Handicapped Person Handling Patents (Class 414/921)
  • Patent number: 11970189
    Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to techniques for application-based controls of a wheelchair-accessible autonomous vehicle. A process of the disclosed technology can include steps for receiving a request for a wheelchair-accessible autonomous vehicle (WAV) to execute an ingress function, wherein the ingress function includes a deployment of a wheelchair ramp by the WAV, sending an ingress command to the WAV in response to the request, wherein the ingress command comprises instructions cause the WAV to execute the ingress function at a specified pick-up location, and receiving feedback from the WAV, the feedback includes sensor data associated with a wheelchair ramp and status information associated with the ingress function. Machine-readable media and systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Jessica Uelmen, Rajat Basu
  • Patent number: 11912236
    Abstract: A vehicle ramp device includes a ramp plate deployed at a lower end of a door opening, a moving body moving in a deploying or retracting direction of the ramp plate, a support arm rotatably connected to the ramp plate and the moving body to allow a rear end portion of the ramp plate to be lifted up when the ramp plate is deployed, a fall prevention member rotatably connected to the ramp plate, an urging member urging the fall prevention member to make it stand on a side end portion of the ramp plate, and a pressing member abutting against the fall prevention member that moves downward together with the ramp plate having been lifted up based on a rotation of the support arm and pressing the fall prevention member to bend it on a top surface of the ramp plate against an urging force of the urging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eisuke Sato
  • Patent number: 11883336
    Abstract: Vehicle (100) having a body (1), the body comprising a door (2R) movable between a closed position and an open position. A piece of equipment (3R, 90R) is mounted at an inner side of the door in such a manner that when the door opens, said piece of equipment moves to take up an open position in which at least part of said piece of equipment is outside the body of the vehicle (100). The piece of equipment (3R, 90R) may comprise a seat cushion (36), a plurality of shelves, or a box. The vehicle further comprises a equipment positioning mechanism (60) capable of moving said piece of equipment relative to the door (2R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Laurent Bouzige
  • Patent number: 11878722
    Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to techniques for application-based controls of a wheelchair-accessible autonomous vehicle. A process of the disclosed technology can include steps for receiving a request for a wheelchair-accessible autonomous vehicle (WAV) to execute an ingress function, wherein the ingress function includes a deployment of a wheelchair ramp by the WAV, sending an ingress command to the WAV in response to the request, wherein the ingress command comprises instructions cause the WAV to execute the ingress function at a specified pick-up location, and receiving feedback from the WAV, the feedback includes sensor data associated with a wheelchair ramp and status information associated with the ingress function. Machine-readable media and systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Jessica Uelmen, Rajat Basu
  • Patent number: 11779498
    Abstract: The invention relates to an accommodating door configured to be connected to a vehicle body, and a support cradle. The accommodating door has an inside face which defines an accommodation space configured for accommodating the support cradle. The support cradle in turn is configured to support a mobility aid device within a support compartment thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventor: Eyal Malman
  • Patent number: 11701273
    Abstract: A lift assist device employs a striker mounting assembly having a case with a receiving chamber having a top channel and a lower channel. A striker housing is removably insertable in the receiving chamber and has a receiver adapted to be inserted over a striker on a door of a vehicle. The striker housing has a top flange with an upper alignment aperture and a bottom flange with a lower alignment aperture, the upper alignment aperture and lower alignment aperture aligned with the top channel and lower channel with the striker housing inserted in the receiving chamber. A striker pin assembly is adapted for removable insertion through the top channel, upper alignment aperture into a striker on a door of a vehicle and through the lower aperture into the lower channel. A pivot assembly is engaged to the case with a pivot pin. A lift assembly has a mounting structure engaged to the pivot assembly with a telescoping support arm depending from the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Brooke B. Pattee
  • Patent number: 11584281
    Abstract: A bus handrail provided in a vehicle interior of a bus in a shape of “L” as viewed in a vehicle width direction has, in an installed state thereof, a first grip portion extending in a vehicle vertical direction, a second grip portion extending backward with respect to a vehicle continuously from a lower part of the first grip portion, a third grip portion extending upward with respect to the vehicle continuously from the second grip portion, and a fourth grip portion extending backward with respect to the vehicle continuously from the third grip portion. Besides, in a bus vehicle interior structure equipped with the bus handrail and a seat provided on a rear wall side in the vehicle interior and in which a passenger sits in a half-standing posture, part of the fourth grip portion is arranged outside the seat in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Fumiko Nakai
  • Patent number: 11523957
