Abstract: A wheelchair lift having a single piston and cylinder mechanism for both raising and lowering the wheelchair lift and for pushing the wheelchair lift out to an operating configuration from underneath the vehicle and pulling the wheelchair lift back to a storage configuration underneath the vehicle. The wheelchair lift includes a lift mechanism having a first arm hingedly engaged to a wheelchair platform and a second arm hingedly engaged to a base. The single piston and cylinder mechanism draws these first and second arms up and down into operating and storage positions. A third arm is pivotally engaged between the first and second arms and a fourth arm is pivotally engaged between the platform and the base. The third and fourth arms swing parallel to each other to raise and lower the platform. The lift further includes a lock for locking the platform to the base for storage.

Abstract: An electrically-operated lift platform is provided for insulation at the side or rear door of a van-type passenger/cargo automobile body. The platform is long enough to accommodate a wheel chair. The platform sides are connected to two linkage mechanisms, secured to the body inside the van at the top and sides of the door opening. The lift, in operation, moves between a position flat on the ground outside the door to a position level with the van floor, keeping horizontal during travel between these positions. The lift also can be moved from the floor position to a storage position in which the lift platform is vertical and entirely within the van, so that the van doors can be closed, when the lift is entirely concealed from outside view.In a first embodiment the lift is operated electrically, and in a second, hydraulically.