Abstract: A vehicle lift device and method are provided wherein the lift device has upper and lower platforms that may receive vehicles for parking or storage. The lower platform may be selectively raised or lowered between two levels of a parking structure. The upper platform is mounted on telescoping supports. When the car lift device is raised to place the lower platform at the upper level of the parking structure, the telescoping posts retract allowing the upper platform to lower, thereby providing clearance between the upper platform and a ceiling of the parking structure. The posts retract by the weight of the upper platform, and no hydraulic assist is required. When the lift device is lowered to place the lower platform at the lower level of the parking structure, the upper platform engages the floor of the upper level of the parking structure and thereby covers the opening in the floor. The telescoping posts then extend as the lower platform travels to its lowered position at the lower level.

Abstract: An automobile service lift includes a plurality of generally vertical posts, each of which has a carriage moveably mounted thereon. Each carriage has an outrigger which extends outwardly from the carriage and supports a portion of the weight of a vehicle positioned on the lift. Each outrigger is pivotable relative to the respective carriage about a generally horizontal axis. Each carriage further includes an adjustment mechanism for selectively pivoting the respective outrigger to compensate for any deflection of the outrigger due to the weight supported thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in lifting a vehicle from a substantially flat surface. The apparatus includes a pair of levers, each having a first lever and a second lever pivotally joined together cris-crossing one another and operable in a scissor-like motion between a collapsed position and a lifted position. A lifting platform is operatively coupled to the levers for supporting a vehicle thereon. A lifting mechanism is operably coupled to the levers for operating them between the collapsed position and the lifted position and thereby raising and lowering the lifting platform. An extendable, one-way incrementally lockable safety strut is pivotally connected to the first lever at a point along its upper portion and the other end of the safety strut is pivotally connected to the second lever at a point along its lower portion.

Abstract: The lifting apparatus can be used to lift various types of vehicles. In one embodiment, the apparatus has two posts that are spaced apart from each other. Each post has a lifting member that is capable of traversing up and down along the post. Each lifting member has two lifting arms that extend therefrom. Each lifting arm includes an inner end portion and an outer end portion. The lifting arm is pivotally coupled to the lifting member. The inner end portion and outer end portion of each lifting arm are telescopically coupled so that the lifting arm length can be extended or shortened as necessary. One version of the lifting arm has a pad at the outer end thereof, which pad contacts the vehicle chassis. Another version of the lifting arm has a tire fork adapter coupled to the outer end thereof. The tire fork adapter engages the tires of a nonroadworthy vehicle, such as turf equipment. The tire fork is provided with prongs that are located underneath the vehicle tire.

Abstract: A versatile tiltable vehicle lift capable of supporting a vehicle at a desired height. In its lowermost position, the lift tilts downwardly, thereby enabling a vehicle to be driven onto the lift. The tiltable feature of the lift eliminates the requirement that the device be retractable below floor level. The tiltable vehicle lift has an upper treadway frame for receiving and supporting a vehicle. An elevation means, typically a hydraulic cylinder, is pivotally connected between the rearward legs and the treadway frame. The tiltable vehicle lift is provided with a locking mechanism that safely maintains the vehicle lift at a desired height. The locking mechanism is comprised of an upper lock bar and a lower lock bar which may be engaged at any desired height of the vehicle lift. A means for disengaging the locking mechanism is provided so that the vehicle lift may be lowered.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a small vehicle lift having two vertical columns securely mounted to the floor. A first vertical column includes a motor for operating a set of pulleys housed within both first and second vertical columns. The pulleys and cables manipulate a first and second mounting bracket housed within interior tracks of the first and second vertical columns. The mounting brackets are manipulated in a vertical direction within the interior tracks. Linear arms are pivotally secured to the mounting brackets. The linear arms comprise a first member housing a telescoping second member therein. The configuration of the first and second members are such as to accommodate the weight of a wheeled vehicle thereon. On a distal end, opposite from the mounting bracket, is mounted a trough. The trough is pivotally connected to the second member and is of sufficient width to accommodate the tire width of a wheeled vehicle. The trough includes raised borders defining the side wall perimeter of the trough.

Abstract: A lifting platform for motor vehicles. The platform has easily adjustable support elements mounted on the ends of a beam. The support elements are applied to the pre-designated lifting points on the vehicle for safe lifting thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting a vehicle above a work surface of a vehicle repair system and maintaining the wheels of such a vehicle at a height near the same height as the vehicle is raised. The apparatus is an adjustable riser-ramp assembly which includes a platform having a pair of adjustable, self-locking leg sets, at least one ramp removably attached to the platform and a mounting slide engaging the platform and the work surface. The apparatus may be used in multiple combinations of platform and ramps to accommodate the type of vehicle and type of repair system being worked on by an operator.

Abstract: A painting booth includes doors at one end through which a vehicle can enter. A dual section ramp always contained entirely within the booth has a fixed grid section located at an end of the booth, opposite the door, and a moveable section connected to the fixed section and located just inwardly of the door. A filter layer is attached to the fixed section for filtering air circulating downwards there through. A protective grate located in a lower wall section, below the moveable section, provides lateral protection against the introduction of foreign matter into the booth. Powered jacks, located underneath the moveable section of the ramp actuates the moveable section between inclined and horizontal positions. A retractable prop connected to an underside of the moveable section supports the weight of a vehicle when the moveable section is retained in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A reliable motor vehicle parking installation having an economical construction is provided and includes an extremely flexible structure to maximize the available space. Its construction can extend above and/or below the ground. The installation includes a load-bearing structure having at least one tower with multiple cells arranged in superimposed horizontal rows. Each cell has at least one pair of longitudinal horizontal guide members disposed perpendicular to the horizontal rows of cells. A platform moves along a vertical structure, which is itself movable horizontally, parallel to the horizontal rows of cells. The platform has at least one pair of longitudinal members arranged in the same member as the longitudinal member of each cell. Multiple trays are provided each of which includes a pair of vehicle parking runways, and an actuator moves the trays between the platform and the cells of each tower.