    Abstract: Disclosed is a patient transfer system for transferring a user between a bed and a purposefully designed mobile sitting device that is aligned and berthed alongside the bed, wherein, the bed is adaptable to a seated arrangement and includes an interleaf structure of cushions and platforms, the platform including: a padding, a rail, restricted path, or track, and means for transferring the padding in a direction parallel to the ground away or towards the bed; the bed further includes means to raise or lower the top of the cushions or the padding; and the mobile sitting device includes a receiving rail, restricted path or track to receive the padding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventors: Ka Shek Neville Lee, Sing-Kwong Samuel Hui
  • Patent number: 11377015
    Abstract: A system and method for transporting a detachable vehicle is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a track is affixed to a first vehicle, such as a van, and used to transport (e.g., load, secure, unload, etc.) a detachable vehicle, such as a motorized scooter. The track may be a single track, or a plurality of track portions (e.g., a ramp portion, a floor portion, a seat portion, etc.). In one embodiment of the present invention, the first vehicle includes a first connector and the detachable vehicle includes a second connector, where said first connector and said second connector can be mated, either manually or automatically in response to moving the detachable vehicle along the track (e.g., to a final location). Once an electrical connection is made, said electrical connection can be used to share information between the vehicles and/or to charge a battery on the detachable vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Sarhat Outoukian
  • Patent number: 10232245
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for a wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: WHEELERS' PARAMILL INC.
    Inventor: Larry Pestes
  • Patent number: 8998558
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compact wheelchair lift mechanism useable within a relatively small vehicle cabin space, such as a pickup truck with an extended cabin. The wheelchair lift includes a lateral actuator and a vertical actuator that cooperate to move a wheelchair support laterally in and out of a vehicle cabin and vertically between the cabin floor and the ground. The vehicle includes a lowered floor for expanding the vertical opening available to the lift, wheelchair, and vehicle occupant. The lift is positioned within the vehicle cabin such that no loss of seating capacity results from the installation of the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Mobility SVM, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lee Kitchin, Kraig James Schlosser
  • Patent number: 8990975
    Abstract: A user assistance apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus and system may include a base and a platform rotatably positionable about the base. A lift assist chair may be disposed upon the platform, and handrails may be attached to the platform such that the handrails rotate with the platform. The handrails extend from the platform to define an entry, and the handrails are configured to assist a user as the user passes between the entry and the lift assist chair. Fixtures may be disposed in a generally curved arrangement to cooperate with the entry as the platform is rotatably positioned about the base. Related methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jerrell W. Harden, Russell J. Harden
  • Patent number: 8973713
    Abstract: A wheel chair lift device includes a base, a lift car, and a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the lift car relative to the base. A maximum height system includes a light source, optical sensor, magnetic-backed reflector, and a placement tool for engaging a reference port on the lift car. Operation of the light source and optical sensor are confirmed before the lift car is elevated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: AGM Container Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Zuercher
  • Patent number: 8956102
    Abstract: The vehicle with wheelchair positioning mechanism includes an automotive vehicle that is modified to assist a disabled person to enter, operate and exit the vehicle. The modification includes a wheelchair lift adjacent the rear of the vehicle. An internal rail system extends from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle adjacent the vehicle's driving controls. A remotely controlled platform is rotatably mounted on a carriage for movement on the rail system. The platform is adapted to support a wheelchair thereon. The platform can be rotated 360° so that the wheelchair moves forward when entering and exiting the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Faisal A. O. Alasfour
  • Patent number: 8943631
    Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis and a support that is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction about a second axis. A cam follower is coupled to the support and supportingly engages a second end of the ramp panel. Rotation of the support moves the cam follower along an arcuate path. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A drive assembly selectively rotates the support in the first and second direction, and a stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8935814
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting a patient is disclosed to include a base with wheels on the back side and casters on the front side; a pair of extendable legs extended or withdrawn from the frontal side of the base to maintain balance when lifting a patient; vertical masts connected to a three-prong hanger; three durable cables used with a sling assembly to lift the patient; a foldable chair provides temporary rest for the patient on the patient lift; and a control panel having a micro-controller for remotely controlling the patient lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ton Duc Thang University
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Diep Tu
  • Patent number: 8926254
