Abstract: An extensible arm is located in the bed of a truck or a trailer and is selectively operable to assist in the stacking or unstacking and unloading of a stacked palletized load from the elevated bed to the ground level using a load lift on the truck or trailer and a pallet jack. The stacked load is moved from the bed onto the load lift with a pallet jack or other load transporter, and the load lift is lowered to a position where the extensible arm can be extended below the pallet of an upper load portion of the stacked load. After the arm is extended, the load lift is lowered to the ground leaving the upper load portion on the extended arm and moving the lower load portion of the stacked load to the ground, thereby unstacking the load. Thereafter, the lift is raised to engage the upper load portion, the arm is retracted, and the lift is lowered to lower the upper load portion to the ground.

Abstract: A device has a sliding tube assembly which can be mounted to a motor vehicle. The tube assembly has three tubes which coaxially telescope between a lowered loading/unloading position and either a raised storage position or a raised loaded position. A pivotable platform attached to the tube assembly is controlled by a logic mechanism which senses whether cargo is present on the platform. If cargo is present, the platform may be raised and a locking mechanism secures the cargo to the platform. If no cargo is present as the platform is raised, it pivots into a folded storage position and is held securely by the locking mechanism. When the platform is in one of the two raised positions, the tube assembly and platform tilt forward. The device is driven by a motor activated linear actuator extending down through the tube assembly. A control system governs operation of the device.

Abstract: A pair of lift columns telescopically contain a companion pair of tubular runners and a companion pair of fluid powered linear actuators to reciprocate the runners. The actuator circuit includes a flow divider with a pair of idler rotors keyed together for co-rotation in directions induced by the direction of fluid flow. The runners support a load platform with companion linkage systems, each with a flexible member between a rear portion of an outer platform section and an upper end connected to an inside face of the companion runner. Clearance is provided between the inside face of each runner and the companion side of the platform to receive the companion linkage system in a fully recessed condition when the platform is folded into a storage position. Coacting parts on each of the platform sides and the corresponding runner are interengageable and disengageable such that they are mutually engaged when the platform is in a load-bearing position.

Abstract: A lift for loading and unloading a truck. The truck has a loading chamber, a rear body portion and a chassis frame, and the lift has support posts mounted at an end and at each side of the truck at the rear body portion. A connecting member connecting the lower ends of each support post is provided. A drive moves the support posts in an upward and downward direction. A lift table has an opening formed in a portion corresponding to the chassis frame. The lift table is supported by the connecting member and is slidable on the connecting member in a longitudinal direction to the loading chamber thereby traversing the connecting member.

Abstract: A lift platform has a retention ramp whose forward edge is pivotally connected to a rear edge of the platform by a hinge that permits inversion of the retention ramp to a stowed position overlying the platform. A latch member is mounted on a lateral edge of the retention ramp in operative alignment with a detent block secured to the rear edge of the platform, the detent block having a center on the axis of the hinge. The latch member is pivotally mounted and torsionally biased to press the nose portion into engagement with the periphery of the detent block, the latter having detent notches angularly spaced apart relative to its center for defining intermediate and stowed positions of the retention ramp. During movement of the retention ramp between extended and intermediate positions the nose of the latch engages a convex portion of the detent block periphery of a radius to depress the latch against the biasing force of the torsion spring.

Abstract: An improved safety barrier/ramp actuation mechanism for combination folding stair and platform wheelchair lifts which translate from one configuration to the other depending upon the purpose to be served and have a combination safety barrier/ramp at the outboard end of the platform, the mechanism comprising a triple link mechanism and internally contained piston and bellcrank for reciprocating said barrier/ramp, and a pressure relief for said system to prevent raising said barrier/ramp when a load is resting thereon in ramp position, and the invention includes new steps in the method of operation of the stair and lift combination to enhance the safety thereof.

