Abstract: A step ladder assembly that moves back and forth from a storage area beneath the vehicle to an operation position in front of the vehicle entry way. The step ladder usually includes a pivotal stair case part and slide part fitted between rails carries by the vehicle undercarriage.

Abstract: A passenger lift system for mobile vehicular use which functions either as a retractable step system for the vehicle or as a vertically movable elevator platform for non-ambulatory passengers transporting non-ambulatory passengers from an upper position level with the vehicle to a lower position at ground level. The lift system includes a vertical safety barrier at the outermost edge of the platform which, when not in use, collapses to form the lowermost step in the step system. The lift is moved by hydraulic actuated motors or electro-mechanical devices, or the like, whose operation and motive power is independent of the vehicles propulsion system and is controlled by appropriate electrical sensors which detect and correct any malfunction thereof.

Abstract: A leaf chain drive assembly (20) designed for use with a platform lift of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,228. Leaf chains (72, 120, 208) are used in place of roller chains for transmitting rotational drive between spaced sheaves (50, 60). Each sheave contains a unique projecting lug (52, 54) designed to engage a correspondingly sized connecting link (122) in the associated leaf chain (120) so as to permit drive to be transmitted between the leaf chain and the associated sheave.

Abstract: A ladder assembly is mounted slidably and telescopingly within a tailgate portion of a truck bed to include a respective first and second ladder member extensibly mounted relative to the tailgate, and more specifically to a cavity therewithin, to provide ease of access to interiorly of the truck bed, with a handrail in operative association with the truck bed and tailgate for stability in use of the ladder organization.

Abstract: A step assembly (438) includes two step supporting members (444) which have proximal ends pivotally attached to the underside of a mounting bracket (440). The step supporting members (444) support a plurality of rungs (445). A step plate (446) is attached in cantilevered manner to each of the rungs (445) whereby a rear one of the step supporting members (444) is intermediate the step plate (446) and the front step supporting member. A transmission assembly is provided for causing distal ends of the step supporting members to contact the ground (G) and thereby acquire an extended, angularly inclined position. In one embodiment, the transmission assembly includes an actuator (470). In another embodiment, the transmission assembly includes a motor and cable assembly (472).

Abstract: A retractable step is movable from a position located in a cavity to an extended position located outside of the cavity. The invention provides for a latching facility to hold the step in the extended position against the bias of a retracting spring. A person standing on the step, exerting a downward force thereon disengages the latching facility. As the downward force is removed from the step, the step automatically retracts in response to the bias of the retracting spring.

Abstract: A running board removably mounted to a vehicle on a sub frame support system. The sub frame support system has brackets adjustably mounted to the vehicle frame which support a receiving frame. The receiving frame is adjustably mounted to the brackets and has a pair of sockets for receiving the supporting members of the running board. The running board is a structural member having shaped support members extending from its ends and configured to mount in the sockets of the receiving frame. The running board is mounted to the vehicle by inserting the supporting members of the running board into the sockets of the receiving frame. Pins retain the support members in the sockets. The running board is removed from the vehicle by merely removing the pins and removing the running board from the receiving frame.

Abstract: A swing-out tail lamp for a vehicle providing access to the trunk compartment while the trunk lid is closed and being characterized by having the tail lamp supported along one side thereof by a hinge connected to the vehicle that allows the tail lamp to be moved from a closed position to an open position. The tail lamp is combined with a latch mechanism which serves to secure the tail lamp assembly to the vehicle when located in the closed position, and a spring detent is provided to maintain the tail lamp assembly in the open position.

Abstract: In order to board or exit a vehicle, one or a plurality of steps or plates, are provided for a negotiating of a possible difference of height by a person entering or getting off between the level of the floor of the vehicle and a platform at a higher or lower level. At least one step is forseen which is height adjustable and can be positioned at a position above the floor of the vehicle, at a position equal to the level of the floor and/or below the floor, as well.

Abstract: A folding step apparatus (38) is provided for vehicles having either a hinged door (26) or a sliding door (26'). The apparatus includes two parallel step supporting members (44) pivotally attached to the underside of the vehicle for adjustably supporting a step (42) or plurality of steps. A spring member (46) is used to bias the supporting members (44) and attached steps to a retracted position beneath the vehicle. A cable (64) has a first end attached to the locking end of the door and a second end attached to a front one of the supporting members (44). The cable is at least partially disposed within a hollow cord (70) which extends through portions of the vehicle frame. Opening the vehicle door causes the folding step assembly (38) to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal horizontal axis (36) of the vehicle, thereby extending the step assembly (38) for facilitating easy boarding of the vehicle.