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle having a power-actuated ramp includes a vehicle body having a roof, front portion, rear portion, opposed side portions, and a floor that cooperate to define a passenger area. At least one door provides boarding and alighting relative to the passenger area, which defines a flat area of the floor adapted to receive a mobility device. A ramp cartridge is operatively supported by and received within a recessed section of the floor and includes a frame assembly having a main deck and cooperating with and being substantially coplanar with the flat area to provide a substantial flatness of the floor, a ramp assembly having a ramp that is adapted to be retained in a stored position below the main deck, and a drive assembly adapted to actuate the ramp between the stored position and a first ramp position and between the stored position and a second ramp position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mobility Ventures LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Pocobello, David Barnhart
  • Patent number: 8925131
    Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a support element and an inner ramp rotatable at a first end about a first axis. The operable ramp further includes an outer ramp rotatably coupled to a second end of the inner ramp about a second axis. The outer ramp has a first cam follower that engages a slot formed in the support element. A drive assembly selectively rotates the inner ramp relative to the outer ramp, such that rotation of the inner ramp in a first direction moves the second axis from a raised position to a lowered position. The operable ramp forms a step in the stowed position, and the outer ramp and the inner ramp form an inclined transition between a first surface and a second surface when the operable ramp is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 8926253
    Abstract: A platform lift trailer includes a chassis to which a lift device is mounted. The chassis is configured to be coupled to a standard motor vehicle trailer hitch or the like using a coupler. Some embodiments of the coupler provide protection against larges torsional forces applied between a motor vehicle and coupled trailer when they are angularly displaced relative to one another. One or more ground-engaging wheel assemblies are mounted to the chassis to assist in supporting the weight of the lift and any cargo thereon. The platform lift trailer is highly adaptable so that a wide variety of lifts can be mounted to the platform lift trailer and thus to smaller motor vehicles. Adaptation of mobility lifts and the like to a larger array of motor vehicles is therefore possible. One or more embodiments of a trailer coupler use torque-limiting apparatus so that vertical angular displacements of a motor vehicle and a coupled trailer do not apply large forces directly between the motor vehicle and the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott K. Uttech, William W. Belson, III, Andrew A. Bayer, Timothy G. Schwarz, Adam C. Hooper
  • Patent number: 8918939
    Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a lowered stowed position and a raised deployed position. The operable ramp has a ramp panel rotatable about a first axis located at a first end. A support element is slidingly coupled to the ramp panel. The operable ramp further includes a drive assembly comprising an endless loop coupled to an end of the support element. The endless loop has a linear portion and an arcuate portion. During a first phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves upward along the linear portion. During a second phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves along the arcuate portion of the endless loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan, Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8887337
    Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the operable ramp forms a step. The operable ramp has a first panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis. The first axis moves in a first direction when the operable ramp moves toward the lowered position and in a second direction when the operable ramp moves toward the raised position. The operable ramp further includes a second panel rotatably coupled at a first end to a second end of the first panel. The first panel and the second panel cooperate to provide an inclined surface when the operable ramp is in the lowered position. A linkage is operably coupled to the first panel to selectively rotate the first panel about the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8869333
    Abstract: A ramp assembly for providing a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that is rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A sensor senses an angle of the ramp portion relative to a horizontal plane and provides a sensor output that corresponds to the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane. The ramp assembly further includes a controller that receives the sensor output and an alert device. The controller controls the alert device to provide an alert when the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Bart B. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8832893
    Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatable about a first end. A second end of the ramp panel is lower in the deployed position than in the stowed position. A rotatable support supports a second end of the ramp panel, and a drive assembly selectively rotates the support (1) in a first direction to lower the second end of the ramp panel and (2) in a second direction to raise the second end of the ramp panel. A stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction, i.e., toward the stop, when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8820812
    Abstract: A vehicle for transport of injured persons, patients and the like, which comprises: a sanitary compartment including a treading plane raised with respect to a ground surface, and an upper zone, opposite the treading plane; a lifting device for loading and unloading a stretcher located between a first extracted position in which the stretcher is resting on the ground and a second housed position in which it is arranged internally of a sanitary compartment; in which the lifting device comprises: collecting means configured to pick up the stretcher and being mobile between a lowered configuration below the level of the treading plane and a raised configuration; movement means of the collecting means, internally associable to the sanitary compartment at the upper zone for moving the stretcher between the first position and the second position and being destined to maintain the collected stretcher suspended above the treading plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Stem S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ezio Menna