Abstract: A linkage assembly (20) for use with a platform or step lift (22) for transmitting force from a linear actuator (228) to a ramp (40) pivotally attached to the outer edge of the platform (26) of the lift so as to cause the ramp to travel through a rotational path of at least 180 degrees. The linkage assembly is designed so that no portion thereof extends more than about 0.25 inch above the upper surface (28) of the ramp and the top surface (48) of the platform, and so that the ramp is driven downwardly toward the extended position with a force insufficient to cause serious injury to a person's feet positioned in the path of travel of the ramp. Additionally, a hinge structure (700) is provided for use with a step lift for coupling the platform with its vertical extensions (66, 68) so as to permit the latter to pivot relative to the platform as the extensions move up and down within the vertical guides (80, 82) in which the vertical extensions are slidably received.

Abstract: A combination folding stair and platform wheelchair lift which translates from one configuration to the other depending upon the purpose to be served utilizing a series of panels which form a flat platform or alternatively steps and risers and which reciprocate horizontally on a pair of side rails and which are raised and lowered vertically in a pair of side column frames by a pair of hydraulically driven endless chains.

Abstract: A step-type vehicle lift is provided with a linkage assembly (20) and horizontally oriented barrier cylinder (228) that enables movement of a barrier plate (102) between a retracted position and a barrier position while the step/platform assembly (24) is in the step position. A hinge (800) that connects the barrier plate (102) to an outer platform member (103) and is provided with at least one laterally extending projection (810). When the step/platform assembly (24) is in the step position, and the barrier plate (102) is moved to the retracted position, the projection (810) on the hinge (800) engages a slot (114) formed in the top of one of a pair of rails (108) that support the step/platform assembly (24), thereby latching the step/platform assembly (24) in the stowed position. When it is desired to extend the step/platform assembly (24) into the platform position, the barrier plate (102) is raised to the barrier position, thereby disengaging the projection (810) from the slot (114) in the rail (108).

Abstract: A cargo handling and restraining system for loading, unloading, and transporting cargo containers in a carrier vehicle. The carrier is provided with a supporting floor (bed) having a plurality of tracks disposed thereon. The tracks include a channel disposed between a pair of spaced, horizontally extending members, and each container is provided with members which "ride" in the channel of the tracks to move the containers along the track. A hook assembly is provided at opposite ends and on the bottom of the containers for engaged relation with a retaining mechanism which positively locks adjacent containers together and to the track. A locking member is provided for rigidly securing the last loaded container (toward the rear of the bed) to the track. A cargo loader mechanism is provided to load and unload the cargo onto and off of the bed, and a cargo cart is provided to transport the cargo from or to a storage bin.

Abstract: Steps are convertible into a platform of an elevator for wheelchairs such as installed in vehicles and buses, during which conversion a barrier is automatically raised from the bottom step to be at the outer edge of the platform. The barrier is operated by an extensible link under the bottom step, which link is connected between the barrier and a crank arm keyed to an oscillatible transverse shaft under the inner part of the bottom step. Two additional crank arms are keyed to the ends of this shaft and are connected to a frame for a step or riser to oscillate said shaft when the steps are extended and unfolded into their platform position. The extendible link extends the barrier into a ramp when the platform is in its lowest position for access by a wheelchair. Reciprocating motors such as hydraulic pistons extend, retract, fold and unfold the panels that form the steps and their intermediate risers.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift apparatus which may be adapted for use in an existing motor vehicle in lieu of a seat structure removably coupled to the floor pan. The lift apparatus includes a motor driven horizontal screw for laterally moving a platform across the vehicle to exit the rear passenger compartment through a side door opening. The platform has a vertical side extension and carries a foldable wheelchair, for example, whose two sides collapse inwardly. The lift apparatus further includes motor driven linkage members for pivoting the platform and folded wheelchair from outside the rear passenger compartment toward the front of the vehicle. The platform and folded wheelchair are next vertically adjusted alongside either the driver or a front seat passenger door opening, depending upon whether the side door opening is on the right or left side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle lift (10) for transporting a wheelchair passenger between a ground-level position adjacent the vehicle (12) to a position adjacent to and substantially coplanar with the vehicle floor (14) includes a contact sensor (16) for detecting when the lift platform contacts a curb or other object. A carriage assembly (20) includes a pair of slides (34) that ride on a pair of rails (36). As the platform is lowered, the relative position of the slides (34) and the rails (36) changes. The sensor (16) detects a relative position of one of the slides (34) and the corresponding rail (36). When the sensor (16) detects a relative position of the slide (34) and the rail (36) indicating that the platform has contacted a curb or other object, the sensor (16) generates a control signal. A lift controller (60) stops lowering of the platform in response to the control signal from the sensor (16).