Abstract: One end of a leg of a boat ladder is swivably and pivotably affixed to the side of a boat and the corresponding end of the other leg of the ladder is releasably latched or hooked to one of a pair of brackets located on the same side of the boat forward and aft of the affixed attachment. The ladder is stored in a vertically upright position with the second leg latched onto one of the pair of brackets. To be put to use the second leg first is unhooked from the bracket and swung outward in a generally horizontal arc of about 180 degrees until it reaches the other of the pair of brackets and is then latched or hooked onto the other of the pair of brackets and then the ladder is swung vertically outward and downward toward or into the water. Standoffs may be provided on each leg of the ladder to support the ladder against and away from the side of the boat or the "logs" or floats of a pontoon boat.

Abstract: A drive assembly (250) for use with a platform lift. The assembly includes a set of linkage arms (30, 32) connected between the platform (22) and a stable carriage arm (34). A pair of sprockets (50, 60) connected to the carriage arm at the linkage arm pivot points control the rotation of the linkage arm and the movement of the platform relative to the carriage arm. The sprokets are connected together by a leaf chain assembly (70) so as to show rotation of the sprockets in a simultaneous movement of the linkage arms. A compression spring (260) is attached at one end to the leaf chain assembly and at the other end to the carriage arm. When the platform is moved into the top-most position, the spring is compressed. The platform is lowered by allowing the spring to expand so that it actuates the leaf chain assembly so as to cause the linkage arms to move past their top-center positions; once the linkage arms move past their top-center positions, gravity can then force the platform downwards.

Abstract: A step device in a miniature shovel car includes a vehicle body, a working boom mounted to a front portion of the vehicle body, a boom cylinder for vertically pivotably operating the boom, a swing cylinder for horizontally pivotably operating the boom, and an engine and a transmission case both mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle body. The step device includes a recess formed at a laterally central portion of a lower surface of the transmission case and extending in a longitudinal direction of the transmission case, a step arm pivotably mounted at its front end to a front portion of the recess, and a step mounted to a rear end of the step arm. The step arm is adapted to be raised and lowered, and the step arm is retracted into the recess when raised.

Abstract: A truck cab accessory step includes a pneumatic cylinder mounted to a side wall of an associated truck cab, with a step orthogonally mounted to a lower end of a cylinder piston rod reciprocatably mounted within the cylinder. A manually manipulatable valve effects raising and lowering of the accessory step platform relative to the truck cab.

Abstract: A movable foot rest for motorcycles, easily adjustable upwardly and downwardly, as well as forwardly and rearwardly, so as to provide optimum comfort to riders of different physiques, and under various travel conditions.

Abstract: A system for extending and retracting a step, such as a step of a recreational vehicle, includes an electric motor coupled to extend and retract the step, and a circuit for energizing the motor. The circuit comprises a first circuit including a circuit breaker and connected to selectively energize the motor via the circuit breaker in one rotation direction to extend and retract the step, and a second circuit responsive to opening of the circuit breaker for energizing the motor in an opposite rotation direction to retract the step.

Abstract: A rail vehicle sectioned door assembly for a door opening having a stairwell. The assembly comprises a sliding door having a door upper section and lower section slidingly interconnected together by a lock assembly. The door lower section is provided with guide rails to position same adjacent the stairwell. A stairwell platform is hingedly connected to one side of an upper horizontal plane of the stairwell. The platform is releasably secured in a retracted position clear of the upper horizontal plane and the stairwell. The platform is displaceable to lie in the horizontal plane, in a position of use, and is supported thereon. The lock is disengaged by the platform when displaced to its position of use to disconnect the door upper section from the door lower section whereby to permit the upper section to slide open while the lower section closes a lower portion of said opening below the platform.