  • Patent number: 8821103
    Abstract: A lifting system for lifting and lower people between a vehicle door and ground level uses a carriage that is slid underneath and out from the undercarriage of the vehicle. A lift platform is flush with the carriage when stowed and is capable of being raised from this position up to the door and lowered down to the ground. A series of housing are located on the underside of the carriage and have a sprocket gear thereon. Extension arms are attached to each gear and rotatably to a lift platform. Rack gears mesh with the sprocket gears for rotating the arms and thus the platform up and down, the rack gears articulated via one or more hydraulic drives, with rotation of the arms resulting in articulation of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Dan A. Matthews
  • Patent number: 8820044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing an end-side of a flyer chain, wherein the fixing can be carried out by a clamping through the exertion of a force on partial sections of an outer circumferential surface of at least one plate-link of at least one end-side link of the flyer chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Rexnord Kette GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Joseph Holschbach, Ralf Steup, Bernhard Bleser, Herbert Rapp, Ulrich Gerlach, Jörg Heuer, Michael Schopp, Jörg Lindemaier
  • Patent number: 8816225
    Abstract: A method for detecting weight on a platform lift having a platform, a hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic circuit including the steps of measuring a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit, and comparing the measured static pressure to a baseline pressure of the hydraulic circuit. The baseline pressure is a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit without external weight positioned on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Ricon Corp.
    Inventors: Dante V. Deleo, Steven Fisher
  • Patent number: 8813290
    Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a support element and an inner ramp rotatable at a first end about a first axis. The operable ramp further includes an outer ramp rotatably coupled to a second end of the inner ramp about a second axis. The outer ramp has a first cam follower that engages a slot formed in the support element. A drive assembly selectively rotates the inner ramp relative to the outer ramp, such that rotation of the inner ramp in a first direction moves the second axis from a raised position to a lowered position. The operable ramp forms a step in the stowed position, and the outer ramp and the inner ramp form an inclined transition between a first surface and a second surface when the operable ramp is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 8807283
    Abstract: A lift apparatus configured to move a passenger platform of the lift apparatus between a first position and an elevated second position. A stairway of the example lift apparatus may be used as a stairway when the passenger platform is arranged in the first position. As the passenger platform is raised to the elevated second position, hinged steps of the stairway are transformed into a horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis Shell, David Shell
  • Patent number: 8783419
    Abstract: A wheel chair lift device includes a pair of upside-down, vertically-oriented hydraulic cylinders having their closed ends attached to opposing sides of a lift car, and their piston rods secured to a base resting on the floor. The cylinders extend into the hollow internal channels of two fixed vertical guide members as the lift car is lowered. The vertical guide members may be received within the side walls of the lift car as the lift is lowered to the ground. Rollers on the lift car engage the vertical exterior walls of the vertical guide members to stabilize the lift car. No moving parts are exposed apart from the lift car itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: AGM Container Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Zuercher
  • Patent number: 8763186
    Abstract: A method of raising a wheelchair compartment from a non-horizontal ramp position to an approximately horizontal safe position comprises providing a lift mechanism comprising an elevator structure, a wheelchair compartment configured to hold a wheelchair and rotatable from the ramp position to the safe position, a cam connected to the compartment and comprising a cam contact surface, a cam arm connected to the elevator structure and rotatable about a pivot pin, an actuator connected between the elevator structure and the cam arm and configured to rotate the cam arm relative to the pivot pin, and a cam arm bearing connected to the cam arm and configured to press against the cam contact surface of the cam. The method includes operating the actuator when the wheelchair compartment is in the ramp position so as to cause the wheelchair compartment to rise to the safe position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen Mosey, George Mosey
  • Patent number: 8745800
    Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion coupled for rotational movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A first panel is rotatably coupled to the ramp portion about a first axis so that movement of the ramp portion between the stowed position and the deployed position moves the axis along an arcuate path. The ramp assembly further includes a guide that maintains a fixed position relative to the stowed position of the ramp portion. A second panel is slidably associated with the guide and is rotatably coupled to the first panel about a second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 8739935
    Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow passages. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: AGM Container Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Zuercher, James T. Coble
  • Patent number: 8739342
    Abstract: A step assembly includes a tread and an actuator. The actuator is operably coupled to the tread and configured to selectively reciprocate the tread between a raised position and a lowered position. The actuator is rotatably coupled to the actuator mount, which is slidably coupled to a frame. A spring selectively maintains a position of the actuator mount relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Life-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 8701226
