Abstract: A device for raising and securing a scooter to the outside of a vehicle includes a slide tube assembly, a platform assembly attached to the slide tube assembly, a logic tube assembly and a hold tight arm assembly. The device automatically detects whether cargo of a preselected minimum weight is present on the platform and, on that basis, controls pivoting of the platform between open and closed positions and controls movement of the hold tight arm between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: An inclined lift device for transporting an individual passenger includes a rail, a carriage adapted for being movable along the rail, a drive mechanism coupled to the carriage for moving the carriage along the rail, and a support secured to the carriage for supporting the individual passenger. The rail has at least one retaining surface and a guide surface. The carriage includes a housing pivotally coupled to the rail about an axis spaced from the guide surface, a retaining mechanism pivotally coupled to the housing about the axis and a follower coupled to the housing and spaced from the axis by a predetermined distance. The retaining mechanism engages said at least one retaining surface of the rail to retain the carriage relative to the rail during movement of the carriage along the rail. The follower engages the guide surface to pivot the carriage about the axis based upon a distance between the guide surface and the axis.

Abstract: An improved vehicle lift assembly for loading and unloading objects into and from a vehicle includes a base configured for being mounted to the vehicle, a vertical post extending from the base, an extension boom extending outward from a centerline of the post, a swing arm rotatably coupled to the extension arm, extension boom, an engaging mechanism supported by the swing arm for releasably engaging the object, and an actuator for raising and lowering the engaging mechanism to raise and lower the engaged object.