more spacer plates  314 , and is configured to conform to a corner of the shipping container  20  and provide support for the lifting assembly  100 . The lift plate  310  receives a fastening mechanism  116  that engages the container aperture located on one side of the shipping container  20 . The fastening mechanism  116  may include a lift pin  318 , a latch head  320 , a left or right turn handle  322  and a lift pin nut  328 , all of which are oriented in such a manner as to secure the lift plate  310 , and thus the lifting assembly  100 , via the aperture to the shipping container  20 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the connecting member  110  and the fastening mechanism  116  may be adapted to connect to various sized and shaped objects. 
     The lifting device engagement member  112  can include a sleeve according to one embodiment of the invention which includes in one embodiment a bushing  510 , a cradle  520 , and a collar  530  having complementary opposing sides  542  and  544 . In one embodiment the collar  530  further includes a plurality of collar hinges  532  held together with a collar pin  536 . The collar hinges  532  are disposed on the ends of the opposing side  542  with complementary collar hinges  532  disposed on the ends of the opposing side  544  such that the opposing sides  542  and  544  are held together with the collar pin  536  to form the collar  530 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the lifting device engagement member  112  may be adapted to receive various shapes and sizes of lifting devices, including non-telescoping and telescoping lifting devices. 
     A plurality of struts may be employed to connect the connecting member  110  to the lifting device engagement member  112 . In one embodiment, the plurality of struts include an upper strut  402 , an upper brace strut  404 , a lower brace strut  406  and a collar strut  408  extending from the outer corner edge of the angle plate  312  and fused to various positions along the length of a vertical member  410 . The bushing  510 , cradle  520 , and collar  530  are oriented along the vertical member  410  and upper member  402  such that the resulting size and shape of the lifting device engagement member  112  may receive and secure the lifting device  114 . As shown, one or more of the plurality of struts may be joined to the lifting device engagement member  112 , such as the bushing  510 . The lifting device  114  is situated in the engagement member  112  so that one end of the lifting device  114  abuts the bushing  510  and the other end of the lifting device  114  is encompassed by the collar  530 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the plurality of struts for connecting the connecting member  110  to the lifting device engagement member  112  may include additional or fewer struts as previously described depending on the size of the lifting assembly  10  and/or the particular application. These tubes may be replaced by another connecting device such as a unitary piece. 
     It is contemplated that the struts  402 ,  404 ,  406 ,  408  and  410  may be sized and/or modified to be adapted to connect to objects other than the shipping container  20 . The diameters, thickness and lengths of the struts  402 ,  404 ,  406 ,  408  and  410  are any suitable diameter, thickness and length for a given application. For example, diameters may range from 15-50 mm but may be larger. Thickness may range from 3-15 mm but may be larger. Length will vary depending on the particular strut and demands of a particular application, and may range from 200-1500 mm but may be larger 
     The angle, X, defined as the angle between one side of the shipping container  20  and the lifting device  114  at which the lift system is stable, may be adjusted and/or optimized by the skilled artisan to suit a particular application of the lift system  10 . The length, L, defined as the distance between the upper corner edge  311  of the angle plate  312  and the center of the bushing  510  at which the lift system  10  is stable, may also be adjusted and/or optimized by the skilled artisan to suit a particular application of the lift system  10 . The orientation of the connecting member  110 , the lifting device engagement member  112  and the plurality of struts may be adapted to optimize the stability and strength of the lift assembly  100 . The upper strut  402 , upper brace strut  404 , lower brace strut  406  and a collar strut  408  are oriented to each other and the connecting member  110  and lifting device engagement member  112  through optimal angles and strut lengths so as to provide a rigid and sturdy bridge that is able to withstand the load of a fully loaded shipping container  20 . It is contemplated that the orientation of the parts of the connecting member  110  and lifting device engagement member  112  will differ depending upon whether the lifting assembly  100  is fitted for a left-hand or right-hand corner of the shipping container  20 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4  in one embodiment the lift plate  310  and spacer plate  314  are disposed on the angle plate  312  in an orientation to allow the fastening mechanism  116 , in this embodiment the lift pin  318 , to engage the aperture on the right or left corners of the shipping container  20 . It can be appreciated that the lift plate  310 , the spacer plate  314  and the angle plate  312  can be also be fashioned to fit parts other than the corners of the shipping container  20 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the aperture  316  is shaped and sized to receive the fastening mechanism  116 , in this embodiment a lift pin  318 . It is contemplated that the parts may be shaped, sized and/or modified to be adapted to connect to objects other than the shipping container  20 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment the collar  530  includes complementary opposing sides  542  and  544  which are fastened to each other by two collar pins  536  that engage a plurality of collar hinges  532 . The securing of the lifting device  114  within the collar  530  is accomplished by removing the two collar pins  536  to disengage the complementary opposing sides  542  and  544 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates how the lifting device  114  is accommodated into the lifting assembly  100  to lift the shipping container  20 . As shown, one end of the lifting device  114  is received by the bushing  510  and cradle  520 . The collar  530  formed from holding opposing ends  542  and  544  by passing the collar pin  536  through apertures  534  is secured around the body of the lifting device  114  and functions to hold the lifting device  114  in place as a force such as hydraulic pressure is introduced. 