Abstract: A linkage assembly (20) for use with a platform or step lift (22) for transmitting force from a linear actuator (228) to a ramp (40) pivotally attached to the outer edge of the platform (26) of the lift so as to cause the ramp to travel through a rotational path of at least 180 degrees. The linkage assembly is designed so that no portion thereof extends more than about 0.25 inch above the upper surface (28) of the ramp and the top surface (48) of the platform, and so that the ramp is driven downwardly toward the extended position with a force insufficient to cause serious injury to a person's feet positioned in the path of travel of the ramp. Additionally, a hinge structure (700) is provided for use with a step lift for coupling the platform with its vertical extensions (66, 68) so as to permit the latter to pivot relative to the platform as the extensions move up and down within the vertical guides (80, 82) in which the vertical extensions are slidably received.

Abstract: A cargo platform system particularly structured for use with, e.g., a truck body's cargo opening. The system includes a mast assembly with a mast guide and a mast movably supported by the guide, the mast assembly being fixed to the truck body. A cargo platform is pivotally connected to the mast, the platform being swingable relative to the mast between a horizontal elevator position and a vertical storage position.

Abstract: A lift for attachment to a vehicle for moving mobility-impaired passengers between lowered and raised positions for entry and exit. A platform (27) is affixed to an unequal modified parallelogram structure (20), the combination being supported on movable rails (40,41) and carried by rollers (90, 91) for movement by an electric motor (52) between extended and retracted positions in relation to the vehicle. The rails (89) may define a curved portion (89b) to change orientation of the platform combination for storage to an inclined position. The unequal modified parallelogram structure (20) is actuated by a hydraulic ram (34) acting through pivot plates (17, 18) on a common transverse axis (34a) with the upper members of the parallelogram structure (20) to raise and lower the platform (27) so as to incline slightly downward when raised and slightly upward when lowered. The platform may be sectioned with a pivoted part affording a step for the vehicle.

Abstract: A leaf chain drive assembly (20) designed for use with a platform lift of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,228. Leaf chains (72, 120, 208) are used in place of roller chains for transmitting rotational drive between spaced sheaves (50, 60). Each sheave contains a unique projecting lug (52, 54) designed to engage a correspondingly sized connecting link (122) in the associated leaf chain (120) so as to permit drive to be transmitted between the leaf chain and the associated sheave.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring leaking drums to a salvage drum utilizing a liftgate assembly having a vertical rail for supporting a liftgate and a drive mechanism for raising and lowering the vertical rail, the apparatus including a lift boom assembly having a chain mounted thereon with a drum lifting clamp secured to the chain for engaging the leaking drum and a pair of tubular pocket assemblies mounted in a vertically spaced relation on the vertical rail and a pair of pin assemblies mounted on the lift boom assembly for matingly engaging the pocket assembly whereby the lift boom assembly can be pivoted with respect to the liftgate assembly and removed for storage in the vehicle.

Abstract: A tailgate closure mechanism for a tailgate hoist serves to move the tailgate from the horizontal position in which it functions as a platform to the upright position in which it functions as a gate. The closure mechanism includes a closing slide which is slidably mounted on at least one of the tailgate support slides and a connecting link that connects the slide to the tailgate. A drive mechanism is provided to drive the closing side toward its raised position. The drive mechanism may be in the form of an hydraulic ram, a compression spring or a combination ram and spring.