Abstract: A flexible ladder for use on moving conveyances which provides frontal stability but lateral flexibility, the ladder having a first, a second and a third strut member each formed of flexible material and each supported in a generally vertical plane, the strut members being parallel to each other with the second strut member between the first and third strut members. A first set of steps are secured between the first and second strut members and a second set of steps are secured between the second and third strut members the steps being vertically spaced apart from each other and the upper ends of each of the strut members being affixed to a moving conveyance, the ladder providing for ascent of an operator to the operating position on the conveyance but permitting lateral flexiblity if the ladder engages an obstruction on the surface on which the machine moves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compact folding ladder having a lower runged ladder portion, the upper end of which is pivotally connected on a horizontal axis to the lower end of a upper open dual hand-rail ladder portion whereby the lower ladder portion nests in the upper open ladder portion in the folded position and may be pivotally deployed therefrom for use. One longitudinal edge of the upper open ladder portion is pivotally mounted on a vertical pivot axis to the inboard lateral face of one of the rear edge vertical posts of a structural cargo enclosure above a cargo bed whereby the folded ladder may be pivoted forward to a stowed position and rearward to an operative position outboard of the rear end of the cargo bed thereby to facilitate deployment of the lower runged ladder portion to its open position for ladder access by the user from ground level to the rear end of the cargo bed, hence to the structural cargo enclosure.

Abstract: A novel extendable-retractable stairs apparatus which provides stairwise access to the top of a vehicle. The apparatus mounts to the exterior of a vehicle and retracts into a self-contained package for travel. When unpacked for use, one part of the package cover rotates downward to become the bottom step. The stairs extend upward, parallel the side of the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted. The top stair attaches to a support affixed to the vehicle for stability. Grab bars can be mounted to the vehicle to assist the user to maintain balance while using the stairs.

Abstract: Ladder assemblies are needed on large vehicles for an operator to ascend to the cab of a vehicle. The ladder assembly should be moveable between a lowered position for easy access and a raised position to prevent damage to the ladder when the vehicle is in use. The subject ladder assembly includes a pair of spaced rails mounted to the vehicle and an elongate ladder moveably positioned between the spaced rails. Cooperating means extend between the rails and the elongate ladder to position the ladder with respect to the rails and guide the ladder on the rails when the ladder is moved. The arrangement of components provides a simple and compact arrangement for raising and lowering the ladder.

Abstract: A folding step system includes a base assembly with approximate and distal ends, a link assembly with base and step ends, and a step assembly with approximate and distal ends. A base hinge assembly hingedly connects the base proximate end and the link assembly base end for rotational movement about a transverse rotational axis through an arc of movement between a retracted position adjacent to the base assembly and an extended position extending from the proximate end thereof. A step hinge assembly hingedly connects the link assembly distal end and the step proximate end for rotational movement about a transverse rotational axis between a retracted position adjacent to the link assembly and an extended position extending from the step end thereof.

Abstract: A loading or unloading platform is located and secured in a frame mounted beneath the bottom of a semi-trailer. The platform is removable from underneath the semi-trailer by releasing a lock and pulling the platform out from under the trailer after extension of the retractable wheels of the platform. The platform is then available for use in a locked position adjacent to any door of the semi-trailer. A ramp is used in combination with the platform. The ramp is located underneath the bottom of the semi-trailer in two spaced-apart mounting brackets, one mounting bracket for each end of the ramp. One mounting bracket is fixed in position and includes a lock for locking a bottom end of the ramp underneath the semi-trailer. The other mounting bracket includes a swivel turntable and a pivoting holder for engaging the top end of the ramp.

Abstract: A removable step, carried by a highway transport vehicle laterally adjacent the threshold of a side door defined in a cargo container body, aids worker access through the door. The step provides fastening legs releasably maintained in spaced fastening brackets carried by the vehicle frame. The fastening legs are inserted in the upper portions of the fastening brackets in a use mode and in the lower portions of the fastening brackets, with the step extending inwardly, in a storage mode. A releasable fastening pin extends between each fastening leg and associated fastening bracket for positional maintenance of the step in either fastening or storage mode. The step surface is of a non-skid expanded metal type.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly for mounting to a truck structure permits forward and rearward swinging upon encountering obstacles and comprises an inverted U-shaped support bracket which can be affixed to a vehicle and a platform assembly which is rotatable about a shiftable axis interconnected with the support bracket. The support bracket also provides rotation guide channels for directing rotation and includes detents to vertically secure against rotation of the step in use or while the vehicle is in motion. The step assembly includes a horizontal cross member which rotates freely within cam shaped apertures in the support assembly and allows the rotational axis of the platform assembly to shift. Vertical support members fixedly mounted to the expanded metal step platform include guide pins which track the support guide channels and direct the platform assembly between its rigid vertical position and forward or rearward rotated positions.

