Abstract: A height control mechanism for a lift device includes an elongated rail and an actuator slidingly mounted thereto. The actuator is biased toward a first end of the rail, and a proximity sensor is mounted proximate the second end of the rail. A cable pulls the actuator toward the second end of the rail as the lift device is elevated. When the proximity sensor detects the presence of the actuator, a signal is generated to halt further elevation. The position of the proximity sensor along the rail can be adjusted to set the maximum height of the lift device. A second proximity sensor, responsive to the presence of the actuator, can also be secured to the rail to generate a signal indicating that the lift device has been elevated off of the ground by a short distance.

Abstract: A vertical lift platform assembly 100 has a lift platform 140, which is translatable in a vertical direction between at least a raised position and a lowered position by at least one actuator 200. The lift platform 140 may be surrounded on all sides by vertically extending walls 112 and one or more doors 110 to provide access to the lift platform 140. A control panel 113 enables an operator to control the vertical travel of the lift platform 140.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a step assembly that facilitates stair climbing. This can aid a person with leg or back pain, decreased range of motion or limited physical strength, due to handicap, injury or infirmity. This free standing, user customizable height step with flat expanding deck surface. The disclosed present invention is a significant improvement over previous attempts to assist individuals by creating a fully adjustable and flat tread surface for the user. The present invention step also provides user customizable heights, by adding adjustment layers, so that the present invention can be used in a variety of step heights.

Abstract: Embodiments of seating systems for motor vehicles facilitate two-dimensional movement of a seat in a horizontal plane. The seating systems can also facilitate vertical movement of the seat. The seating systems are motorized, and can be automatically controlled so that minimal movement and effort are required on the part of the user to enter and exit the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lifting a wheelchair in non-residential indoor facilities. Guide rails extend from a wheeled-base and include a bearing and transmission system for raising and lowering a platform on which a wheelchair occupant travels. The bearing system is powered by a hydraulic cylinder with a cable or chain connected to the bearing system. The chain or cable traverses over idler pulleys at various positions about the guide rails and connects to the bearing system at one end and to one of the guide rails at another end. As the hydraulic cylinder is operated, the lifting cable translates the bearing system linearly through the guide rails, which in turn lifts the platform to a desired level. The platform may be adjusted to maintain a generally level orientation even as the guide rails are tilted to accommodate inclinations. Additional outriggers and/or supports may be provided to increase balance and stability of the lift.

Abstract: A barrier assembly for a wheelchair lift assembly is provided. The wheelchair lift assembly includes a lift frame and a platform reciprocally coupled to the lift frame. The barrier assembly includes a frame having a first side rail and a second side rail. The frame is coupled to at least one of the lift frame or a structural frame. The barrier assembly also includes a barrier slidably disposed between the first and second side rails. A drive assembly is operably coupled to the barrier for selectively moving the barrier between at least a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A portable lift designed for a person with limited mobility to independently gain access to and from a recreational vehicle. This easily installed lift allows a person to raise him or herself to the floor level of a recreational vehicle. The front ramp contains a chain which when hooked inside the lift prevents the user from inadvertently rolling off the platform. The lift breaks down into simple sections that can be placed in storage compartments for travel. The permanent mounting brackets allow the lift to be installed within five minutes.

Abstract: A convertible lift assembly is provided in which a vertical lift can be reversibly converted into a set of stairs. The assembly of the present invention uses less space than prior art system, and utilizes a set of movable side panels that can be contracted or extended to provide resting points for a series of stair panels. When in a contracted position, the side panels provide resting points in a stair configuration for the stair panels. When in an extended position, the stair panels are collected on a frame to provide an essentially flat, horizontal platform that can be raised or lowered on a movable frame.