Abstract: A dump truck body has a bed and side walls defining a rear opening which is closed by a tailgate and loader unit removably attached to adaptor brackets inserted into the side walls. The unit includes a U-shaped frame supporting extendable tracks which carry a vertical tailgate supported for pivotal movement to form a horizontal platform. The frame also encloses two pairs of oppositely directed hydraulic cylinders which move the tracks, and a cam mechanism is shifted into alignment to pivot the tailgate between horizontal and vertical positions in response to movement of the tracks. The entire unit is pivotally supported by the adaptor brackets to pivot from the truck body when the body is inclined for dumping or when a pair of hydraulic cylinders are actuated.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift designed for mounting in the stairwell of a railway car. The lift includes a vertical translation member which is attachable to one wall of the stairwell, and a platform assembly attached to the translation mechanism so as to be movable between an upper position, where the platform assembly is substantially coplanar with the floor of the railway car, and a lower position, adjacent the railroad bed. The platform assembly includes a main platform attached to the translation mechanism, and a pivot platform, pivotally mounted to the outboard end of the main platform. In the stowed position, the pivot platform is positioned underneath the main platform. Retractable barriers are provided at the outboard end of the pivot platform and the inboard end of the main platform for preventing a wheelchair from rolling off the platforms.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for lifting and retracting of a power tailgate platform held laterally by one of its sides by an operative arm. During a first phase, the platform is raised laterally by swivelling around an originally horizontal lifting axle, from a horizontal operative position to an intermediate vertical position, and then, in a second phase, the platform and its lifting axle are swivelled around a retracting axle that is fitted at right angles to the operative arm and arranged at an angle in relation to the lifting axle, preferably at 90.degree. to the latter, in such a way that the platform reaches a vertical storage position.

Abstract: A cargo platform system particularly structured for use with, e.g., a truck body's cargo opening. The system includes a mast asembly with a mast guide and a mast movably supported by the guide, the mast assembly being fixed to one vertical side edge of the cargo opening. A cargo platform is pivotally connected to the mast, the platform being swingable relative to the mast between a horizontal elevator position and a vertical storage position. A latch system partially carried by the mast guide and partially carried by the mast allows the mast and mast guide to be latched together so that substantially no relative movement therebetween is possible in a first latched position when the platform is in its storage position and located entirely below the truck body's cargo floor and also in a second latch position when the platform is in the storage position and located substantially above the cargo floor.

Abstract: A hydraulic platform lift for use on trucks and truck trailers has two hydraulic cylinders, one on each side of a door. The cylinders are phasing cylinders in that one cylinder is larger than the other cylinder by a specific ratio. The cross-sectional area of the fluid in the rod end of the larger cylinder minus the area of the rod is equal to the cross-sectional area of the smaller cylinder. A connecting line interconnects the rod end of the large cylinder with the cap end of the small cylinder. Hydraulic fluid can be directed by a controller into the cap end of the large cylinder or the rod end of the small cylinder. For upward movement, hydraulic fluid is forced into the rod end of the small cylinder. This in turn forces hydraulic fluid through the connecting line into the rod end of the large cylinder, thereby raising both pistons.

Abstract: In a device for moving a loading tailgate or similar swivelable body on, for example, a loading platform (1) of a vehicle, the loading tailgate is connected to a drive (3) via struts (5, 6) or support struts. In this case, at least two struts (5, 6) are to have, on the one hand, separate linkage points (7, 52) with the loading tailgate (4) and, on the other hand, they are to be connected to coupling profiles (30, 31) of the drive (3) rotating about a longitudinal axis (11).

Abstract: A carrier for scooters of the type used by disabled persons, which carrier is attachable to a motor vehicle. The carrier has a mast with a power lift which moves a foldable platform between a lowered and a raised position. A weight-sensitive pedal on the platform responds to the presence of a load and defeats the platform fold-up mechanism. In the absence of a load, the platform will assume a folded position against the mast when raised. A fold-down lever with an attached foot pivots to engage the scooter when the platform is raised in a horizontal position with a load thereon.

Abstract: A dump truck body has a bed and side walls defining a rear opening which is closed by a tailgate and loader unit removably attached to adaptor brackets inserted into the side walls. The unit includes a U-shaped frame supporting extendable tracks which carry a vertical tailgate supported for pivotal movement to form a horizontal platform. The frame also encloses two pairs of oppositely directed hydraulic cylinders which move the tracks, and a cam mechanism is shifted into alignment to pivot the tailgate between horizontal and vertical positions in response to movement of the tracks. The entire unit is pivotally supported by the adaptor brackets to pivot from the truck body when the body is inclined for dumping.