Abstract: A novel extendable-retractable stairs apparatus which provides stairwise access to the top of a vehicle. The apparatus mounts to the exterior of a vehicle and retracts into a self-contained package for travel. When unpacked for use, one part of the package cover rotates downward to become the bottom step. The stairs extend upward, parallel the side of the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted. The top stair attaches to a support affixed to the vehicle for stability. Grab bars can be mounted to the vehicle to assist the user to maintain balance while using the stairs.

Abstract: A fully-adjustable boarding step for vehicles, and especially for off-road vehicles, wherein the cab or operator's position is high enough from the ground such that it is not easily accessible for boarding because of the clearance required between the ground and the frame of the vehicle. The device is a retractable, fully adjustable step adapted to fit a variety of the frames of presently used vehicles.

Abstract: A safety trailer step provides improved footing for a person launching or loading a boat onto a trailer. The safety trailer step comprises a step formed with a platform and two parallel side plates. The side plates snugly receive the trailer tongue therebetween and extend below the tongue. Tightening bolts through the side plates sandwiches the tongue therebetween to rigidly mount the safety trailer step to the trailer tongue. The platform may be centered over the tongue, or it may be laterally offset therefrom. A non-skid plastic plate may be attached to the platform upper surface. The present invention includes spacers that fit between the tongue and the step such that the safety trailer step can be used with a variety of trailer tongue widths.

Abstract: A fold-out saftey step system for use in a passenger van having a side door. A planar step is attached to two leg members which in turn are pivotally attached to the floor of the van. The step can be folded out and down when the side door is open. When the step is folded up and inwardly the side door can be closed. The step includes a metal grate through which mud, snow, and dirt will pass to prevent built-up on the step.

Abstract: A loading or unloading platform is located and secured in a frame mounted beneath the bottom of a semi-trailer. The platform is removable from underneath the semi-trailer by releasing a lock and pulling the platform out from under the trailer after extension of the retractable wheels of the platform. The platform is then available for use in a locked position adjacent to any door of the semi-trailer. A ramp is used in combination with the platform. The ramp is located underneath the bottom of the semi-trailer in two spaced-apart mounting brackets, one mounting bracket for each end of the ramp. One mounting bracket is fixed in position and includes a lock for locking a bottom end of the ramp underneath the semi-trailer. The other mounting bracket includes a swivel turntable and a pivoting holder for engaging the top end of the ramp.

Abstract: A retractable porch for use on motor homes, travel trailers and mobile homes is mounted for movement between erected and collapsed positions. In a first embodiment, a porch frame supports a porch platform and has side members which terminate in attachment struts. A pair of spaced parallel frame rails are secured to the vehicle frame, beneath a door, on the underside of the vehicle. The frame rails are formed from tubular members dimensioned to receive the porch attachment strut members. A pair of porch side railings are secured along perpendicular edges of the porch frame by hinges for movement between a collapsed horizontal position and an erected vertical position. A pair of vertically extending tubular sockets on a side wall of the vehicle for receive the porch attachment strut members during transportation of the vehicle.

Abstract: An unfolding ladder assembly for attachment to a tailgate is disclosed. The assembly includes a pair of plates for attachment to the outside of a tailgate, the plates providing surfaces against which edges of side frame members are biased in deployed position. Pivot pins are connected to the plates in spaced-apart relation, the pins engaging slots inside members of a step supporting frame. The frame is movable from a forward, deployed position where the pins engage rear portions of the slots, and the upper edges of said frame members, which form an obtuse angle with respect to the length of the frame, are biased upward against the plate surfaces. The step is projected rearward and downward from the tailgate by this means. A lower step frame supporting a second, lower step is pivotally attached to the lower end of the upper step frame. Notches in the side members of the lower step frame have surfaces that engage the upper step and hold the lower step in position.

