Abstract: A counterbalance for a ramp assembly includes a chain assembly and a spring assembly. The spring assembly includes a spring and first and second spring fittings. The first spring fitting restrains a first end of the spring when the ramp portion is between a neutral position and the stowed position and moves the first end of the spring toward a second end of the spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position toward the deployed position. The second spring fitting is spaced from the first spring fitting and restrains the second end of the spring when the ramp portion is between the neutral position and the deployed position. The second spring fitting moves the second end of the spring toward the first end of the spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position toward the stowed position.

Abstract: A counterbalance for a ramp assembly includes a chain assembly and a spring assembly. The spring assembly includes a spring and first and second spring fittings. The first spring fitting restrains a first end of the spring when the ramp portion is between a neutral position and the stowed position and moves the first end of the spring toward a second end of the spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position toward the deployed position. The second spring fitting is spaced from the first spring fitting and restrains the second end of the spring when the ramp portion is between the neutral position and the deployed position. The second spring fitting moves the second end of the spring toward the first end of the spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position toward the stowed position.

Abstract: A retractable ramp system for a mobility vehicle. A ramp platform is driven by a reversible motor, associated drive pulley, and drive belt affixed to a ramp carriage assembly. A spring-loaded mechanical release assembly is used to engage the drive pulley to the motor and to disengage the drive pulley from the motor. A manual control assembly is used for manual deployment of the ramp when the drive pulley is disengaged from the motor. The ramp flap provides a transition between the ramp platform and a mobility vehicle. The ramp flap is supported by wheels which translate along the ramp platform. Linear bearing blocks attach to pivot arms of the carriage assembly, which are in turn pivotably attached to the ramp platfom. Linear bearing blocks translate the ramp platform along guide shafts during deployment and stowage.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift (100) for a vehicle having a barrier (128) moveable between an access position and a blocking position. The wheelchair lift includes an actuator (152) coupled to the barrier, the actuator adapted to apply an actuation force upon the barrier to move the barrier from the access position to the blocking position. When the barrier is in an unloaded state, the actuation force causes the actuator to move in a first direction resulting in the barrier moving from the access position to the blocking position. When the barrier is in a loaded state, the actuation force causes the actuator to move in a second direction a predetermined amount without causing substantial movement of the barrier.

Abstract: The track assembly includes top plate 204, which incorporates the tracks 206. In FIG. 18, dashed lines have been added to show the portion of the top plate 204 that is used as the track 206 for the rollers 214. The interaction of the rollers 214 and track 216 is similar to the interaction of rollercoaster wheels and their associated track. In operation, small vertical rollers 214c ride against the side edge of top plate 204 (as can be seen in FIGS. 17a and 30a), small horizontal rollers 214b ride against the underside of top plate 204 (as can be seen in FIG. 30a), and the large horizontal roller 214a rides on the top of top plate 204 (as can be seen in FIG. 30a). This allows the moving tower 202 to travel from one end of the track assembly 200 to the other. As is described above, this rolling movement takes place when the platform 13 is folded and pulls the first vertical arm 42, and, therefore, the moving tower 202 inwardly.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for use in conjunction with a vehicle having a floor. The lift includes a power actuating system, a platform assembly having first and second platform sections, and a linking assembly connecting the power actuating system to the platform assembly. The linking assembly includes first and second vertical arms connected to the platform assembly. The platform assembly is movable between a fully extended configuration, a pre-stowed position and a stowed position. The first and second vertical arms are a first distance apart when the platform assembly is in the fully extended configuration and the pre-stowed position and a second distance apart when the platform assembly is in the stowed position. The second distance is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A cam-actuated locking system for the inboard barrier of a wheelchair lift is provided. The lift includes a linkage system having a push arm and a slide block. The push arm includes a sliding member with a first keyhole, and a fixed member with a second keyhole. A lock mechanism is pivotally coupled to the sliding member, and includes a keyhole insert. The second keyhole of the fixed member cooperates with the first keyhole and the lock mechanism so that when the keyhole insert of the lock mechanism inserts into the aligned keyholes of the fixed and sliding members, the inboard barrier is locked in a barrier position.