Abstract: A lift between lower and upper levels of a house includes a cabin and an essentially horizontal platform which is essentially vertically movable by actuating elements arranged thereunder. The actuating elements include at least one pair of rotatably mounted arms pivotally arranged around an axis in the middle part thereof. The free ends of the first arm of one pair are pivotable around a fixed axis and respectively around an axis sliding along the platform. The free ends of the second arm are pivotable around a fixed axis connected to the platform and respectively around a sliding axis. An actuating unit interacts with at least one of the arms such that the pivot axis of the second arm for the platform, the middle pivot axis of the arms of the pair and the pivot axis of the first arm are never aligned.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electromechanical traversing step system for transporting elderly users 12, infirm and others between floors of a building. A single moveable step 14 ascends or descends on a set of tracks 16 secured to the wall of the stairway 18 or the staircase structure above the flight of stairs 20. Travel is initiated by the user 12 positioning themselves on the movable step 14, selecting the ascension 22 or descension 24 switch and then gripping the handrails. Motion of the step commences and continues when a pressure sensor 26 responds to a force on the step 14 and the omic resistance of the user 12 is detected by sensors 28 in each of the handrails. Ascending motion continues until the tread of the movable step 14 is flush with the upper floor 30. The movable step 14 automatically returns to the docked position 32 at the bottom 34 of the staircase 18 once the user 12 departs from the step to the upper floor 30.

Abstract: A marine gangway to enable handicapped users to move between floating and fixed landings may include a gangway ramp extending between the floating and fixed landings, and at least one rail carried by the gangway ramp. The marine gangway may further include a drive unit coupled to the at least one rail and movable between the floating and fixed landings, and a handicapped user lift unit carried by the drive unit and pivoting with respect thereto to be level at at least one of the floating and fixed landings. As such, the lift unit may remain level in a loading/unloading position at the floating or fixed landing despite changes in inclination of the gangway ramp, which prevents damage to the lift unit as a result thereof.

Abstract: A combination elevator and stairway may be installed beneath a set of stairs and includes a lift mechanism which raises and lowers a platform or enclosed car and a pivoting stairway. The lift may be hydraulically or electrically actuated and may include a telescoping lift mechanism or scissor mechanism.

Abstract: A device and method for gripping a handrail or other object having a top and a bottom surface. The device includes a handle for gripping by a user. A fixed member is coupled to the handle for engaging one of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail, and a movable member is movably coupled to the handle for engaging the other of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail. An actuator coupled to the handle controls the movement of the movable member, the actuator allowing for repositioning and locking of the device with respect to the handrail. When the device is locked with respect to the handrail the fixed member and movable member engage the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail such that a force tangential to the handrail can be applied to the handle without the device sliding on the handrail.

Abstract: A lifting device for a vehicle comprises a rail chassis which can be fitted transversely across the vehicle in a luggage compartment underneath a load deck of a vehicle, and a carriage assembly which extends outwardly of the vehicle, along the chassis, the carriage assembly comprising an inner frame and an outer frame which operate telescopically in a vertical direction, to carry a load platform between a raised and lowered position, in which at lower position the load platform is at ground level, and in which at raised position, the load platform is at a same level as a passenger deck of the vehicle. The lifting device saves space, due to its vertical installation in a luggage compartment underneath a passenger deck, and is easily installed by fitment directly to the floor of the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a ramp system for transporting objects from a lower site to an upper site and vice versa while keeping the object in a generally horizontal, or upright, orientation when the object is moved up a variable incline. Two rails are provided between the upper and lower site, and a carriage is provided with wheels to allow it to move along the rails. A plurality of cables extend from the carriage to the upper site and to the lower site, the cables passing through pulleys affixed to the carriage, in an arrangement which causes the front portion of the carriage to be cantilevered over the rails, thus keeping a horizontal orientation notwithstanding the incline of the ramp. In a preferred embodiment, the system is implemented in a marine environment between a floating dock and a fixed pier.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift (10) for a vehicle is disclosed. The wheelchair lift includes a lift platform assembly (13) coupled to a frame (18). The wheelchair lift also includes a reciprocating assembly (12) in communication with the lift platform to reciprocate the lift platform between a raised position and a lowered position. A locking mechanism (47) is coupled to the frame and lockingly engages a portion of the reciprocating assembly (34) to maintain communication between the reciprocating assembly and the lift platform if a portion of the reciprocating assembly fails.

Abstract: A linear translation thrust system for moving an object from one location to another that includes at least two platforms and pivotally connected members. The distance between one platform and the second is varied by inflating and deflating an inflatable bladder. The linear translation thrust system may also include a conduit for coupling the exhaust system of a vehicle to the interior of the bladder so that the exhaust pressure of the vehicle inflates the bladder.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift assembly is provided. The wheelchair lift assembly is adapted to be disposed in a cavity located below a lower surface when in a stowed position. The wheelchair lift assembly includes a lift platform and a lifting mechanism coupled to the lift platform for reciprocating the lift platform between a lowered position, wherein the lift platform is substantially coplanar with the lower surface, and a raised position, wherein the lift platform is substantially coplanar with an upper surface. The wheelchair lift assembly also includes a lift platform barrier coupled to one end of the lift platform and a lift platform barrier actuating assembly coupled to the lift platform barrier.

