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.

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.

Abstract: A hand control attachment apparatus, for attaching a hand control member to a steering wheel or the like. A web is extended from a housing of the hand control attachment apparatus. The web member cooperates with an outer surface of the housing so as to secure the hand control attachment apparatus onto the steering wheel or the like. A first end of the web member is secured in a slot of a rotatable bar member which is received in the housing. A second end of the web member loops around a rod which is removably received in the housing. The web member is wound onto the bar member by rotating the bar member so as to tightly secure the hand control attachment apparatus onto the steering wheel or the like. The apparatus is released from the steering wheel by releasing the web member and removing the rod out of the looped end of the web member and the housing. The hand control member is mounted on the housing of the hand control attachment apparatus by a spring member, so as to form a hand control device.

Abstract: A wheelchair lifting platform device for raising or lowering of a wheelchair into or out of a vehicle. The invention includes a barrier safety mechanism which is connected to a wheelchair platform. The barrier safety mechanism includes a barrier plate and an activator flipper plate. The barrier plate extends vertically from, and is positioned substantially perpendicular to, a foldable platform during the raising or lowering of a wheelchair. The barrier plate functions as a safety stop prohibiting the inadvertent rolling of a wheelchair off of the platform. The activator flipper plate is pivotally connected to the platform and to the barrier plate. The activator flipper plate functions to engage a road surface as the platform is lowered, for retraction of the barrier plate as the activator flipper plate engages the ground. The invention additionally includes a latching mechanism for coupling a foldable wheelchair platform to the frame of a wheelchair lift device.