Abstract: A lighted vehicle access apparatus and method are disclosed, wherein one or more lights coupled to a movable platform are positioned to illuminate the platform. In some embodiments, the lights are in a fixed position with respect to the platform (and therefore movable with respect to the vehicle), while in other embodiments, the lights are movable with respect to the platform in movement of the platform between stowed and deployed positions and/or between raised and lowered positions with respect to the vehicle. The lights can be coupled to one or more arm assemblies of the vehicle access apparatus, to one or more handles of the vehicle access apparatus, or in other locations. Also, the lights can be electroluminescent light elements, bulbs, or other types of light-emitting devices.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift system having a stacking platform for use in conjunction with a vehicle. The wheelchair lift platform includes a first portion with an elongated support having fixed and moveable platform sections and a linear actuator powerable for moving between outboard and inboard positions. When stored in an upright, vertical orientation, one section of the platform is stored in a stacking or overlapping fashion behind the other section and stored upright inside the vehicle. Upon deploying the platform to its horizontal orientation, the two sections of the platform form one continuously coplanar lifting platform with the moveable platform section moving relative to the fixed platform section. A linkage system couples the moveable platform section for linear movement with the linear actuator for an orientation with the moveable platform section stowed as being stacked or overlapping with the fixed platform section.

Abstract: A vehicle wheelchair access system with a platform which includes a right-side vertical arm and a left-side vertical arm, both having elongated supports with a first and second portion. The first portions of the elongated supports are pivotably coupled with the vertical arms, which operate to deploy the platform structure. A moveable platform section is coupled intermediate to the right-side and left-side elongated supports for movement between the first and second portions of the right-side and left-side elongated supports. A linkage connects the moveable platform section for movement with the actuator between a stowed and a deployed orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus mounted in the luggage compartment of a car and holding a collapsed wheelchair parallel to the rear door of the car. The apparatus comprises a base unit; a horizontal motion mechanism (HMM), and a vertical motion mechanism (VMM). The HMM includes a strong frame mounted by one end thereof to the base unit for horizontal rotation, and by the other end thereof to the VMM, a system of levers and one drive. The HMM performs about half-circle horizontal rotation of the strong frame out of the luggage compartment and, simultaneously, about quarter-circle horizontal rotation of the VMM in the opposite direction, whereby the VMM with the wheelchair is positioned outside of the car. By means of a lever mechanism and a second drive, the VMM transports the wheelchair to the front door of the car.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lift and carrier assembly for a personal-transportation vehicle includes a deck frame, a platform, and a trolley assembly mounted on the deck frame. The trolley assembly includes a drive nut, a motor for rotating the drive nut, and a drive screw threadably coupled to the drive nut so that rotation of the drive nut causes the platform and the drive motor to translate linearly in relation to the deck frame. The lift and carrier assembly also includes an arm assembly mounted on the trolley system and comprising a first and a second arm member, and an actuator pivotally coupled to the first and second arm members for moving the first and second arm members so that first and second arm members move the platform between an upper and a lower position in relation to the deck frame.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift (10) for a vehicle is disclosed. The wheelchair lift includes a lift platform assembly (13) coupled to a frame (18). The wheelchair lift also includes a reciprocating assembly (12) in communication with the lift platform to reciprocate the lift platform between a raised position and a lowered position. A locking mechanism (47) is coupled to the frame and lockingly engages a portion of the reciprocating assembly (34) to maintain communication between the reciprocating assembly and the lift platform if a portion of the reciprocating assembly fails.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lifting device includes a mounting column having a first major portion extending in a first direction, and a second major portion fixedly coupled to the first major portion and extending in a second direction. The lifting device also comprises a lifting arm rotatably mounted on the second major portion of the mounting column and having a first hole formed therein for receiving a pin, a bracket fixedly coupled to the second portion of the mounting column and having a second hole formed therein for receiving the pin so that the pin restrains the lifting arm from substantial rotation about the second major portion of the mounting column, and a retaining member secured to the second major portion of the mounting column so that the bracket and the retaining member restrain the lifting arm from substantial movement in the second direction.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for a chair device, such as a wheelchair, that is intended to engaged the frame of the wheelchair and lift and lower the wheelchair between a ground engaging position and an elevated position. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm having one end secured within and moveable with respect to a vehicle. The lift arm has another end which can extend outwardly of the vehicle to engage the chair device. The lift arm has a lift plate disposed adjacent the other end of the lift arm, which is intended to mate with or couple the frame of the wheelchair. The lift arm is in communication with an actuator which controls the movement of the lift arm between the ground engaging position and the elevated position. The lift mechanism utilizes a universal coupling system to effectuate elevation in vehicular transportation or architectural setting.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift and lateral transport apparatus has a lift assembly operable to elevate a platform supporting a wheelchair from a first ground position to a second elevated position adjacent a side of a motor vehicle. A headrest is mounted on the upper end of the lift assembly. A lateral transport assembly mounted on the vehicle floor and secured to the lift assembly operates to move the lift assembly and wheelchair on the platform from the second position to a third position. The lift assembly lowers the platform from the third position onto anchor pins secured to the floor of the vehicle to locate the person in the wheelchair in the vehicle driver's position.