Abstract: A convertible lift mechanism for moving an object from a lower surface to a vertically displaced upper surface includes a number of retractable stairs. Each of the number of retractable stairs includes a stepping surface and is horizontally movable between a position received into an opening defined in a vertical wall between the upper and lower surfaces, and a position extending out of the opening. The convertible lift mechanism also includes a lift platform which is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The convertible lift mechanism also includes a number of vertical screw drive mechanisms each including a driven lift nut that is secured to the lift platform. Actuation of the number of vertical screw drive mechanisms causes movement of the lift platform between the lowered position and the raised position. A method of operating a convertible lift mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disabled person lifting apparatus permits an object, such as a wheelchair user, to be moved between a first position and a second position in which the first and second positions are at different vertical distances. For a vehicle wheelchair lifting apparatus, the first position may a ground level and the second position may be at the height of the door of the vehicle so that the disabled person may enter the vehicle. When the lifting apparatus is not being used, it may be stored underneath the vehicle or in the floor of the vehicle. The lifting apparatus may include a pair of lifting arms at each side of a lifting platform that are driven by an electrical motor or a hydraulic ram. The lifting apparatus may move in a vertical direction with no horizontal movement.

Abstract: A stairlift device comprises passenger carrying means, substantially linear guide means, transporting means, and attachment means, said attachment means being adapted to enable the guide means to be attached to a section of a vehicle, thereby allowing for operation of the stairlift device whilst in attachment to the vehicle, the passenger carrying means being movable along the guide means by the transporting means when the device is in operation.

Abstract: Mobile device for disabled persons comprising a trolley carrying a vertically displaceable platform designed to bear a wheelchair. The trolley is motor-driven and is equipped with an aligning system to line-up the platform with respect to an access site of the wheelchair. The platform can also be shifted in a transverse direction relative to the trolley and includes a transfer ramp longitudinally displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transporting persons along a staircase, comprising:

Abstract: A hydraulic pool lift is disclosed. The lift has enhanced stability due to its adjustable support assembly, and a reinforced piston rod. A load carrying component is rotated 180° from a deck position to a pool position. A curved track on a hydraulically driven piston guides the displacement of the load carrying component. The track is wider in its straight portions. The wider straight portion closely approximates the width of a notch in an end cap through which the track and piston travel. This arrangement affords greater stability in the uppermost position for ease of loading and unloading the lift.

Abstract: An industrial truck with a forward propulsion unit for horizontal movement of the industrial truck, a driver's platform that can be raised or lowered by a vertical propulsion unit, at least one control device to control the vertical propulsion unit and the forward propulsion unit, and at least one blocking device that can be adjusted as necessary to close or open an entrance to the driver's platform. The control device is switched so that, depending on the level of the driver's platform and the position of the blocking device, either all the functions of the forward propulsion unit and of the vertical propulsion unit are enabled, or all the functions of the forward propulsion unit and of the vertical propulsion unit are disabled, or a raising of the driver's platform is disabled, while a lowering of the driver's platform and/or a horizontal movement of the industrial truck is possible.

Abstract: A stairlift has a vertically displaceable load-receiving device on which a platform, hinged ramps and barriers are disposed, vertically movable barrier-actuating bars, which protrude downward over the load-receiving device and individually link the barriers, a spring-loaded pretensioning device for the platform, which forces the platform upward, a tilt lever on the platform, which interacts with a tilt stop of the guide body and swings the platform up and down in the unloaded state, and two lifting bars linked to the platform, for interaction with rotating stops of the barriers in order to move the barriers out of the lowermost into the horizontal position as the unloaded load-receiving device is lowered.