Abstract: A foldable step for a pickup truck end gate or tailgate. The step is formed by a plurality of step rails secured between parallel side bars or frame members. A pair of depending riser arms or links are suspended from a pair of horizontal end gate arms or links to position the step about half-way between a lowered tailgate and the ground. The end gate arms are secured to brackets which are mounted on the interior tailgate surface. A toggle or jack knife linkage extending betewen the step and the riser arms holds the step in a generally horizontal position. The entire assembly may be folded flat to lie against the inner surface of the tailgate, and the assembly is locked in place with a locking clip or strap. The folded step may be folded into and retained in a recess in the inner surface of the endgate.

Abstract: A towable vehicle which includes a pivoting access door. The access door is connected to the vehicle frame for pivotal movement between a vertical closed position, and a horizontal, open position wherein the door is supported by the vehicle frame and acts as a step. The vehicle may also include a storage access door which slides outwardly of the vehicle then pivots along an axial arm to provide access to a storage compartment.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle having a pair of powered main wheels the speed of which is controlled in an independent manner for vehicle speed changes and turning. A caster wheel is carried by a suspension member which is manually adjustable relative the vehicle body. A control mechanism includes an operator control member, first and second linkage means coupling a vehicle control member with first and second variable speed transmission units and permits individual speed and directional control of each transmission unit. Appendages on the control member include swivel components with movement of the control member about multiple axes permitting like or differential movement to be imparted to the first and second linkage means. Linkage biasing springs return the control member to a neutral position in the absence of operator exerted force. A modified control member includes a switch to terminate engine operation upon release of the control member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extendible and retractable ramp device for a vehicle particularly concerned with the loading and unloading of handicapped person and which device particularly includes a power actuating mechanism disposed within the vehicle in such a way as to protect the mechanism from damage, provide a ramp structure conducive to non-interferring ingress and egress by handicapped passengers and to incorporate a disconnect device which permits the ramp to be extended or retracted manually in the event power actuating mechanism becomes inoperative.

Abstract: A collapsible step ladder assembly in combination with a panel of a vehicle such as a tail gate or bed of a pickup truck, having a foldable frame, at least one foldable step or platform, a pair of extension legs, and a pair of articulating joints for connecting said frame to the panel. Each foldable step comprises a platform connected to the respective arms, and a pair of leveling braces that are positioned and dimensioned to hold the platform in a substantially horizontal position when the step ladder is fully deployed between an upper and lower service. Said braces also allow the folding of the platform to a position substantially co-planar with the respective arms.

Abstract: A folding step assembly adapted for attachment to a vehicle with a base having an outwardly extending peripheral flange where the assembly can be attached to the bumper, for example in the area where a license plate is normally held. A first step is hingably connected to a lower edge portion of the base by a hinge device and adapted to be tilted between an extended horizontal position and a stored vertical position against the flange of the supporting plate. A bias device such as a spring is fitted around the hinge pin to bias the first step to a normally vertical position generally parallel to the supporting plate with the step abutting the flange.

Abstract: A ladder device for the transom of a boat has a platform unit and a step unit that may be moved between a use position with a step thereof immersed in the water in which the boat floats and a storage position where the step is located out of the water. The step in the use position extends aft of the platform unit and permits a person to climb out of the water and onto the platform unit without the step making any appreciable movement relative to the platform unit during such climb. The platform unit includes a pair of ring members that each depends from a respective longitudinal section of the unit. The step unit includes a U-shaped tubular member defined by two parallel side sections joined integrally to a transverse section. The side sections each have a long leg and a short leg with one end thereof unattached and a stop member is carried on such unattached end.

Abstract: Contractible and extensible ladder of the lazy-tong type for attachment to the underside of a swim/dive platform of a boat or to a deck of a boat. The ladder and the swim/dive platform or deck include coacting means so constructed for positioning the ladder in the contracted position under the swim/dive platform or deck for stowage thereof.

Abstract: A boarding ladder which may be mounted on a topsides surface of a boat to be swingable between a raised position where all parts of the ladder are above the waterline of the boat and a lowered position where at least one step of the ladder extends below the waterline is formed of a step unit and a mount unit. The step unit has a pair of spaced apart tubular siderails carrying flat tread steps so as to permit the angle of their flat treads to be varied relative to the siderails. A tubular cross member extends across the top ends of the siderails. The mount unit has a pair of spaced apart, tubular sections rotatably carried on the cross member of the ladder unit and which extend normally thereof. Mounting members into which such tubular sections fit permit the ladders to be mounted on the topsides surface of a boat while supporting the ladder in a proper operating posture.