Abstract: A lift assembly 20 includes an enclosure 24 secured to the bottom floor F of the baggage compartment BC, a carriage 28 reciprocally mounted within the enclosure 24, and a lift platform 32 pivotally coupled to the carriage 28. The lift platform 32 may be equipped with a variety of safety features, such as a ramp barrier, a bridge barrier, a pair of handrails, and combinations thereof for providing protection and a sense of security for a passenger while on the lift platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inside vehicle lift for transferring a load through a rear door opening of a vehicle. The lift comprises a load platform for receiving the load. The load platform is horizontally movable between a loading position with the load platform being disposed behind a rear bumper of the vehicle and a transport position inside the vehicle. Lift actuators move vertically a lift support base with the load platform between a first vertical position with the load platform being in close proximity to ground and a second vertical position suitable for horizontally moving the load platform into the vehicle. The inside vehicle lift is highly beneficial for installation in minivans and SUVs enabling loading of a large number of different commercially available scooters.

Abstract: A dual function, inboard barrier/bridgeplate assembly for wheelchair lifts having a stowable platform, the barrier being pivotably secured to the inboard end of the lift 5 platform, which barrier is actuated by a link to variously raise the barrier to a safety position and lower it to a bridging position in accordance with the position of the platform. The dual function barrier/bridgeplate system is particularly useful in combination with a parallelogram type lift employing an articulated lever assembly having a sliding block for leveraging the platform from a horizontal transfer orientation to a vertical, or over-vertical stowage position.

Abstract: A coupling device for a chair device, such as a wheelchair includes a bracket that is intended to be integrally incorporated in the chair device frame or secured to the frame of the wheelchair. The bracket has an attachment system formed by various elements thereof, which is intended for mating with a corresponding engagement device associated with a lift mechanism or a securing position. The attachment system is intended to mate with the corresponding engagement device to allow the wheelchair to be secured in position and then lifted to or lowered from an elevated position within a transportation vehicle or architectural setting while the wheelchair is occupied. The attachment system is additionally intended to universally mate to a corresponding engagement device for securing of a wheelchair in position.

Abstract: The lift apparatus includes a forward and rearward moving rail member mounted to a roof panel within a vehicle body to extend rearward from a position of a driver's seat by a predetermined distance. A leftward and rightward moving rail member is mounted to the roof panel to extend sideward from a rear end of the forward and rearward moving rail member by a preselected distance. A lifter is movable along the forward and rearward moving rail member and the leftward and rightward moving rail member and capable of lifting and holding the seat and lowering and releasing the seat. A rotating device is installed at an intersection of the forward and rearward moving rail member and the leftward and rightward moving rail member, for rotating the lifter by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A passenger lift includes a lift platform that operates between a generally vertical stowed position in a motor vehicle, a substantially horizontal position at the height of the vehicle floor, and a position resting on the ground. The passenger lift is actuated by hydraulic cylinders responsive to hydraulic pressure and fluid flow from a hydraulic pump driven by a DC electric motor, in cooperation with direction and flow control components. A power-dissipating resistor is switched into and out of series with the motor to effect selected two-speed operation of the motor, the pump, the actuating cylinders and the passenger lift platform, such that one speed is used for deployment and retraction of the lift platform from and to the stowed position, and the second speed is used to raise and lower the lift platform and passenger between the vehicle and the ground.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift and lateral transport apparatus has a lift assembly operable to elevate a platform supporting a wheelchair from a first ground position to a second elevated position adjacent a side of a motor vehicle. A headrest is mounted on the upper end of the lift assembly. A lateral transport assembly mounted on the vehicle floor and secured to the lift assembly operates to move the lift assembly and wheelchair on the platform from the second position to a third position. The lift assembly lowers the platform from the third position onto anchor pins secured to the floor of the vehicle to locate the person in the wheelchair in the vehicle driver's position.