Abstract: A mobile lifting device includes a car having a gate and a docking plate mechanically interconnected at one end of the car. A low voltage DC control system includes an “up” circuit, a “down” circuit connected in parallel with the up circuit, and a sensor circuit in series with the up circuit and down circuit. The sensor circuit includes a plurality of series connected switches for automatically preventing operation of the lifting device if predetermined conditions are not met. The “up” circuit includes a switch positioned on a stage and connected to the control circuit by a coiled cable. A wand on the switch engages a knob on the side of the car when the car reaches the level of the stage, actuating the switch to stop the car. In the event of a power failure, a battery supplies power for opening a solenoid valve to lower the car. Three control panels are provided, one at each end of the car and one in the middle of the car.

Abstract: A hydraulic pool lift is disclosed. The lift has enhanced stability due to its adjustable support assembly, and a reinforced piston rod. A load carrying component is rotated 180° from a deck position to a pool position. A curved track on a hydraulically driven piston guides the displacement of the load carrying component. The track is wider in its straight portions. The wider straight portion closely approximates the width of a notch in an end cap through which the track and piston travel. This arrangement affords greater stability in the uppermost position for ease of loading and unloading the lift.

Abstract: A running gear (3), for a drive mechanism of a rail-guided displacement device, such as a passenger lift, comprising a base part, a drive and at least two sets of guide wheels (9), arranged behind each other, viewed in direction of travel of the running gear, so that, during use, the running gear is guided along the rail in a desired position by the guide wheels, the base part comprising at least a bridge piece (5), a first and a second frame part (6, 7), the frame parts each being connected to the bridge piece so as to be movable about at least one pivotal axis, each frame part carrying a set of guide wheels and the frame parts being mutually coupled by coupling means which form a mechanical mirror, so that the movements of the first and the second part are always each other's mirror image in a first plane of symmetry extending at right angles to the driving direction of the running gear between the first and the second frame part, and viewed relative to the bridge piece.

Abstract: A convertible lift mechanism lifts a person or an object from a first surface to a vertically displaced second surface. The convertible lift mechanism includes a source of motive force, a scissor lift linkage, and a conversion stair. The conversion stair has a first configuration in which it functions as a stair and a second configuration in which it functions as at least a portion of a lift platform. When the conversion stair is in the first configuration, the convertible lift mechanism functions as a stairway. When the conversion stair is in the second configuration, the convertible lift mechanism functions as a platform lift or wheelchair lift.

Abstract: A skate for a stairlift chair assembly (10) comprises two spaced-apart pairs of rollers, the two rollers (e.g., 27, 28) of each pair being arranged to run respectively above and below a circular section support rail (12) of the stairlift. The two rollers of each pair are rotatable about respective axes (C, D) transverse of the skate, and each roller is able to turn about a further axis (E) which intersects and is orthogonal to the rotary axes (C, D) of the pair of rollers. Each roller is constrained so that its rotary axis (C or D) remains substantially in a plane to which said further axis (E) is perpendicular.

Abstract: A combined stairway and lift installation has a stairway which comprises a stack of horizontally movable step members whereby the stairway is retractable to expose a lift which is installed in a cavity which is covered by the stairway when the latter is extended. Uncovering of the lift allows it to be operated to raise its load carrying platform to the level of the top of the stairway. A chain is anchored by either end in the bottom step member. The chain is led from the anchorage up through the step members, alternately clockwise and counter clockwise around guide rollers mounted in each of the movable step members, clockwise around a guide roller and a motor-driven cog wheel in the top step member, and back down through the movable step members to the other anchorage again alternately clockwise and counter clockwise around further guide rollers mounted in each of the movable step members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a person lifter (10), particular a pool lifter, including a rotatable column (12) that begins at a base mount (22), and with a person holder (18), such as a seat or gurney, that can be raised or lowered by a lifting arm (16) along the longitudinal axis (14) of the column. In order to stop the person holder in the event of a malfunction, or if the lowering speed of the person holder is excessively high, the lifting arm (16) begins at a first driven belt (conveyor belt) (26) guided in the column (12), parallel to which a second belt (28) (catch belt) guided in the column and joined to the lifting arm (16) is arrested if the lowering speed of the person holder exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: This invention provides a pivoting wheel chair lift device for raising a wheel chair from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. The wheel chair lift device includes a frame, a ramp, and lift powering apparatus. The third end of the ramp is disposed toward the ground engaging first end of the frame. The fourth end of the ramp is pivotally mounted to the second upper end of the frame. The lift powering apparatus lifts the third end of the ramp. An arresting plate arrests egress of a wheel chair during lifting. A gravity locking bracket and locking receptacle combination lock the arresting plate when engaged. The lift powering apparatus may power the arresting plate and the ramp through two divergent linkages. The fourth end of the ramp can extend over a step to align the ramp with an upper step enabling a wheel chair to roll safely from the ramp to and across the step tread. The invention also comprehends methods of negotiating steps with a wheel chair.