Abstract: A lift platform for location at the rear of a road vehicle comprising a horizontally extending platform member moveable vertically between at least one vehicle floor level and substantially ground level. Two fluid actuated rams are located vertically, one on each interior side wall adjacent the rear wall of the vehicle. The pistons rods of the rams extend in opposite directions from their respective cylinders. Fluid pressure is connected to be fed via one ram to the other to ensure equal movement of both pistons in the same vertical direction. The rams are connected by wire ropes or chains via pulleys to the platform member, and a fluid equalizing arrangement is connected between the rams for adjusting the horizontal level of the platform members.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a van adapted to be installed into a recess formed into the rear of the van floor and bumper assembly. The lift includes a pair of spaced apart guide rails, each securely connectable into the sides of the recess so that they lie in spaced, longitudinally disposed verticle planes, the guide rails sloping diagonally downward toward the rear of the van. The lift also includes a movable platform whose central bed is horizontally disposed between spaced parallel side panels and adapted to receive a wheelchair or the like thereatop. A pair of spaced-apart rollers rotatably connected to each side panel engage within the guide rails to facilitate translation of the platform within the guide rails while maintaining the bed generally horizontal.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system is connected to a hydraulic system including a pump, control valves, a reservoir and a hydraulic device. When the refrigeration system is running, the hydraulic system is disabled and the diesel and compressor are run responsive to cargo refrigeration requirements. When the hydraulic system is activated, the diesel is caused to operate at a preselected speed for maximum hydraulic flow and the refrigeration electrical, if necessary, system unloads the compressor to divert more engine power to the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A forward platform section is hingedly connected at its forward edge to lower ends of a pair of runner assemblies that are vertically movably mounted in guides of a supporting framework. A closed rear edge of the forward platform section is hingedly interconnected to a closed forward edge of a rear platform section, the hinge connection being adapted for folding an underside of the rear platform section into superposition over an underside of the forward platform section. The curb side runner assembly incorporates a power cylinder for rotating the forward platform section between vertical and horizontal positions. A known linkage effects rotation of the rear platform section between vertical and horizontal positions as a function of corresponding rotation of the forward platform section.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a vehicle in which the lift platform serves as part of the floor of the vehicle, and does not need to be extended outwardly of the vehicle to load or unload a wheelchair passenger. The lift operates within a shaft extending between the floor and the undercarriage of the vehicle, and sliding pulley panels are provided at two opposing sides of the shaft below the floor of the vehicle. Pulleys are mounted adjacent the top edges of the pulley panels, and chains are passed over the pulleys, and attached at one end to a fixed point on the vehicle at or below the midpoint between the floor of the vehicle and ground level, and attached at the other end to a lift platform. Other chains are attached at one end to the pulley panels and at the opposite end to a hydraulic cylinder, such that the pulley panels are lowered or raised as the hydraulic cylinder is retracted or extended, in turn causing the lift platform to traverse between the floor of the vehicle and ground level within the shaft.

Abstract: The load platform of a lift is carried by a runner mounted for vertical reciprocation along a hollow guide column. Within the column the runner and its load are suspended from a short length of a leaf chain that, in turn, is suspended from a powered vertically reciprocable wire rope. The leaf chain extends between a pair of cam pawls pivotally mounted on a brake body carried by the runner, with the pivot axis of the pawls oriented parallel to the pivot axes of the links of the chain. The pawls are biased in a direction to move out of a retracted position into an extended position wherein they engage one side of the column to jam the brake body against an opposite side of the column. The pawls have a contact pin confronting one side of the chain such that when the chain is under tension it bears on the contact pin and so maintains the pawls in retracted position.

Abstract: A powered closure mechanism for moving a tailgate from an open position to a closed position comprises a reciprocating drive mechanism mounted on the tailgate and a power transmission which connects the reciprocating drive to the tailgate so that it will rotate the tailgate between an open and closed position in response to operation of the reciprocating drive mechanism.