Abstract: An access system for passenger boarding of a vehicle is provided. The access system includes a frame mounted to the vehicle. A transfer member is movably mounted in the frame. The transfer member is movable with respect to the frame between a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. A first drive assembly is positioned along a first side of the frame and a second drive assembly is positioned along a second side of the frame. A linking member extends between and connects the first drive assembly with the second drive assembly. There is further provided a control assembly that is engageable to at least one of the linking member, the first drive assembly, and the second drive assembly to allow operator selection of a manual or automatic mode for deploying and stowing the transfer member.

Abstract: An extendable ramp apparatus is provided for automatically extending a ramp. The apparatus comprises a generally rectangular frame with a track for movement of a carriage pivotally connected to a ramp along the track. The ramp pivots downwardly as it is extends from the frame until it encounters a surface. A bidirectional motor is provided with a cabling arrangement to reciprocate the carriage and ramp along the track. Shock absorbers may slow the carriage movement as the ramp is extended so that hard contact of the ramp with a surface is minimized. An innovative capstan arrangement provides more rapid movement of the ramp as it retracts but provides more power during ramp extension, so that vertical movement of the ramp is slowed as the ramp is extended. The apparatus may find application in vehicles such as trucks, vans, and boats whenever it is desired to move goods or people between surfaces of different heights, such as a truck bed and the ground.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated lifting and transferring apparatus designed to facilitate the lifting and transfer process of a disabled person into and out of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having a vertical or semi-vertical electric or hydraulic extension arm, a mounting apparatus, a seat belt interlock system or foldaway safety arm, a support member along a plane having a horizontal component with option to pivot from its end point from a horizontal to a substantially vertical axis, and a seat surface with locking device pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis.

Abstract: A marine gangway to enable handicapped users to move between floating and fixed landings may include a gangway ramp extending between the floating and fixed landings, and at least one rail carried by the gangway ramp. The marine gangway may further include a drive unit coupled to the at least one rail and movable between the floating and fixed landings, and a handicapped user lift unit carried by the drive unit and pivoting with respect thereto to be level at at least one of the floating and fixed landings. As such, the lift unit may remain level in a loading/unloading position at the floating or fixed landing despite changes in inclination of the gangway ramp, which prevents damage to the lift unit as a result thereof.

Abstract: A combination elevator and stairway may be installed beneath a set of stairs and includes a lift mechanism which raises and lowers a platform or enclosed car and a pivoting stairway. The lift may be hydraulically or electrically actuated and may include a telescoping lift mechanism or scissor mechanism.

Abstract: In a movable seat for a vehicle, there are provided a seat body shiftable between inside and outside the vehicle passenger compartment, a seating member attached to the seat body to be movable between a first position where a sitter such as a humanoid biped robot is seated or unseated and a second position where the sitter is maintained seated, such that a location of a center of gravity of the sitter, when seated in the first position, with respect to a position of feet of the sitter is in a predetermined relationship, and a controller controlling an actuator to move the seating member toward one of the first and second positions in response to the inputted instruction, thereby enabling reliable seating, unseating, boarding and alighting, not only of elderly persons and others requiring special care but also of the humanoid robot.

Abstract: An improved hoist is disclosed to reposition a load relative to a vehicle compartment such as a trunk of a vehicle. The hoist comprises a base for location on a generally horizontal lower surface of the vehicle compartment. A horizontal telescoping shaft has a first and second distal end extending from opposed sides of the base for engaging with opposed generally vertical surfaces of the vehicle compartment. A horizontal expander coacts between the first and second distal ends for applying a horizontal engaging force between the opposed generally vertical surfaces of the vehicle compartment for horizontally stabilizing the base within the vehicle compartment. A vertical telescoping shaft having a distal end extends vertically from the improved hoist for engaging with a upper generally horizontal surface of the vehicle compartment.

Abstract: A apparatus such as a stretcher or guerney, and method, for engaging acquiring and transporting an injured person or some other person or object. The apparatus comprises a base, housing or frame having a low clearance portion; a first conveyance assembly movably connected to the housing for moving the housing with respect to the ground or another base surface; a second conveyance assembly movably connected to the housing for moving the person or object with respect to the housing; and a power member for moving the first and second conveyance assemblies. The apparatus is liftable by other persons to transport the person or object to another location. The method comprises the steps of moving a housing having a low clearance portion so that the low clearance portion moves toward and under the person or object; and moving the person or object relative to the housing. The device and method are mechanized and substantially automated. The device moves so that the person or object remains stationary during loading.

Abstract: A drive mechanism under the floor of a minivan is coupled to the folding ramp by a rotating arm linkage, also located beneath the floor. The extension of the folding ramp is partially controlled by dynamic braking, i.e. using the electric motor as a generator and coupling the motor to an electrical load.

