1. A lifting attachment apparatus for lifting paint containers into and out of paint mixers, the attachment apparatus in combination with the paint mixer comprising

a. a paint mixer supported by a generally horizontal surface and including at least one side;

b. at least one lifting arm including a proximal end pivotably connected to the paint mixer and a distal end extending beyond the side of a paint mixer;

c. a mechanical link connected to the at least one lifting arm intermediate the proximal and distal ends for lifting and lowering a paint container into and out of the paint mixer; and

d. spring means connected between the paint mixer and the at least one lifting arm for urging the at least one lifting arm vertically upwards.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lifting attachment apparatus comprises a pair of arms, each rigidly connected to the other, and the pair pivotably connected to the paint mixer.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the spring means includes a pair of spring means, with one spring means associated with each of the pair of arms.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spring means is a gas spring.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mechanical link comprises a strap.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the mechanical link further comprises a hook.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container is supported on the same horizontal surface as the paint mixer prior to being lifted.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container is supported on a conveyor above the horizontal surface and adjacent the paint mixer prior to being lifted.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the side of the mixer further comprises a front surface of the mixer.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lifting attachment apparatus comprises an assembly having a pair of arms rigidly connected together with a cross member and wherein the mechanical link includes a strap connected at a proximal end to the cross member, and wherein the mechanical link further includes a hook at a distal end.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the lifting attachment apparatus is movable between a lower first position and an elevated second position and wherein the cross member is horizontally spaced away from the side of the paint mixer when the lifting attachment apparatus is in the first position.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the first position is generally horizontal.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lifting attachment apparatus comprises an assembly having a single arm and wherein the mechanical link includes a strap connected at a proximal end to the single arm.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the paint container is a paint bucket.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the paint container is a five gallon container.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the paint container is a bucket.

17. A method of assisting movement of a paint container into and out of a paint mixer comprising the steps of:

a. providing a lifting attachment having at least one lifting arm with a proximal end pivotably connected to a paint mixer and a distal end extending beyond a side of the paint mixer, and a mechanical link connected to the at least one lifting arm intermediate the proximal and distal ends for lifting and lowering a paint container into and out of the paint mixer; and spring means connected paint mixer and the at least one lifting arm for urging the at least one lifting arm vertically upwards;

b. engaging the mechanical link to the paint container; and

c. assisting movement of the paint container with respect to the mixer by moving the at least one lifting arm with the assistance of the spring means.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the mechanical link comprises a strap and hook.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the spring means comprises a gas spring.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein the lifting attachment further comprises at least one manually graspable handle connected to the at least one lifting arm.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein step c further comprises partially supporting the paint container with the lifting attachment during movement of the paint container with respect to the mixer.