Abstract: A convertible lift mechanism for lifting an object from a first surface to a vertically displaced second surface includes a source of motive force, a conversion stair, and a lift linkage. The convertible lift mechanism may be utilized as a platform lift or a wheelchair lift. The conversion stair has a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the conversion stair functions as a stair within a stairway. In the second configuration, the conversion stair has a substantially horizontal lifting surface movable between a first position and a second position. The substantially horizontal lifting surface forms at least a portion of a lift platform.

Abstract: A physiotherapeutic device for ascent and decent of stairs to be used by professional physiotherapists, and a preferred embodiment to be used at home, in order to rehabilitate patients or maintain health and physical fitness, the device also being useful as a safe ladder for the elderly and those who suffer from physical handicaps, including a plurality of substantially longitudinal step members arranged adjacent to each other, a body pivotally attached to each of the step members and an elevator coupled to the axis. Additionally, the device may be used as an elevator or stair lift assisting handicapped and wheelchair ridden individuals to ascend or descend to or from one level to another. Alternatively, the device may be used to raise or lower heavy or bulky items from one level to another, especially in the home where such tasks are very tasking if done unaided.

Abstract: In a vertical lift for use in exterior locations to raise and lower a person, the lift comprising a support frame, a tower frame mounted on the support frame, a carriage secured to the tower frame so as to be vertically movable with respect thereto, a drive system associated with the tower frame to raise and lower the carriage between an upper and a lower position, and control means to enable a person using the lift to activate and deactivate the drive system as required, the improvement characterized in that the tower frame comprises a plurality of vertically extending guides secured to the tower frame and a carriage guide frame secured to the carriage and movably associated with the guides, and the drive system comprises a vertically oriented drive screw which, when activated, rotates in one direction to raise or in the opposite direction to lower a nut seated thereon so as not to rotate therewith, the guide frame supported by the nut for raising or lowering therewith.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved wheeled, light-weight lift which meets standards for airline ground support vertical lift devices, specifically being capable of use on airport tarmacs in winds up to 90 mph. On and off-loading ramps are provided which are rotatable between an upright stored position and a horizontal working position. The ramps comprise a bridge structure supporting a plurality of louvred deck plates. Each louvre is linked to the others so as to remain oriented horizontal regardless of the ramps position for minimizing their aerodynamic profile and overturning moment. Outriggers are extendible from the frame so as to increase its base dimensions and thus the moment needed to overturn the lift. The outriggers retract into the frame to minimize storage. The outriggers are horizontally movable along their longitudinal axis to minimize the deployment space required.

Abstract: A wheelchair platform free fall control system comprising use of a tension means, such as at least one spring, biasing together the long and short arms of a lever arm assembly that keeps the lever arm slide block in contact with a lifting arm during gravity-down deployment of said platform from an over-vertical stowed position to a horizontal transfer position. A compression means may be used in conjunction with the lifting arm assembly to assist in overcoming the resting momentum of the lift platform mass from over-vertical outwardly until gravity takes over. The tension means may be one or more springs and the compression means may be a gas spring. The forces are preselected to provide lifting assembly over-vertical assist while keeping the sliding block in substantial contact with an arm of the lifting assembly. The springs can be used with a stud/slot interlock. Torsion springs are preferably eliminated.

Abstract: A lift arrangement is mounted adjacent the doorway of a vehicle. The arrangement includes a first electrically powered screw jack mounted to the frame of the vehicle adjacent one side of the doorway and a second electrically powered screw jack mounted to the frame of the vehicle adjacent the other side of the doorway. A first support bracket is positioned adjacent the lower end of the first jack. A second support bracket is positioned adjacent the lower end of the second jack. A platform has a pair of connecting portions disposed adjacent opposite ends of the platform. Each connecting portion engages one of the brackets to support the platform in a generally horizontal manner. The first and second jacks are simultaneously activated by a single switch to lower and raise the platform between a position adjacent the ground surface and an elevated position.

