Abstract: A wheel chair lift mechanism which can be installed in a storage compartment of a commercial vehicle to assist mobility-impaired persons in their ingress and egress to and from such vehicles is made up of a retractable control mechanism between fixed and movable frames within the storage compartment for selectively advancing a platform assembly between a retracted position within the storage compartment and an extended position outside of the compartment, and a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the platform assembly between a ground level position, raised position aligned with the doorway and a stowed position aligned with the storage compartment.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift mechanism adapted for use particularly in the accessway of a train car is disclosed which comprises a generally planar collapsible platform assembly for receiving a wheelchair and its occupant thereon; a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the platform between first and second elevations; a vertical support column mounted inside the train car adjacent the accessway having a support portion rotatably mounted thereto; and an extensible lift mechanism support assembly attached between the support portion and the lift mechanism frame to move the lift mechanism and platform assembly horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position away from the vertical support column to provide lateral clearance for the platform assembly outside the vehicle in the deployed position. The extensible assembly comprises a pair of parallel fixed sleeve members and a pair of parallel slide members telescopically attached between the frame and the support portion.

Abstract: A self-propelled passenger lift vehicle for transporting a mobility impaired passenger between a first location and first elevation and a second location and second elevation against an aircraft fuselage adjacent an aircraft door is disclosed. The vehicle comprises in combination a wheeled frame, a generally horizontal platform movably mounted on said frame having a leading edge portion and a support portion for supporting the passenger, a drive motor connected to at least one of the wheels for moving said vehicle from said first location to said second location, a brake mechanism connected to the at least one wheel for controllably stopping and preventing wheel rotation, and a position sensor in the leading edge portion of the platform for sensing the presence of the aircraft fuselage. The position sensor automatically actuates the brake to lock the drive wheel upon sensing contact with the aircraft fuselage. This feature minimizes damage to the aircraft due to operator error.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift apparatus for transporting a wheelchair and its occupant into and from a commercial vehicle can be installed in the existing doorway of the vehicle on a rotation column which is capable of supporting a telescoping platform assembly for movement into and out of an operative position across the doorway, there being a retention strap to prevent accidental forward rolling movement of the wheelchair as it is lifted or lowered, and a barrier plate across the front end of the forwardmost platform section cooperates with side flanges or rails on the platform section to prevent accidental movement of the wheelchair off of the platform assembly. The platform support unit is capable of lifting and lowering substantial loads without binding, and the platform assembly is hinged to the platform support unit in such a way as to require positive manual pressure in folding and unfolding the platform assembly with respect to the support unit.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift apparatus for transporting a wheelchair and its occupant into and from a commercial vehicle can be installed in the existing doorway of the vehicle on a rotation column which is capable of supporting a telescoping platform assembly for movement into and out of an operative position across the doorway, there being a retention strap to prevent accidental forward rolling movement of the wheelchair as it is lifted or lowered, and a barrier plate across the front end of the forwardmost platform section cooperates with side flanges or rails on the platform section to prevent accidental movement of the wheelchair off of the platform assembly. The platform support unit is capable of lifting and lowering substantial loads without binding, and the platform assembly is hinged to the platform support unit in such a way as to require positive manual pressure in folding and unfolding the platform assembly with respect to the support unit.