     In accordance with an aspect, the lifting device  114  can be a three-part telescoping device with at least two moving parts positioned within a container or barrel. In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the moving parts can all have different diameters and be stacked into various arrangements as further detailed infra. When hydraulic pressure is applied to the container  20  it acts against the two moving parts simultaneously. The result is that the larger of the two moving parts first moves because it has a larger area. Once the larger of the two moving parts reaches its maximum extension the smaller of the two moving parts begins to move. 
     In a standard telescoping device each moving section or stage of the device is made correspondingly smaller because it is designed to fit inside the prior stage. With the two moving sections fully retracted the hydraulic pressure applied to the device acts upon the sum of the areas of the two moving parts. Once the larger of the two moving parts reaches full extension the hydraulic pressure can only act on the area of the smaller part. Due to the smaller moving part being contained within the larger moving part the difference in the areas is significant, especially considering that the effective working area of the smaller part is further reduced by the clearance required for seals and tolerances. Because the area of a circle is calculated by πr 2  a small difference in the diameter makes a large difference in the area. In a standard telescoping device the placing of the smaller moving part within the larger moving part causes a very large difference in the areas and therefore a very large difference in the force and speed generated between the two moving parts. 
     In view of the foregoing, various embodiments detailed herein relate to a telescoping device that is smaller in size and reduces the erratic movements resulting from the staging effects between the different moving parts. Further, it facilitates reduction of the very large difference in the force and speed generated between the two moving parts. The multipart telescoping apparatus  114  in accordance with various aspects detailed herein overcomes the problems of other standard telescoping apparatuses. The lightweight multipart telescoping apparatus  114  described herein achieves a higher force than a conventional telescoping device of the same size and reduces staging effects. By applying one or more embodiments detailed herein, a user can replace the conventional telescoping device with the instant lifting device  114  to achieve a smoother motion over the entire extension of the multipart telescoping apparatus  114 . Additionally, the user can apply one or more embodiments of the telescoping apparatus  114  in space-limited applications where only conventional non-telescoping devices are currently used. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects, the multipart telescoping apparatus  114  preferably includes two moving parts. The difference between the diameters of the first and second moving parts is very small and the staging effect is kept to a minimum. Also because the apparatus uses tubular parts, solid rods are not required, achieving significant weight reduction. The reduced difference between the diameters of the moving parts allows the fabrication of a telescoping part with a smaller outside diameter which achieves the same ultimate force as a much larger conventional telescoping apparatus. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , when the lifting device  114  is extended, the lifting device  114  exerts a force against the bushing  510  and thus results in raising the lifting assembly  100 . The cradle  520  and collar  530  function to prevent the lifting device  114  from moving and/or disengaging the lifting assembly  100  as the lifting assembly  100  is raised or lowered. 
       FIG. 8  depicts one embodiment of the lifting device  114 , in this case a multipart telescoping lifting apparatus  1000 . Telescoping apparatus  1000  includes a housing stage  1100 , a large diameter moving stage  1200  and a small diameter moving stage  1300 . The stages  1100 ,  1200  and  1300  are oriented such that the small diameter moving stage  1300  engages both the housing stage  1100  and the large diameter moving stage  1200 . As pressure is applied by a hydraulic pump or other system (not shown) to the multipart telescoping apparatus  114 , the exerted pressure acts upon the small diameter moving stage  1300  and forces it to move relative to the housing stage  1100  and extend until the small diameter moving stage  1300  is fully extended such that the exerted pressure cannot move the small diameter moving stage  1300  any further. The exerted pressure forces the large diameter moving stage  1200  to move relative to the housing stage  1100  and thus extends until the large diameter moving stage  1200  is fully extended such that the exerted pressure cannot move the large diameter moving stage  1200  any further. The multipart telescoping apparatus  114  is then fully extended. 
