Abstract: An adjustable suspension system is provided for vehicles, enhancing accessibility for wheelchair users by integrating a kneel mechanism into OEM suspension assemblies. The system features a rocker link mechanism, pivotably coupled between an actuator and the vehicle's subframe or control arm, or alternatively, a pivoting pulley assembly that aligns with a chain to mitigate damaging lateral forces, enabling dynamic height adjustment with minimal modification and cost. The invention utilizes flexible or rigid connections to transmit motion, reducing stress and inefficiencies associated with prior art chain and pulley systems. The kneeling system allows the vehicle to achieve a knelt height, facilitating ramp access and complying with standards for maximum incline angles. Various configurations of flexible connections, including a slider link, provide advantages and adaptability, ensuring robust and efficient operation.

Abstract: A wheelchair ramp for providing access to a vehicle for physically limited passengers is provided. The wheelchair ramp may deploy out of a rear entrance to the vehicle and the ramp may have an inclined portion directed towards a side of the vehicle. The wheelchair ramp may have a substantially horizontal platform where a passenger may maneuver and turn to enter or exit the vehicle. The horizontal portion may be substantially level with an interior floor of the vehicle. The wheelchair ramp may have at least one winch system to assist the passenger in traversing the inclined portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a positioning mechanism device to prevent the motion of one surface with respect to a second surface, in one direction. The positioning mechanism uses a linear adjusting lock, an actuator, and an over-ride mechanism. The linear adjusting lock uses a coil spring to hold a rod in place. When firmly coiled, the coil spring is able to grip a smooth rod and prevent axial motion. When the coil spring is uncoiled, slightly, it releases its grip on the smooth rod, allowing axial motion. The positioner mechanism uses an actuator and release blade to release the coil spring. Additionally, the over-ride mechanism can be used to release the release blade in one direction without use of the actuator. When the coil spring is released by either the actuator or over-ride mechanism the two surfaces can be re-positioned relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is a linear mechanical lock of the type used in vehicle seating. The linear mechanical lock uses a housing, rod, sleeve, bushings, release lever, clutch springs, and return spring. The present invention is an improved precision linear mechanical lock device using a two-piece clamshell housing. The two-piece clamshell housing has formed projections that locate and align the bushings within the housing. The two-piece clamshell housing has additional design features improving manufacturability, cost and reliability such as lanced tabs to align the internal components, lanced bumps to act as a return spring perch, cable mounts, and an extruded mounting hole.

Abstract: The present invention is a positioning mechanism device to prevent the motion of one surface with respect to a second surface, in one direction. The positioning mechanism uses a linear adjusting lock, an actuator, and an over-ride mechanism. The linear adjusting lock uses a coil spring to hold a rod in place. When firmly coiled, the coil spring is able to grip a smooth rod and prevent axial motion. When the coil spring is uncoiled, slightly, it releases its grip on the smooth rod, allowing axial motion. The positioner mechanism uses an actuator and release blade to release the coil spring. Additionally, the over-ride mechanism can be used to release the release blade in one direction without use of the actuator. When the coil spring is released by either the actuator or over-ride mechanism the two surfaces can be re-positioned relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is a linear mechanical lock of the type used in vehicle seating. The linear mechanical lock uses a housing, rod, sleeve, bushings, release lever, clutch springs, and return spring. The present invention is an improved precision linear mechanical lock device using a two-piece clamshell housing. The two-piece clamshell housing has formed projections that locate and align the bushings within the housing. The two-piece clamshell housing has additional design features improving manufacturability, cost and reliability such as lanced tabs to align the internal components, lanced bumps to act as a return spring perch, cable mounts, and an extruded mounting hole.

Abstract: The present invention is a simplified pawl and sector adjustable armrest device. Both the pawl and sector have a toothed edge, which engage one another in the locked position. The locked position prevents the armrest from rotating. A pawl-return torsional spring maintains engagement between the pawl and sector. A release cable can disengage the pawl from the sector, unlocking the adjustable armrest, allowing it to rotate in either position. A protrusion from the sector limits the rotation by butting up against a built-in stop.

Abstract: A vehicle seat support frame assembly (14) has a seat cushion base member (16) with opposite ends (20) and (22) pivotally connected to first and second legs (28, 40). The first legs (28) are also pivotally connected to the associated vehicle and the second legs (40) have first and second latches (50) and (52). Each first latch (50) provides securement of the associated second leg to the associated vehicle in the seating position, and each second latch (52) prevents pivoting between the second leg and the seat cushion base member end (22) to provide rigidity in the seating position.