Abstract: A wheelchair lift apparatus which may be adapted for use in an existing motor vehicle in lieu of a seat structure removably coupled to the floor pan. The lift apparatus includes a motor driven horizontal screw for laterally moving a platform across the vehicle to exit the rear passenger compartment through a side door opening. The platform has a vertical side extension and carries a foldable wheelchair, for example, whose two sides collapse inwardly. The lift apparatus further includes motor driven linkage members for pivoting the platform and folded wheelchair from outside the rear passenger compartment toward the front of the vehicle. The platform and folded wheelchair are next vertically adjusted alongside either the driver or a front seat passenger door opening, depending upon whether the side door opening is on the right or left side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A twin shoulder belt adjustment mechanism for a child restraint system, including a plurality of vertically spaced apart and slightly vertically offset restraint slots for holding the belts in use. Respective adjustment slits extend laterally from the restraint slots, with a downwardly extending connector slit interconnecting and extending beyond the outer ends of the lateral adjustment slits, such that the twin belts may be moved therethrough to a higher or lower pair of restraint slots to accommodate a different size child.

Abstract: A gas spring assisted latch assembly for an automotive vehicle seat structure which tilts the seat forwardly to an easy entry position without passenger assistance upon release of the latch. An extensible and retractable gas spring actuator is provided constantly biased toward its extended position. The actuator, which has its one end pivotally connected to the seat riser and its other end pivotally connected to the vehicle floor, is held in its retracted position by a latch mechanism releasably locking the seat structure in its upright mode. Release of the latch mechanism allows the actuator to apply a constant pushing force pivoting the seat to its forwardly tilted position. An improved dual actuated latch mechanism provides an alternative outboard side latch release handle for ready access from outside the vehicle in combination with an existing rear latch release handle.