Abstract: A device for automatically closing the elevator deck of lift gate is actuated by a drive device and constituted by a parallelogram deformable under the action of the drive device. The arm of the parallelogram intended to support the elevator deck extends beyond its point of articulation on the lower adjacent arm of the parallelogram, thus defining an extension. The elevator deck is articulated on the lower end of the extension of the arm supporting the elevator desk. An articulation element of adjustable variable length is mounted to pivot, on the one hand, on the elevator deck and, on the other hand, at an appropriate point of the chassis or of the upper arm of the deformable parallelogram, so that the distance between these two points of articulation of the element of articulation of variable length decreases when the lift gate is being raised.

Abstract: This device comprises movable elements 28 for forming at least one floor movable along the length of the vehicle, intermediate rails 8 for supporting the floor, fixed rails 7 for storing the floor elements 28, chains 18 for lifting and lowering the floor elements 28, and a chain 14 for shifting them and transferring them between the rails 7,8 and the chains 18 and vice-versa. The movable elements 28 of the floor are trolleys.

Abstract: A lifting device for a marine vessel having a foot part that can be put on a flat support and an upper part adapted to pivot with respect to the foot part about a vertical axis and having at least one lifting arm and the lifting arm being extendible by a hydraulic cylinder assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for railway cars to handle the ingress and egress of passengers through a door opening where the apparatus selectively provides at the exterior of the car at the door opening an adjustable height platform, steps or a ground-to-car floor platform lift. The apparatus is storable within the railway car and extendable exteriorly of the railway car where it can then be selectively conditioned for a desired passenger handling mode as a platform positioned at a desired height between the car floor and ground, a series of steps extending between the car floor and ground, or a platform lift movable between ground level and car floor level.

Abstract: A truck lift gate has a platform which is raised and lowered on runners to which it is attached, and which are guided in vertical rails. The runners are lifted by flexible members such as chains or cables, and are lowered by their own weight when the flexible members are slacked off. An equalizer is carried by each runner which overhangs and contacts the top of the platform at an elevation relative to the horizontal which is respective to the platform when it is horizontal. Then the platform cannot tilt sidewise when it is lowered.

Abstract: A safety latch for a cargo platform of the type particularly adapted to be mounted on the rear of a truck's cargo body. The cargo platform is pivotally mounted along its front edge to a combined elevating/storing mechanism which is of a chain and compounding sprocket type. In this type mechanism, the chain is taut as it holds the cargo platform in horizontal position when it functions as an elevator, and the chain is taut as it is compounded when it is desired to open and close the cargo platform between vertical storage and horizontal elevator positions. The safety latch cooperates with the cargo body, the chain, and the platform to insure that the platform is latched to the cargo body in its storage position when the chain is slack, i.e., not taut. The chain is always taut when the cargo platform is in the horizontal position and used as an elevator, as well as when the cargo platform is being swung between its elevator position and its vertical position.

Abstract: A cargo elevator system, that includes a pivotable cargo platform, particularly adapted for mounting on a truck. The system is operable through a unique open/close sequence for translating the platform between a substantially vertical, upright storage position, and a horizontal elevator use position that permits the truck to be loaded and unloaded. The system is characterized by a unique latching mechanism for latching the platform in, and unlatching the platform from, the storage position. The system is also characterized by a first fail-safe structure for preventing the platform from swinging on its pivot axis toward ground level beyond its horizontal elevator use position. The system is further characterized by a second fail-safe structure that prevents the platform from moving out of its vertically upright position when so stored.

Abstract: A safety locking mechanism for locking a hoist, such as a power operated tailgate, with repect to its supporting structure comprises: a pair of latch arms which are connected to one another by a flexible cable. A pair of power transmission chains connect the hoist to a power source. A pair of tension sensing lever arms are pivotally mounted and arranged to detect the presence or absence of a normal loading tension in the power transmission chains. The flexible cable also engages each of the tension sensing levers and is held by them in a position in which it retains the latch arms in a released position when a normal loading tension is detected in the power transmission chains. The latch arms will both move to a latching position locking the hoist when the absence of a normal loading tension is detected in the power transmission chains.

Abstract: A tail-gate assembly comprises a stationary support, a slide mounted on the stationary support, a platform pivotally mounted on the slide, a latch member mounted on and projecting laterally from said loading platform, a latch plate mounted on said stationary support. The latch plate has a latch notch formed therein which has an entrance way opening in a direction to admit the latching member. The notch is proportioned to receive said latch member in a close fitting relationship so as to provide a vertical restraint limiting vertical movement and a rotational restraint limiting rotational movement of said platform.