Abstract: A swim platform is described in which two S-shaped members spanned by a step are pivotally attached beneath a platform which is attached to the transom of a boat. The step hangs outboard of an outboard edge of the platform in use, or may be folded to rest on the platform when not being used.

Abstract: Storable stairway and platform apparatus for recreational vehicles including a horizontal channel member mounted to the side or end of a vehicle beneath and extending to the side of the door, the channel member reciprocally receiving a pair of slider members; a platform pivotally engaging the slider members; and a stairway pivotally engaging the platform. The stairway is provided with a pair of opposing scissor linkages for folding the steps of the stairway into compact parallel abutment with one another and with the platform. The platform and stairway laterally slide away from the door and are pivotal into a vertical position for storage against the outside wall of the vehicle. The scissor linkages provide for unobstructed steps in addition to superior compact storage. Adjustable levelers are provided on each of the opposing scissor linkages to accommodate for uneven ground support. A novel bannister foldable and attachable to the side of the platform may also be provided.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable step for high clearance vehicles. The step is pivotally mounted enabling movement from a retracted, or concealed position, that is, one in which the step is stored beneath the sill of the vehicle door and adjacent the vehicle underbody, to an extended, or revealed position in which the step is projected outward and downward to provide access to the vehicle sill. The step has a positive bracing, or latching, means for assuring against undesired shifting of the step while it is in an extended position. The step unit, or assembly, includes a control system providing a means for moving the step unit from one position to the other and an indicating means to inform the vehicle operator of the step position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extendible and retractable ramp device for a vehicle particularly concerned with the loading and unloading of handicapped person and which device particularly includes a power actuating mechanism disposed within the vehicle in such a way as to both protect the mechanism from damage and to provide a ramp structure conducive to non-interferring ingress and egress by handicapped passengers.

Abstract: A three wheel vehicle having an operator seat at its forward end and a step assembly swingably mounted to the vehicle at a point forward of the seat. A control plate of the step assembly is swingably positioned by a powered actuating device. First and second steps are raised and lowered simultaneously by the control plate and in their lowermost position provide step access to the vehicle seat while in an elevated position provide a footrest for a seated operator. Pairs of links interconnect the steps. An additional pair of links connect the control plate to one of the steps. A pair of control bars are attached to and brace the forwardmost step and the vehicle body. A fully retracted position of the step assembly swings the control plate forwardly so that it may serve as a hitch component for coupling to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A service cart assembly including a cart having a lower base equipped with a plurality of rollers or wheels thereunder and a plurality of posts erected standing upright from the lower base with a top plate installed thereupon, and a stepladder built in the cart having a rear leg element fixed rigidly to the rear end portion of a top plate of said stepladder and having a front leg element connected pivotally to the front end portion thereof. The step ladder further includes a connecting arm assembly connected pivotally at the rear end thereof to the lower base of the cart and at the front end thereof to the rear leg element of the stepladder, and a latch mechanism for engagement with the top step of the stepladder mounted on the front pair of the posts standing upright from the cart.

Abstract: A mounting step is fixed to a rear side location of a loader bucket. The step is spaced forwardly of one drive track when the bucket is in a lowered position resting on the ground and permits an operator to step to or from the top of the drive track with the aid of a grab handle on an engine enclosure.

Abstract: A step assembly for vehicles has a support frame mounted under the floor of a vehicle, a pair of side linkage assemblies connect upper and lower steps to the frame to support them for movement between retracted and extended positions. An over-center lock holds the side linkage assemblies in the extended position. A reciprocating actuator coupled to a rotary drive shaft which upon rotation releases the lock and moves the linkage between the two positions.

Abstract: The latest in a series of wheelchair lift improvements is provided, the basic lift structure on which the improvements are made being the type utilizing a step configuration, the individual panels of which, being hinged together, are simply extended into a geometrical plane rather than a step structure. The resulting platform is then elevationally adjusted by the driver to commute the platform, and a wheelchair victim on the platform, between the curb and bus floor level. The improvements include the hydraulic drive for deploying the mechanism between step and platform mode, the safety barrier structure which defines an extension of the platform to the curb level when it is dropped from its safety barrier mode, a safety locking mechanism and a stabilizing chain.