     The relative diameters of the large diameter moving stage  1200  and the small diameter moving stage  1300  result in a telescoping apparatus in which pressure exerted by the second moving part (in this case the large diameter moving stage  1200 ) is greater than approximately 60-90% of the pressure exerted by the first moving part (in this case the small diameter moving stage  1300 ). The diameters of the large diameter moving stage  1200  and the small diameter moving stage  1300  may be varied to suit a particular application so long as the desired exerted pressure is maintained. For example, in a telescoping apparatus in which the working diameter of the large diameter moving stage  1200  is approximately 4 inches and the working diameter of the small diameter moving stage  1300  is approximately 3 inches, the pressure exerted by the large diameter moving stage  1200  is approximately 80% of the pressure exerted by the small diameter moving stage  1300 . 
     As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the multipart telescoping apparatus  1000  may be adapted to have a size suitable for a particular application. The stages  1100 ,  1200  and  1300  may be longer, shorter, wider or narrower depending on the application. As will be apparent to those having skill in the art, the stages may have a cross sectional shape other than a circle, for example, the cross section may be an oval, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, oblong or other suitable shape. Likewise, the apparatus  1000  may include any number of stages appropriate for a particular application. 
     The housing stage  1100  includes a housing tube  1120  sized and shaped to receive the small diameter moving stage  1300  and the large diameter moving stage  1200 . A first sealing connection  1130  such as a gland nut is at one end and a cap  1140  at an opposite end. 
     The large diameter moving stage  1200  includes a large diameter tube  1220  and a base plate  1230  having a shaft. The small diameter moving stage  1300  includes a small diameter tube  1320 , a second sealing connection  1330  such as a gland nut, a first piston  1350  and a second piston  1370 . The small diameter tube  1320  engages a second sealing connection  1330  (in this embodiment a gland nut), such that the second sealing connection  1330  can travel along the length of the small diameter tube  1320  until it meets the first sealing connection  1130 . The second piston  1370  is shaped and sized to engage the large diameter tube  1220 . The first piston  1350  is shaped and sized to engage the housing tube  1120 . 
     The diameters of the tubes  1120 ,  1220  and  1320  are any suitable diameters for a given application. Preferably diameters may range from 10 to 200 mm for portable apparatus but may be larger. Non-portable devices may include larger diameter tubes. The ratio of working diameter of the large diameter tube  1220  to the small diameter tube  1320  may vary for a given application. Examples of appropriate ratios of the working diameters of the large diameter tube  1220  to the small diameter tube  1320  include 90:66, 78:54 and 4:3. 
     The lengths of the tubes  1120 ,  1220  and  1320  are any suitable lengths for a given application. Preferably lengths may range between 100 to 1500 mm for portable apparatus but may be larger. Non-portable devices may include longer lengths. 
     The apparatus  1000  moves from a closed to an extended position by hydraulic pressure provided by a hydraulic pump. As hydraulic pressure is applied, the first piston  1350 , and thus the small diameter tube  1320 , is forced along the length of the housing tube  1120  until it is stopped by the first sealing connection  1130 . The hydraulic pressure then forces the large diameter tube  1220  to move over the second piston  1370  until the second sealing connection  1330  meets and is stopped by the second piston  1370 . At this point, the multipart telescoping apparatus  1000  is fully extended. O-rings or other types of hydraulic seals may be employed to create liquid tight seals. The multipart telescoping apparatus  1000  will retract to the resting orientation as the hydraulic pressure is released. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , in the closed position the apparatus  1000  includes the stages  1100 ,  1200  and  1300  untelescoped and nested. In the closed position, the multipart telescoping apparatus  1000  is small and compact such that it can be used in applications where space is limited and otherwise not suitable for standard telescoping apparatus. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 10 , the first sealing connection  1130  is a gland nut further including an aperture  1132 , an upper rim surface  1134  and an interior groove  1136 . The diameter, D 1 , of the first sealing connection  1130  is sized such that the large diameter tube  1220  can snugly engage the first sealing connection  1130 . The diameter, D 2 , of the first sealing connection  1130  is sized such that the housing tube  1120  can snugly engage the first sealing connection  1130 . The upper rim surface  1134  functions to prevent the housing tube  1120  from extending completely through the first sealing connection  1130 . To create a liquid tight seal an O-ring sized and shaped to conform to the interior groove  1136  is placed between the first sealing connection  1130  and the housing tube  1120 . The first sealing connection  1130  may be secured to the housing tube  1120  by various means known to a skilled artisan, such as a set screw or the like, to for example engage the aperture  1132  when the sealing connection is a gland nut. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 11 , the cap  1140  may be fixed or removably engaged to housing tube  1120 . The cap  1140  may include surfaces such as a surface  1142  and a raised surface  1144 . The raised surface  1144  sized and shaped to fit the housing tube  1120 . A sealing device such as an O-ring may be used to engage raised surface  1144  to create a liquid tight seal between the cap  1140  and the housing tube  1120 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 12A-B ,  FIG. 12A  illustrates a prespective view of the large diameter tube  1220  sized and shaped to receive the small diameter tube  1320  (not show in this figure) while  FIG. 12B  shows a cross sectional view of the large diameter moving stage along line  5 - 5 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a base plate  1230  of the large diameter tube  1220 . A bore  1234  extends from the peripheral edge of the base plate  1230  through to the interior of the base plate  1230 . The large diameter tube  1220  is sealed at one end by the base plate  1230 . It is contemplated that the bore  1234  and the shaft  1232  function as part of a sealing mechanism to create a liquid tight seal between the large diameter tube  1220  and the base plate  1230 . A sealing device such as but not limited to an O-ring may used to further enhance the liquid tight seal. It will be apparent to a skilled artisan various sealing means may be used to seal elements discussed herein. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 14 , the small diameter tube  1320  engages a second sealing connection  1330  (in this embodiment a gland nut), such that the second sealing connection  1330  can travel along the length of the small diameter tube  1320  until it meets the first sealing connection  1130 , the sealing connection being achieved with O rings ( 346 ,  342 ,  138  and  344 ). The second piston  1370  is shaped and sized to engage the large diameter tube  1220 . The first piston  1350  is shaped and sized to engage the housing tube  1120 . 
       FIGS. 15A-15B  are cross-sectional views of the small diameter moving stage  1300  without ( 15 A) and with ( 15 B) the first piston  1350  and second piston  1370 . 
     In  FIG. 16  illustrates an embodiment of the second sealing connection  1330  including an aperture  1332 , a groove  1334  situated between a narrow portion  1336  and a wide portion  1338  having an angular portion  1340 . The diameter, D 3 , of the second sealing connection  1330  is sized such that the small diameter tube  1320  can snugly engage the second sealing connection  1330 . The diameter, D 4 , of the second sealing connection  1330  is sized to engage the housing tube  1120 . The diameter, D 5 , of the second sealing connection  1330  is sized to engage the large diameter tube  1220 . A liquid tight seal between the second sealing connection  1330  and the large diameter tube  1220  can be created by inserting an O-ring in the groove  1334 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 17 , the first piston  1350  includes a narrow portion  1352  that is shaped and sized to snugly engage the small diameter tube  1320 . A liquid tight seal is formed between the first piston  1350  and the small diameter tube  1320  such as by an O-ring inserted in a groove  1354 . The first piston  1350  further includes a wider portion  1356  that is shaped and sized to snugly engage the housing tube  1120 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 18 , the second piston  1370  includes a narrow portion  1372  that is shaped and sized to snugly engage the small diameter tube  1320 . A liquid tight seal is formed between the second piston  1370  and the small diameter tube  1320  such as by an O-ring inserted in a groove  1374 . The second piston  1370  further includes a wider portion  1376  that is shaped and sized to snugly engage the large diameter tube  1220 . 
     Although the systems and methods of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereby. Indeed, the exemplary embodiments are implementations of the disclosed systems and methods are provided for illustrative and non-limitative purposes. Changes, modifications, enhancements and/or refinements to the disclosed systems and methods may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, such changes, modifications, enhancements and/or refinements are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
A portable, lightweight lift system employing one or more lift assemblies that counters effects of staging is disclosed. The lift system includes multiple lift assemblies, wherein each assembly may be connected to a lifting device such as a hydraulic or motorized jack. A lifting device comprises moving parts which are nested such that the difference in diameters of each of the moving parts is minimized. In one aspect, the lifting device is provided with an arrangement of seals such that, the working area of a smaller diameter tube is greater than the working area of a larger diameter tube causing the smaller tube to move before the larger tube.