Abstract: The latest in a series of wheelchair lift improvements is provided, the basic lift structure on which the improvements are made being the type utilizing a step configuration, the individual panels of which, being hinged together, are simply extended into a geometrical plane rather than a step structure. The resulting platform is then elevationally adjusted by the driver to commute the platform, and a wheelchair victim on the platform, between the curb and bus floor level. The improvements include the hydraulic means of deploying the mechanism between step and platform mode, the safety barrier structure which defines an extension of the platform to the curb level when it is dropped from its safety barrier mode, a safety locking mechanism and a stabilizing chain.

Abstract: A platform lift with a ramp corresponding to the platform's thickness along one edge thereof, at least a part of which ramp is hinged along said edge and normally urged and locked in an upward barrier position to prevent objects from sliding or rolling off the platform when the platform is away from the ground. A single lever attached to the hinged ramp part depends below the platform and automatically releases the latch for maintaining the ramp as a barrier and then engages and moves the ramp part into its ramp-employing position as the lever contacts the ground. This lift platform and ramp part barrier mechanism is particularly adapted for wheelchair lifts on vehicles.

Abstract: An auxiliary step is provided principly for use with the type of wheelchair lift that mounts to buses and other passenger vehicles wherein the risers and horizontal panels of a step structure are extended horizontally to define a platform which can be raised up and down between the levels of the sidewalk and the floor of the passenger vehicle to permit the boarding and deboarding of passengers in wheelchairs. The lift structure for which the instant invention is primarily to be used defines two steps between the floor level of the vehicle and the sidewalk or passenger platform, and the instant invention defines a third auxiliary step which can be deployed above the highest step of the platform lift.

Abstract: Invalid lift apparatus particularly adapted for installation in an automotive vehicle of the van type characterized by a passenger side door adjoining a loading floor. The apparatus includes a storage receptacle mountable below the loading floor to receive a platform for wheelchair passengers. The platform is extensible onto movable supports for raising and lowering relative to fixed supports attachable at opposite sides of the door opening. Limit switches are provided to control the extent of upward and downward movement of the platform, and to orient the platform in proper position for movement out of the way and onto the storage receptacle whereby ambulatory passengers can enter and leave the vehicle.

Abstract: A foldable hoist assembly has an elongated column with a boom pivotally mounted at its outer end to be moveable from a stored position alongside the column to its operating position. A spindle with radial and thrust bearings in the support column base provides rotary support so that loads suspended from the bottom can be swung over and away from the load bed. The base of the support column is also pivotally mounted on a horizontal support structure affixed to the vehicle chassis, preferably in the position of a bumper below te rear edge of the load bed. With boom stored alongside, the support column is rotated from its upright operating position to be supported horizontally within the support structure leaving the load bed unobstructed.

Abstract: A controlled-folding and controlled-unfolding multiple section platform assembly for a structural entry. A platform assembly includes an inner and an outer platform section which are pivotally joined together for folding and unfolding. Fold control means comprises a pair of pivotally jointed rigid supports and a rigid co-ordinating member extending between the inner platform section and the outermost of the rigid supports. Tilting of the inner platform section is accompanied by a folding action of the outer platform section, there being a unique included angle between the two platform sections for every unique angle of tilt of the inner platform section.

Abstract: An electrically controlled hydraulic lift, such as wheelchair lifts for vehicles, wherein the hydraulic reciprocating motor for operating the platform of the lift is mounted in a vertical slot so that any obstruction in the downward movement of the platform of the lift will cause the reciprocating motor to rise in the slot and operate a microswitch to automatically shut off the continued supply of fluid to the reciprocating motor. This arrangement not only prevents the crushing of obstacles that get in the downward path of the platform, but also limits the downward movement of the platform when it contacts the solid ground or floor level from which an object is to be lifted, such as an invalid in a wheelchair. If desired, the upward movement of the reciprocating hydraulic motor may be restricted by resilient means for maintaining it in the lower part of its mounting slot.