Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle lift for a vehicle having a door opening and a floor. The personal mobility vehicle lift includes a platform for supporting a personal mobility vehicle (PMV) thereatop. An upright preferably telescoping lift mechanism raises and lowers the platform in an up and down motion. An elongated stationary frame member is structured for connection atop and oriented preferably parallel to the floor of the vehicle. An elongated moveable frame member is connected to the stationary frame member preferably for reciprocal lengthwise movement. The moveable frame member is connected to the lift mechanism for reciprocal lengthwise movement. A drive mechanism operably interconnects the stationary and moveable members and the lift member whereby, when the platform is in the upper position, the platform is moveable from its outside position through the door opening into the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for supporting a wheelchair bound passenger and for moving the passenger between ground level and an opening in a vehicle. The wheelchair lift includes a platform and pivotal mechanism engaging the platform as well as a bridge plate for assuming a horizontal orientation to enable the passenger to proceed through the vehicle opening and a vertical orientation to act as a roll stop as the platform proceeds between the ground and the vehicle opening. The bridge plate includes a non-linear channel configured within its side which engages a pivotal mechanism which includes an upper parallelogram structure and hydraulic apparatus to move the upper parallelogram structure to move the platform. Also included is a lower parallelogram structure which is in sliding engagement with the upper parallelogram structure during at least a portion of the motion when the platform is moved between the ground and the vehicle opening.

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 presently-preferred embodiment of a lift and carrier assembly for a personal-transport vehicle comprises a lifting column, an actuator mechanism adapted to lift the lifting column, a pivot plate rotatably coupled to the lifting column, a platform fixedly coupled to the pivot plate, a cam follower coupled to the pivot plate, and a cam member being fixed in relation to the lifting column so that lifting of the lifting column causes the cam follower to contact the cam member thereby generating a contact force between the cam follower and the cam member. The cam follower is biased so that the contact force prevents the cam follower from being lifted when a weight acting on the platform is below a predetermined value thereby causing the pivot plate to rotate about the lifting column in response to the lifting of the lifting column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydraulic circuit capable of independently controlling a plurality of hydraulic cylinders or actuators. The hydraulic circuit includes a set of independently energizable valves fluidically positioned in the circuit and capable of, when selectively energized and de-energized, functionally isolating specific circuit elements. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydraulic circuit for independently controlling the stowage functions, vertical movement, and rollstop operations of a wheelchair-lifting platform. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a wheelchair lifting platform having a lifting cylinder and a rollstop cylinder and incorporating a hydraulic circuit capable of independently actuating and controlling the respective cylinders.

Abstract: A combination trailer and ramp assembly (20) is provided. The combination trailer and ramp assembly includes a trailer (24) having a floor assembly (30) including an upper surface, a lower surface, and a length. The trailer further includes first and second sidewalls (32) extending from the floor assembly, and a side door (34) located in at least one of the first and second sidewalls. The combination trailer and ramp assembly further includes a ramp assembly (26) slidably disposed on the lower surface of the trailer for reciprocating movements between a stowed position, where the ramp assembly is stowed underneath the floor assembly, and a deployed position, where the ramp assembly extends along an axis substantially parallel to the length of the floor assembly to permit access to the side door of the trailer.

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: The invention provides a vehicle door assembly including two entrances. Both entrances are surrounded by a frame assembly for mounting on the vehicle. One of the entrances is at about the height of the vehicle floor, while the other is lower than the vehicle floor and opens into a stairwell that leads up and into the vehicle. The floor-level door may be suitable for use with an appliance for assisting passengers to enter the vehicle, such as a lift or a ramp. The door assembly includes doors for closing the entrances. The door assembly may be mass-produced as a modular component and mounted on a conventional vehicle that has been specially modified to accept the door assembly.

Abstract: A linear translation thrust system for moving an object from one location to another that includes at least two platforms and pivotally connected members. The distance between one platform and the second is varied by inflating and deflating an inflatable bladder. The linear translation thrust system may also include a conduit for coupling the exhaust system of a vehicle to the interior of the bladder so that the exhaust pressure of the vehicle inflates the bladder.