Abstract: A foldable wheelchair ramp is disclosed having a mountable base, a first ramp section and a second ramp section. In an extended configuration, the first and second ramp sections form a single, continuous ramp for facilitating wheelchair access to vehicles. For convenient storage, the first and second ramp sections fold with respect to each other and preferably retract into the vehicle floor such that, in the folded configuration, the top surface of the second ramp section lies substantially in the same plane as the vehicle floor. A linking assembly is provided to facilitate and control the folding of the ramp sections. For safety purposes, the ramp also includes a lid that covers the gaps between the ramp and the vehicle floor when the ramp is in an extended position.

Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. A trailing arm-type wheel support supports a stub axle in a cantilevered fashion. A spring urges the wheel support apart from the frame. A planar portion of the wheel support, the wheel support pivot joints, and the spring are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In another embodiment, the frame includes a recessed pocket which facilitates use of ramp for wheel chair access.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift (20) for a vehicle is disclosed. The wheelchair lift includes a lift platform (22) coupled to a support structure (32) by an attachment assembly (74). The lift platform is reciprocal between a stowed position and an extended position, wherein the lift platform is coplanar with a first plane. The wheelchair lift also includes a redundant support assembly (80) in communication with the lift platform to provide secondary support of the lift platform when the lift platform is in the extended position and to maintain the lift platform in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane if a portion of the attachment assembly fails.

Abstract: A vehicle seat 1 includes a seat unit, a lift-up unit and a long-sliding unit. The lift-up unit moves the seat unit between an interior and an exterior of a vehicle via a door opening portion that corresponds to a passenger seat position. The long-sliding unit moves the seat unit between a driver's seat position and the fellow passenger seat position. The lift-up unit moves the seat unit downward when the seat unit is positioned at the driver's seat position, so that the seat unit is located at a suitable position for driving.

Abstract: A convertible wheelchair is provided along with a separable lift module for engaging and elevating the convertible wheelchair to a selected elevation. A coupling assembly is operative associated with the lift module and adapted to extend therefrom to where the coupling assembly attaches to the convertible wheelchair. In one embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a three-point attachment that results in the wheelchair being connected to the coupling assembly and hence the separable lift system at three points. Once coupled to the lift system, the convertible wheelchair, with a patient supported therein, can be raised to a selected elevation. Thereafter, the wheelchair can be converted from a chair configuration to any one of several examination configurations.

Abstract: An access system for passenger boarding of a vehicle is provided. The access system includes a frame mounted to the vehicle. A ramp is movably mounted in the frame. The ramp is movable with respect to the frame between a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The ramp includes side barriers extending therealong between an inboard end and an outboard end of the ramp. The side barriers are movable between a stowed orientation and a raised safety barrier orientation by an actuator. The vehicular access system includes a frame positioned below the floor level of a vehicle to which a carriage is moveably mounted. The ramp or transfer member is attached to the carriage by a pivoting rocker assembly. A drive assembly deploys and stows the ramp from the frame. An actuator is moveable between a raised safety barrier orientation and a stowed low-profile orientation with a side barrier that is pivotably mounted and spring biased toward the stowed low-profile orientation.

Abstract: A system for transferring a body from a first surface to a second surface, with substantially no agitation of the body, is provided. The system comprises a housing having a substantially planar top portion configured to support the body and a substantially planar bottom portion configured to engage either of the first or the second surface. A first translation means is operatively disposed at the top portion a second translation means is operatively disposed at the bottom portion. The second translation means is configured to transfer the system between the surfaces, with or without the body. The first translation means is configured burrow between the first surface and the body.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) having a frame attachable to a vehicle having a floor is disclosed. The ramp assembly further includes a platform coupled to a portion of the frame, a ramp having a weight, and a reciprocating mechanism disposed between the ramp and the platform coupled to a portion of the frame. The ramp assembly also includes a reciprocating mechanism disposed between the ramp and the platform for reciprocating the ramp between a deployed position and a stowed position in response to a load. The reciprocating mechanism counterbalancing the weight of the ramp during actuation of the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions to reduce the load required to reciprocate the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions.