    Abstract: A patient hoist is provided on a trolley which tides along a track, with the hoist being powered by a conductor extending along the track. A contact carrier is loosely fit within the trolley, and it bears a contact which elastically biased against the track conductor, with die contact being in electrical communication with the hoist: The contact carrier is tree to laterally displace with respect to the trolley so that it (and its contact) follows the contour of the track, with the contact remaining in electrical communication with the track conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Arjohuntleigh Magog Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Faucher, Michael Molinar, Michael Corriveau, Jocelyn Patry
  • Patent number: 8678737
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle lift mounted to the rear portion of a vehicle to transport a personal mobility vehicle from location to location comprising a platform assembly configured to support a personal mobility vehicle thereon operatively coupled to a lift assembly to selectively raise and lower the platform assembly with or without a personal mobility vehicle thereon and a mount assembly coupled to the lift assembly to mount the personal mobility vehicle lift to the rear portion of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony P. DiGiovanni, Jeffery R. Moone
  • Patent number: 8650675
    Abstract: A suspended patient-carrier/transport apparatus of the type including an overhead rail forming a horizontal track terminating at a track-end, and a carrier device supported by a carriage having a plurality of aligned rollers rideable along the track. The inventive suspended transport apparatus has a locking safety mechanism including a track-end detector and a locking device. The locking device is operatively connected with respect to the track-end detector which actuates the locking device to engage the rail thereby stopping the carriage on the track upon sensing an absence of the track beyond the track-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Karl Imhoff
  • Patent number: 8641359
    Abstract: A mobility scooter device comprising an electrically powered wheeled vehicle provided with a lifting unit for lifting or lowering the vehicle. The lifting unit comprises an extendable lifting arm having two end portions a first end portion that is connected to the vehicle and a second end portion coupled to a support base provided with wheels. The lifting unit can be wheeled to bring the lifted vehicle over a transportation platform for mounting the vehicle body on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Afikim Electric Vehicles Ltd.
    Inventor: Avner Fishbein
  • Patent number: 8635729
    Abstract: A ramp assembly provides a transition surface from a vehicle interior to an alighting surface. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that rotates between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ramp portion is rotatable about an axis associated with a first end of the ramp portion. A support member supports the first end of the ramp portion, and a sensor is configured to sense a predetermined position of the ramp portion. The ramp assembly further includes an actuator operably coupled to the ramp portion to drive the ramp portion through a first phase and a second phase of a deployment motion. During the first phase, the actuator rotates the ramp portion about the axis while the axis maintains a substantially fixed position. During the second phase, the actuator moves the axis in a downward direction if the ramp portion has deployed to at least the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 8631529
    Abstract: A step assembly provides access between a lift platform and an alighting surface. The step assembly includes a tread and a panel rotatably connected to the tread about a first axis. An actuator assembly is operably coupled to the panel to selectively move the step assembly between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the tread is substantially horizontal, and the panel is orthogonal to the tread. In the lowered position, the tread and the panel are substantially parallel and form a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 8621696
    Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. The ramp assembly includes a counterbalance comprising a lug associated with the ramp portion so that movement of the ramp portion toward the deployed position moves the lug along an arcuate path in a first direction, and movement of the ramp portion toward the stowed position moves the lug along the arcuate path in a second direction. A flexible line is coupled to the lug, and a restraint is fixedly located relative to the stowed position of the ramp portion. A biasing element is associated with the flexible line such that movement of the ramp portion away from the neutral position moves the biasing element compresses a spring disposed between the restraint and the biasing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 8578536
    Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. Movement of the ramp portion toward the deployed position rotates a hub in a first direction, and movement of the ramp portion toward the stowed position rotates the hub in a second. The ramp assembly includes a counterbalance comprising a flexible line having a first end coupled to the hub. A restraint is fixedly located relative to the stowed position of the ramp portion, and a biasing element is associated with the flexible line such that movement of the ramp portion away from the neutral position moves the biasing element toward the restraint. A spring is disposed between the restraint and the biasing element to bias the ramp portion toward the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan, Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 8562279
