Patents by Inventor Harold A. Downing

Harold A. Downing has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Retractable rail for a vehicle lift
    Patent number: 4214849
    Abstract: A retractable rail for mounting on a platform of a vehicle lift. The rail folded on top of the platform when the platform is raised into a substantially vertical position in an opening in the vehicle. The rail unfolded and extending upwardly on the platform when the platform is lowered into a horizontal position adjacent the opening in the vehicle. The rail provides the safety feature of allowing the user of the vehicle lift to grip the rail to maintain his balance during the use of the lift as it is raised and lowered adjacent the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1980
    Assignee: Collins Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold A. Downing
  • Vehicle wheelchair lift
    Patent number: 4138023
    Abstract: A vehicle wheelchair lift for loading and unloading an occupant confined to a wheelchair. The lift having a wheelchair platform which is folded vertically inside the vehicle and adjacent a vehicle door. When the lift is in use, the vehicle door is opened and the platform is lowered to a horizontal position outside the door opening. The wheelchair occupant is then wheeled onto the lift by a wheelchair attendant and the platform is lowered to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Collins Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Rohrs, Harold A. Downing, Donald L. Collins
  • Safety barrier for a wheelchair lift
    Patent number: 4124130
    Abstract: A safety barrier for a wheelchair lift. The barrier preventing a wheelchair from dropping off the lift as the lift is raised and lowered horizontally from a vehicle to the ground surface. The barrier automatically lowers when the lift contacts the ground surface so that the wheelchair may be discharged from the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: Collins Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Rohrs, Donald L. Collins, Harold A. Downing
  • Pin release device for a wheelchair lift
    Patent number: 4113121
    Abstract: A pin release device for releasing a wheelchair lift platform attached to a lift frame mounted in an opening in a vehicle. The lift platform pivotally mounted to the bottom of the frame and stored in a vertical position in the opening. When for one reason or another, the power used in raising and lowering the lift fails, the device may be used to lower the lift platform manually to a horizontal position so that a wheelchair may be loaded thereon and removed from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Assignee: Collins Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Collins, Harold A. Downing
  • Vehicle wheelchair ramp
    Patent number: 4084713
    Abstract: A vehicle wheelchair ramp for loading and unloading an occupant confined to a wheelchair. The ramp is hingably mounted on the floor of the vehicle and unfolds outwardly from the vehicle for contacting the ground surface, curb, or the like. The ramp includes built-in steps with U-shaped guide channels positioned adjacent both sides of the steps for guiding the wheelchair as a wheelchair attendant uses the steps for loading and unloading the occupant in the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Assignee: Collins Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Rohrs, Harold A. Downing, Donald L. Collins
  • Wheelchair lock
    Patent number: 4062209
    Abstract: A wheelchair lock for mounting in a vehicle. The vehicle is used for transporting handicapped people who are confined to a wheelchair. The lock receives a portion of the ground wheels of the wheelchair and secures the wheels thereto. The lock is manually or electrically operated for quickly releasing the wheels when it is desired to remove the wheelchair from the wheelchair lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1977
    Assignee: Collins Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Downing, Donald L. Rohrs, Donald L. Collins