Abstract: A lift is disclosed for ascending and descending between a lower elevation and an upper elevation. The lower elevation has a lower surface and the upper elevation has an upper surface. The lift comprises a main frame coupled to the upper surface. A carrier frame transitions between the lower elevation and the upper elevation. A drive is coupled to the main frame. A linkage extends between the carrier frame and the drive. A linkage block system is coupled to the main frame and engages the linkage for redirecting the direction of the linkage. A drive coupler secures the drive to the main frame. The drive coupler defines an eccentric position relative to the main frame for positioning the drive in an offset orientation relative to the main frame.

Abstract: A retractable staircase is disclosed for ascending and descending between a lower elevation and an upper elevation. The retractable staircase comprises a main frame and staircase pivotally coupled to an upper surface. A drive causes a first lifting displacement defining an ascending compound displacement by simultaneously causing an ascending pivot displacement and an ascending slide displacement of the staircase. The drive causes a second lifting displacement defining only the ascending staircase pivot displacement and the ascending frame pivot displacement. The drive maintains the staircase in the upper elevation. The drive causes a first descending displacement defining only a descending staircase pivot displacement. The drive causes a second descending displacement defining a descending compound displacement by simultaneously causing the descending staircase pivot displacement and the descending slide displacement of the staircase.