Abstract: A linear translation thrust system for moving an object from one location to another that includes at least two platforms and pivotally connected members. The distance between one platform and the second is varied by inflating and deflating an inflatable bladder. The linear translation thrust system may also include a conduit for coupling the exhaust system of a vehicle to the interior of the bladder so that the exhaust pressure of the vehicle inflates the bladder.

Abstract: A patient lifter has a patient support platform that made be lowered until it touches the floor. Once in this position, it is a simple matter for a single person to place a patient who is prone on the floor onto the patient platform. Once on the platform, the patient support platform can be raised to a height sufficient to transfer the patient onto a bed or chair. The invention has many different devices for raising and lowering the patient support platform which may be chosen. The device is provided with wheels so that it may be easily transported to the site of the patient and be used to move the patient from place to place.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a vehicle has a parallelogram support for a platform foldable on a horizontal axis and hinged on a vertical axis. A hydraulic cylinder extends between end points that are spaced from the apices of members coupled as a parallelogram, the end points being on a line that is inclined outwardly (when the lift is retracted) and/or downwardly (when the lift is lowered). Barriers are coupled mechanically to the parallelogram members so as to deploy when the lift is first displaced from its stowed/retracted position. The barriers have a lost motion aspect whereby if a user is located in the deployment path and obstructs the deployment of the barrier(s), for example, the barrier moves up to the obstruction and stops against it while the lift can continue to move.

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 loading ramp structure is provided which is constructed out of a plurality of relatively small and rectangular links that are joined end to end to form a span of any desired length. The manner in which these links are joined together allows the span to be rolled up for storage when it is not in use and to be unrolled to form a ridged span when it is to be employed in the loading or unloading of wheeled load materials such as small supplementary vehicles.

Abstract: A patient transfer platform that is used by the patient to lift himself/herself using his/her upper body strength to a supported position on a non-slip platform rollable on lockable wheels or casters which is then easily maneuvered about even when supporting the patient so that many partially disabled persons could remain in their homes with their families instead of being institutionalized. A method of transferring a patient that utilizes the patient transfer platform is also provided. The patient transfer platform includes a patient support deck assembly, a support frame having four frame legs secured to the patient support deck assembly and a rear trailing arm assembly secured to the patient support deck assembly.

Abstract: A wheelchair lifting apparatus for raising, lowering, and tilting a wheelchair to allow a hairdresser to work on a person's hair while sitting in a wheelchair. The wheelchair lifting apparatus includes a base member for resting upon a floor; and also includes a lift assembly being mounted upon the base member and including hydraulic members, and also including a lift lever being movably disposed in the base member for moving the hydraulic members vertically, and further including a tilt lever being movably disposed in the base member for independently moving the hydraulic members vertically; and further including a bracket assembly being mounted upon the hydraulic members for fastening a wheelchair to the hydraulic members.

Abstract: A transfer device includes an upper mechanism and a lower mechanism associated with the upper mechanism. The upper mechanism includes a first endless belt that circulates in forward and reverse directions. The lower mechanism includes a second endless belt that circulates in forward and reverse directions independently of the first endless belt. The first and the second endless belts are selectively brought into and out of engagement with each other.

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 wheelchair ramp assembly (20) is disclosed. The wheelchair ramp assembly includes a frame attachable to a vehicle having a floor, 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, a ramp having a weight, and 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 force. The reciprocating mechanism counterbalancing the weight of the ramp during actuation of the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions to reduce the force required to reciprocate the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions.

