A portable lifting apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a modular frame comprising a first frame member and a second frame member, which in combination support a load-bearing beam having a lifting device secured thereto above a lifting surface. The first frame member, the second frame member, and the lifting device are each removably secured to the beam such that the apparatus may be disassembled into constituent components for transport or storage. Each frame member may be configured to disassemble into constituent components comprising a base and two or more support rails. The apparatus may further comprise a counterbalance. The counterbalance may serve to balance load distribution when the apparatus in use and act as a storage receptacle for the first and second frame members, the beam, and the lifting device when the apparatus is disassembled.

A lifting mechanism includes a load bearing structure, and a carrier. The carrier is configured for supporting a load. The carrier is moveable relative to the load bearing structure in a substantially vertical direction relative to a ground surface, along a vertical axis. A load carrying spring applies a spring force that biases the carrier relative to the load bearing structure in a direction along the vertical axis. A negative stiffness device interconnects the carrier and the load bearing structure. The negative stiffness device applies a device force that biases the carrier relative to the load bearing structure in a direction along the vertical axis. The device force opposes the spring force. The device force includes a magnitude that is substantially equal to the spring force in any of a plurality of different positions of the carrier relative to the load bearing structure along the vertical axis.