Abstract: A staircase hoist for wheelchair users includes a hoist carrier plate having a pair of brackets, two guide rails in slidable engagement with the pair of brackets to maintain the hoist carrier plate in a prescribed attitude, the guide rails being disposed vertically parallel to one another on a staircase wall along an angle of flight of the staircase, a drive motor on the hoist carrier plate, a plurality of arms radiating from a drive shaft rotated by the motor that rotate in opposition to the staircase wall, a tip of each arm having a roller, and a plurality of drive guides disposed between the guide rails at a prescribed distance from the wall that sequentially engage with the rollers on the arms. The drive shaft that rotates the arms is set at an angle to the staircase wall to prevent rollers that have terminated engagement with a drive guide coming into contact with other drive guides while being rotated around into position for the next engagement.

Abstract: A combined stairway and hoist so constructed that it can be adapted in many fields of use, especially for handicapped people in buildings and public transportation. The stairway together with the platform can be raised and lowered by means of parallel stays which at one end are pivotally connected to a support at the upper end of the stairway, the parallel stays along their length being pivotally connected to a number of additional stays which are connected to respective steps and are vertical in operating position.

Abstract: A self-propelled passenger lift vehicle for transporting a mobility impaired passenger between a first location and first elevation and a second location and second elevation against an aircraft fuselage adjacent an aircraft door is disclosed. The vehicle comprises in combination a wheeled frame, a generally horizontal platform movably mounted on said frame having a leading edge portion and a support portion for supporting the passenger, a drive motor connected to at least one of the wheels for moving said vehicle from said first location to said second location, a brake mechanism connected to the at least one wheel for controllably stopping and preventing wheel rotation, and a position sensor in the leading edge portion of the platform for sensing the presence of the aircraft fuselage. The position sensor automatically actuates the brake to lock the drive wheel upon sensing contact with the aircraft fuselage. This feature minimizes damage to the aircraft due to operator error.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an easy to use lifting device that can be operable by a single attendant. In one of the embodiments, the lifting device is designed to enable the patient or a single attendant to activate and deactivate the lifting device. The lifting device also includes a shaft that is releasably secured to a base. Located on or within the shaft is a lifting mechanism. A seat frame having a seat attached thereto is secured to the lifting mechanism. An actuation device provides for the seat to be hoisted vertically along the shaft.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus is easily attached to a conventional wheelchair and allows the wheelchair to successfully negotiate stepped obstacles, such as steps and curbs. The apparatus includes two parallel base runners that are extended from beneath the wheelchair to the ground to act as a lifting platform. A lifting subsystem then moves the wheelchair vertically and horizontally to the height of the step, and a sliding subsystem then moves the wheelchair forward onto the step. Descending a step is accomplished in a reverse sequence of operations.

Abstract: A linkage assembly (20) for use with a platform or step lift (22) for transmitting force from a linear actuator (228) to a ramp (40) pivotally attached to the outer edge of the platform (26) of the lift so as to cause the ramp to travel through a rotational path of at least 180 degrees. The linkage assembly is designed so that no portion thereof extends more than about 0.25 inch above the upper surface (28) of the ramp and the top surface (48) of the platform, and so that the ramp is driven downwardly toward the extended position with a force insufficient to cause serious injury to a person's feet positioned in the path of travel of the ramp. Additionally, a hinge structure (700) is provided for use with a step lift for coupling the platform with its vertical extensions (66, 68) so as to permit the latter to pivot relative to the platform as the extensions move up and down within the vertical guides (80, 82) in which the vertical extensions are slidably received.

Abstract: A lift-assist device is provided for securely clamping a wheelchair and then elevating and forwardly tipping the wheelchair to assist the occupant in rising from it to a standing position. The device operates with any conventional wheelchair design, the device having adjustment mechanisms to accommodate wheelchairs of varying size. The device eliminates the need for lift-assist wheelchairs to have their own integral lifting mechanisms which in the past have made such wheelchairs cumbersome and heavy. The present device is conveniently portable and much less expensive than wheelchairs with integral lift-assist mechanisms. Thus, the present invention provides wheelchair-bound persons with greater mobility than was previously available by greatly improving the usefulness of conventional non-lift-assist wheelchairs, which can now be given lifting assistance by the present invention in a variety of settings.