Abstract: A convertible lift mechanism for moving an object from a lower surface to a vertically displaced upper surface includes a number of retractable stairs. Each of the number of retractable stairs includes a stepping surface and is horizontally movable between a position received into an opening defined in a vertical wall between the upper and lower surfaces, and a position extending out of the opening. The convertible lift mechanism also includes a lift platform which is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The convertible lift mechanism also includes a number of vertical screw drive mechanisms each including a driven lift nut that is secured to the lift platform. Actuation of the number of vertical screw drive mechanisms causes movement of the lift platform between the lowered position and the raised position. A method of operating a convertible lift mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift having a foldable platform including a first platform portion foldably coupled to a second platform portion, a lifting frame, at least one lifting arm with one end pivotally coupled to the lifting frame and the other end connected to the second platform portion and adapted to pivot the lifting arm between a substantially vertical stowed position and a substantially horizontal deployed position. A post extends from the lifting arm and a locking assembly is pivotably coupled to the lifting frame. The locking assembly includes a lever arm pivotably coupled to the lifting frame, a gas spring extending between the lever arm and the lifting frame which operates to resist pivoting of the lever arm, and a mechanical spring extending between the lever arm and the lifting frame which exerts a biasing force operating to pivot the lever arm to engage the post.

Abstract: In a device for transfering especially a person sitting in a wheel-chair between a platform and a passenger department of a vehicle having a floor on a higher level than the platform a first floor surface (5) is arranged inside the vehicle closest to an entrance (2) into the vehicle from a platform side and arranged on substantially the same level as the platform. Power means are adapted to move a support surface (6) arranged inside the vehicle and reachable through the first floor surface (5) between platform level and the level of the floor of the passenger department so as to join a first floor surface and a second floor surface (10) leading to the passenger department or belonging thereto, respectively. A staircase (8) is arranged between the two levels beside the support surface (6) and directly reachable through the first floor surface (5) as well as the second floor surface (10) independently of the position of the support surface (6).

Abstract: A lift gate assembly particularly adapted for use in a vehicle having a side opening. The assembly includes a platform that folds and pivots to the interior of the vehicle when in a stored mode. When deployed, the platform pivots to the exterior of the vehicle and unfolds. A telescoping column allows movement of the unfolded platform between upper and lower levels. Movement of the platform may be accomplished by employing hydraulic means.

Abstract: A powered vehicular wheelchair lift with an automatic folding platform assembly for persons who are physically challenged or otherwise have limited mobility. The wheelchair lift is used in conjunction with a vehicle having an opening and a floor. The wheelchair lift includes a mounting assembly mounted to the vehicle floor adjacent to the vehicle opening. A power actuating system includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted on opposite sides of a pair of relative parallelogram linkage structures of the wheelchair lift. The wheelchair lift has a foldable platform assembly which includes two platform plates pivotably connected along their adjacent transverse edges, where the platform assembly moves from a stowed position inside the vehicle to an entry position at the vehicle opening and inversely (i.e., from the entry level position to the stowed position), and moves the platform assembly between the entry level position and a ground level position outside the vehicle and inversely (i.e.

Abstract: A lift-up mechanism (50, 150) installed inside a vehicle serves to move a seat unit (10, 110) into or out of the vehicle. The seat unit (10, 110) is used as a passenger seat inside the vehicle and as a wheelchair outside the vehicle. Connecting plates (56, 156) are disposed on the lift-up mechanism (50, 150) permit the lift-up mechanism (50, 150) to be connected to the seat unit (10, 110) by inserting the connecting plates into connecting recesses (40, 140) formed in the seat unit (10, 110). Front wheels (60, 160) and rear wheels (70, 170) of the seat unit (10, 110) can be retracted and extended. A drive unit having an electric motor or similar drive may be provided to retract and extend the front wheels (60, 160) and the rear wheels (70, 170). An attitude changing arrangement may be provided to automatically change the attitude of the front wheels (60, 160) when the front wheels (60, 160) and the rear wheels (70, 170) are retracted.

Abstract: Lifting device (1) for disabled people in wheelchairs and children's pushchairs, comprising a supporting frame (2), permanently applied to a motor vehicle or a fixed installation, and a sliding foldaway platform (3) moving between a retracted position and an extracted position, with respect to said supporting frame (2). The platform (3) can also move in said extracted position, between a lowered position and a raised position, by means of an articulated parallelogram linkage system (17). The movements of the platform (3) are achieved by means of electrical actuators (9, 20).