Abstract: A presently-preferred device for securing a personal-transport vehicle to a platform comprises a trunnion member adapted to be fixedly coupled to the personal-transport device and comprising a first and a second trunnion. The presently-preferred device also comprises a receptacle comprising a yoke arm adapted to be fixedly coupled to the platform and comprising two side panels each having a slot formed therein. The receptacle further comprises two hook levers pivotally coupled to the respective side panels. The hook levers are pivotally biased so that the hook levers contact respective trunnions and interfere with movement thereof toward open ends of the slots when the platform is in an upper position, whereby the trunnion member is secured to the receptacle.

Abstract: An object is provided, which has a portion to be in contact with a human's skin when used, and can suppress irritation of the human's skin. A skin-contact portion of the object to be in contact with the human's skin when used is coated with a carbon film. For example, the carbon-film-coated object is glasses having ear pieces of temples and node pads coated at least partially with carbon films having a function of suppressing skin irritation.

Abstract: A portable support apparatus designed to support and transfer people with disabilities in a variety of environments. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having two legs on a horizontal plane, containing four pivoting casters, pivoting along a vertical axis from a main cross member on a horizontal plane, a vertical support and handle pivoting about a horizontal axis, a locking pin to secure the vertical support when in the vertical position, attachment pins for supporting a portable patient lift or other device, and a motion-limiting device and interlock to constrain the movement of the lifting and transferring apparatus.

Abstract: A ramp deployment control system includes a controller, a kneeling motor operatively coupled to the controller and a ramp motor operatively coupled to the controller. The controller energizes the kneeling motor to kneel or stand a vehicle and energizes the ramp motor to deploy or stow a ramp. The controller is operatively coupled to a communication pathway, and a door control system is operatively coupled to the controller. The door control system is operable to monitor and control operation of a door. A standard control module is operatively coupled to the communication pathway and is operable to send door operation commands on the communication pathway. The controller selectively delays execution of the door operation commands by the door control system while operating the ramp motor to deploy or stow the ramp.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for installation in a vehicle includes a ramp platform having a stowed configuration in the vehicle, a deployed configuration extending from the vehicle, and a lift and lock mechanism. The lift and lock mechanism is configured to lock the ramp platform in place when the platform is in a stowed configuration and to facilitate the lifting of the platform when the platform is deployed.

Abstract: A lifting device for a vehicle comprises a rail chassis which can be fitted transversely across the vehicle in a luggage compartment underneath a load deck of a vehicle, and a carriage assembly which extends outwardly of the vehicle, along the chassis, the carriage assembly comprising an inner frame and an outer frame which operate telescopically in a vertical direction, to carry a load platform between a raised and lowered position, in which at lower position the load platform is at ground level, and in which at raised position, the load platform is at a same level as a passenger deck of the vehicle. The lifting device saves space, due to its vertical installation in a luggage compartment underneath a passenger deck, and is easily installed by fitment directly to the floor of the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: An underfloor lift assembly (1) includes a saddle member (3) fully mounted in an underfloor cavity (3a) and adapted slidably to receive a stowage box (4). The stowage box (4) provides a further location for a lifting mechanism (5), in a stowed condition. In use, the lifting mechanism (5) is extended in a telescopic manner from the stowage box (4). Concomitantly, the stowage box (4) is extended in a telescopic manner from the saddle member (3).

Abstract: A dual function, inboard barrier/bridgeplate assembly for wheelchair lifts having a stowable platform, the barrier being pivotably secured to the inboard end of the lift platform, which barrier is actuated by a link to variously raise the barrier' to a safety position and lower it to a bridging position in accordance with the position of the platform. The dual function barrier/bridgeplate system is particularly useful in combination with a parallelogram type lift employing an articulated lever assembly having a sliding block for leveraging the platform from a horizontal transfer orientation to a vertical, or over-vertical stowage position.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift (10) for a vehicle is disclosed. The wheelchair lift includes a lift platform assembly (13) coupled to a frame (18). The wheelchair lift also includes a reciprocating assembly (12) in communication with the lift platform to reciprocate the lift platform between a raised position and a lowered position. A locking mechanism (47) is coupled to the frame and lockingly engages a portion of the reciprocating assembly (34) to maintain communication between the reciprocating assembly and the lift platform if a portion of the reciprocating assembly fails.

Abstract: A wheelchair vehicle access system, wherein the wheelchair has a detachable seat connected to a carriage, and the vehicle has a folding ramp and a pathway for movement of the seat. The carriage locks onto the ramp and the seat is detached and moved on the vehicle pathway to a desired location, where it is secured in place. The ramp is then folded, which brings the carriage into the vehicle. To unload, the ramp is extended, the seat is released and rolled back onto the carriage.