    Abstract: A lift system for mounting on a vehicle comprising a platform, the platform comprising a main platform and a platform extension slidable relative to the main platform. A handrail is pivotably mounted on the platform and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lift system also comprises handrail deployment means arranged to be actuated by movement of the platform extension to raise the handrail from the stowed position to the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Passenger Lift Services Limited
    Inventors: Adam Beck, Paul Edwards
  • Patent number: 8540474
    Abstract: A power lift and transfer system and method are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the power lift and transfer system and method may be realized as a power lift and transfer system. The power lift and transfer system may move, stow, and carry a mobility device for a user with a disability, and then assist the person with the disability to transfer in and out of a vehicle. The power lift and transfer system may further transport the wheeled or other mobility device from a position in a rear or on top of the vehicle to passenger or driver areas of the vehicle, and then assist the user by means of a conveyor belt to transfer laterally into the automobile seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas F. Egan
  • Patent number: 8533884
    Abstract: A ramp assembly provides a transition surface from a vehicle floor to an alighting surface and includes a ramp portion coupled for reciprocating movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ramp portion has a cam surface disposed thereon, and a cam follower that engages the cam surface when the ramp portion is in the stowed position to support the ramp portion. The ramp assembly further includes a panel rotatably coupled to a first end of the ramp portion about an axis. An actuator rotates a drive arm to move the ramp portion through first and second phases of a deployment motion. During the first phase, the drive arm rotates the ramp portion about the axis, which maintains a substantially fixed position. During the second phase, the drive arm moves the second axis in a downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 8534979
    Abstract: An access system for use in a vehicle. The access system includes a frame supported on a vehicle and a ramp having a support surface and a leading edge. The ramp is moveable with respect to the frame between a stowed position, in which the leading edge of the ramp is proximate the frame, and a deployed position, in which the leading edge is positioned away from the frame. A first track and a second track are coupled to one of the frame and the ramp, where the contours of the first and second tracks at least partially define the tilt angle of the ramp with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Strattec Power Access LLC
    Inventor: Eric Hansen
  • Patent number: 8517659
    Abstract: A mechanism for deploying and aligning a ramp relative to a platform includes a main bearing operatively associated with the platform and rotatable about a main pivot axis; a drive member disposed on the main bearing, the drive member being adapted to drive the main bearing to rotate about the main pivot axis; a rotating member disposed on the main bearing and rotatable about the main pivot axis with the main bearing; and a ramp member rotatably connected to the rotating member at a pivot point eccentric to the main pivot axis. Rotation of the rotating member causes the ramp member to move between a stowed position and a deployed position in an arcuate path about the main pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ricon Corp.
    Inventors: Dmitry Koretsky, Christopher Wyszkowski, Steven Fisher
  • Patent number: 8505141
    Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp platform movable for reciprocating motion between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ramp platform has an inner ramp panel, an intermediate ramp panel slidably associated with the inner ramp panel, and an outer ramp panel rotatably associated with the intermediate ramp panel. Movement of the ramp assembly from the stowed position to the deployed position defines a deployment motion that includes (1) rotation of the outer ramp panel through at least 90 degrees relative to the intermediate ramp panel; and (2) translation of the intermediate ramp panel relative to the inner ramp panel. A drive assembly is associated with the ramp platform, the drive assembly being movable to reciprocate the ramp platform between the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, Paul Reichmuth, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8438683
    Abstract: A ramp assembly is suitable for use in a vehicle to provide a transition surface from the vehicle floor to an alighting surface. The ramp assembly includes an inner panel fixedly associated with the vehicle floor and ramp support slidingly associated with the inner panel. The ramp support is reciprocal between (1) a retracted position when the ramp assembly is in a stowed position and (2) an extended position when the ramp assembly is in a deployed position. A ramp portion is rotatably coupled at a first end to a first end of the ramp support. An intermediate panel is coupled to the ramp support and extends from the inner panel to the ramp portion when the ramp assembly is in the deployed position. When the ramp assembly is in the stowed position, the ramp portion extends inwardly from the first end of the ramp support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8398356
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift and restraining device for an automotive vehicle includes a base pivotally mounted beneath the main floor of a vehicle. First and second support arm portions extend outwardly from the base and are configured for engagement with a wheelchair frame, preferably a wheel axle. A rotating assembly selectively moves the support arm through approximately 90° of rotation and the system is raised and lowered relative to the vehicle to transport the wheelchair from outside the vehicle to the interior of the vehicle, and also position the wheelchair at a desired height in the vehicle interior. Translation movement of the support arms also positions the wheelchair occupant at a desired location. A headrest extends from the system to provide desired neck and head support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Edouard S. Sandoz