Abstract: An invalid positioning device comprising a support structure, a lifting element which is angularly displaceable about a main horizontal axis relative to the support structure, and a power operated mechanism for pivoting the lifting element about the the main horizontal axis. The power operated mechanism is arranged such that the torque applied by the power operated mechanism decreases as the lifting element moves away from one extreme position and increases again as the lifting element approaches its other extreme position and such that the angular speed of the lifting element increases as it moves away from one extreme position and decreases as it approaches its other extreme position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lifting device for low-weight loads, and may have a lift and tilt arrangement comprising one single lift arm and one single tilt arm. In that case those arms can either be located centrally in relation to the platform or at one of its sides. Two lift arms and two tilt arms together may be used with related link arms, those lift and tilt arms then being suitably journalled on a common horizontal shaft and the link arms on another horizontal shaft, those two shafts extending transversely to the load-supporting portion of the platform.

Abstract: A wheelchair system for transferring a handicapped person onto an automobile seat includes a wheeled chassis whose front end is rolled beneath an automobile door opening, a horizontally extending base member, and a rotatable mounting mechanism for the base member. The rotatable mounting mechanism includes a first actuating linkage and a first driven member therefor. The wheelchair system also includes a chair supporting frame located centrally of the chassis and removably mounted on the base member. This chair supporting frame includes an adjusting mechanism for vertically adjusting a support thereof. A handle assembly is removably mounted to the chassis and includes a second linkage for rotating the first driven member. This second linkage includes a removable driving member which removably connects to the first driven member as the handle is removed and connected to the chassis, and a second driven member at an opposite end thereof.

Abstract: A wheelchair accessible amusement ride having a solid non-moving base to which a body that rocks back and forth on the base is mounted. The interior of the body is supplied with a seat that may move between a first position for use with able bodied children who may sit in the seat and operate the controls of the ride and a second forward stowed position allowing the interior compartment to give access to a wheelchair and wheelchair bound individual. The seat is mounted to a series of rails allowing the seat to easily be moved and locked between the two positions. The device is further equipped with a rear gate that may be dropped and used as a ramp to load a wheelchair and wheelchair bound individual into the device prior to closing the gate and containing the wheelchair and handicapped individual for the ride, thus allowing wheelchair bound children the same chance to have experience with these rides as able bodies children and adults.

Abstract: A modular cable bridging assembly has a cable protector with side ramps, and a series of channels extending between its ends to receive cables or the like. End connectors enable the cable protectors to be attached together in series to any desired length. Secondary ramps can be removably attached over each side ramp of a cable protector for handicapped access. Each secondary ramp has a base extending laterally beyond the side ramp, and an upper surface extending over the side ramp having a slope that is less than that of the underlying side ramp. A secondary ramp connector is used to removably attach the secondary ramp to the cable protector. Edge rails can be removably attached to the secondary ramps for safety and structural rigidity.

Abstract: An articulated ramp assembly is mounted in housing (22) fixed beneath floor (108) and aligned with a door opening of vehicle (100). Ramp body (12) is articulated along its length and movable along a predetermined trajectory path between an extended position and a retracted position by drive arrangement (20). In the extended position, ramp body (12) extends from floor (108) to ground (106), and in the retracted position, ramp body (12) is contained within housing (22). Drive arrangement (20) includes a reversible motor coupled to an endless chain drive (24) having sprockets (26-44) for moving ramp body (12) along a guide (48) to follow the trajectory path.

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: Foldaway ramp for the access of disabled people's wheelchairs and children's pushchairs aboard vehicles with low floors, comprising a platform, displaceable between a retracted position and an extracted position, with respect to a supporting frame, provided underneath the floor. Cams are provided for controlling slant of the platform, during the final phase of its displacement towards the extracted position, from a position parallel to the floor to a position which is slanted downwards, where the front edge of the platform rests on the ground, and the return of the platform to the position in which it is parallel to the floor during the initial phase of its displacement towards the retracted position, by effect respectively of raising and lowering the rear side of the platform operated by the cams.

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 for supporting a wheelchair bound passenger and for moving the passenger between ground level and an opening in a vehicle. The wheelchair lift includes a platform and pivotal mechanism engaging the platform as well as a bridge plate for assuming a horizontal orientation to enable the passenger to proceed through the vehicle opening and a vertical orientation to act as a roll stop as the platform proceeds between the ground and the vehicle opening. The bridge plate includes a non-linear channel configured within its side which engages a pivotal mechanism which includes an upper parallelogram structure and hydraulic apparatus to move the upper parallelogram structure to move the platform. Also included is a lower parallelogram structure which is in sliding engagement with the upper parallelogram structure during at least a portion of the motion when the platform is moved between the ground and the vehicle opening.

Abstract: The disabled person lifting apparatus permits an object, such as a wheelchair user, to be moved between a first position and a second position in which the first and second positions are at different vertical distances. For a vehicle wheelchair lifting apparatus, the first position may a ground level and the second position may be at the height of the door of the vehicle so that the disabled person may enter the vehicle. When the lifting apparatus is not being used, it may be stored underneath the vehicle or in the floor of the vehicle. The lifting apparatus may include a pair of lifting arms at each side of a lifting platform that are driven by an electrical motor or a hydraulic ram. The lifting apparatus may move in a vertical direction with no horizontal movement.

Abstract: A stairlift device comprises passenger carrying means, substantially linear guide means, transporting means, and attachment means, said attachment means being adapted to enable the guide means to be attached to a section of a vehicle, thereby allowing for operation of the stairlift device whilst in attachment to the vehicle, the passenger carrying means being movable along the guide means by the transporting means when the device is in operation.

Abstract: A removable lift assembly for moving a wheelchair or other heavy object over an outdoor set of steps includes:

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting an individual on a wheel chair over land. The vehicle including a support platform with a first end, a second end, a mid-section and generally parallel sides; a first access platform attached to the first end of the support platform, a second access platform attached to the second end of the support platform. A mechanism, such as a pair of endless tracks at fixed location relative to the support platform will preferably be used for propelling the vehicle over land. A movable steering mechanism, such as a joy stick will be moveably attached to the support platform at approximately mid-section of the support platform, so that the vehicle is steerable by the individual on a wheel chair while facing either the first end of the support platform or the second end of the support platform.

Abstract: Mobile device for disabled persons comprising a trolley carrying a vertically displaceable platform designed to bear a wheelchair. The trolley is motor-driven and is equipped with an aligning system to line-up the platform with respect to an access site of the wheelchair. The platform can also be shifted in a transverse direction relative to the trolley and includes a transfer ramp longitudinally displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A lift-up mechanism (50, 150) installed inside a vehicle serves to move a seat unit (10, 110) into or out of the vehicle. The seat unit (10, 110) is used as a passenger seat inside the vehicle and as a wheelchair outside the vehicle. Connecting plates (56, 156) are disposed on the lift-up mechanism (50, 150) permit the lift-up mechanism (50, 150) to be connected to the seat unit (10, 110) by inserting the connecting plates into connecting recesses (40, 140) formed in the seat unit (10, 110). Front wheels (60, 160) and rear wheels (70, 170) of the seat unit (10, 110) can be retracted and extended. A drive unit having an electric motor or similar drive may be provided to retract and extend the front wheels (60, 160) and the rear wheels (70, 170). An attitude changing arrangement may be provided to automatically change the attitude of the front wheels (60, 160) when the front wheels (60, 160) and the rear wheels (70, 170) are retracted.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) for mounting in a low floor bus (22) or other vehicle. The ramp assembly (20) includes a rectangular enclosure (24) that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus (22). The ramp assembly (20) includes a reciprocating mechanism (26) for moving a ramp platform (28) between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism (26) raises the trailing end of the ramp platform (28) in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus (22).

Abstract: A wheelchair lifting platform for transporting a wheelchair passenger into and out of the rear door of a vehicle such as a van. The platform may be folded and stowed beneath the floor of the van behind the rear axle. The platform further includes rollstops pivotally coupled to the ends of the platform and adapted to automatically deploy when the platform is unfolded. A pivoting housing cover is also included that is adapted to open upon deployment of the platform and close upon stowage of the platform in its housing beneath the vehicle.

Abstract: A powered vehicular wheelchair lift with an automatic folding platform assembly for persons who are physically challenged or otherwise have limited mobility. The wheelchair lift is used in conjunction with a vehicle having an opening and a floor. The wheelchair lift includes a mounting assembly mounted to the vehicle floor adjacent to the vehicle opening. A power actuating system includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted on opposite sides of a pair of relative parallelogram linkage structures of the wheelchair lift. The wheelchair lift has a foldable platform assembly which includes two platform plates pivotably connected along their adjacent transverse edges, where the platform assembly moves from a stowed position inside the vehicle to an entry position at the vehicle opening and inversely (i.e., from the entry level position to the stowed position), and moves the platform assembly between the entry level position and a ground level position outside the vehicle and inversely (i.e.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive ramp and cargo system is described that is easily mounted to a standard trailer hitch socket of a vehicle with a rear door or hatch, including a minivan. The ramp can be used to load small sized wheeled vehicles, including occupied wheelchairs, into the interior of the vehicle. The ramp and cargo system is carried outside the vehicle and does not decrease the interior space of the vehicle. The ramp and cargo system can optionally serve as a deck attached to the rear of the vehicle to provide additional cargo space. This external deck can be expanded and partially enclosed with two platform pieces and sidewalls. The ramp and cargo system is inexpensive, light-weight, easy to install and remove, and easy to deploy as a ramp.

Abstract: A hydraulic pool lift is disclosed. The lift has enhanced stability due to its adjustable support assembly, and a reinforced piston rod. A load carrying component is rotated 180° from a deck position to a pool position. A curved track on a hydraulically driven piston guides the displacement of the load carrying component. The track is wider in its straight portions. The wider straight portion closely approximates the width of a notch in an end cap through which the track and piston travel. This arrangement affords greater stability in the uppermost position for ease of loading and unloading the lift.

Abstract: A device and method of loading wheelchair-using passengers includes a passenger platform, a ride vehicle, a lifting device, and a moveable transfer platform. The lifting device is located under the passenger platform and has raised and lowered positions. A moveable transfer platform is affixed to the lifting device when the lifting device is in the raised position. The lifting device is then lowered in the lowered position, wherein a wheelchair-using passenger is secured to the top of the moveable transfer platform. The lifting device then raises the moveable transfer platform and passenger to a raised position. The moveable transfer device is then rolled to a nearby ride vehicle wherein the moveable transfer device and passenger are secured. After completion of the ride, the moveable transfer device is then rolled on top of the lifting device, which is then lowered beneath the platform. The wheelchair-using passenger is then able to simply exit the ride attraction via the platform.

Abstract: A wheelchair shifting aid, mounted on a base of a wheelchair, comprising a seat, a central gliding track, two connecting plates, and several lateral guiding tracks. The seat is mounted on an upper side of the base. The central gliding track is located between the base and the seat, guiding the seat towards a front side of the wheelchair, then towards left and right sides of the wheelchair. The two connecting plates are hingedly connected with the base on two sides thereof, being able to be placed in horizontal positions, forming a single plane with the base. The several lateral guiding tracks are placed on the two connecting plates, guiding the seat to glide on the connecting plates. Thus the seat is guided towards a lateral side of the wheelchair.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an object, such as a wheelchair, between an upper position and a lower position. The upper position is typically adjacent to the floor surface of a vehicle while the lower position is typically at ground level. The apparatus preferably includes a platform including at least three pivotally connected sections. The sections are selectively moveable between an unfolded orientation in which the sections are substantially co-planar and a folded orientation in which the sections form a compact configuration. The apparatus also preferably includes a folding assembly for selectively moving the sections of the platform between the folded orientation and the unfolded orientation, a deployment assembly for selectively deploying and stowing the platform and a lift assembly for selectively moving the platform vertically between the upper position and the lower position.