Abstract: A vehicle entry apparatus for a vehicle having a door opening and a sill, the apparatus comprising a platform and rotatable mounting means for mounting the platform adjacent the door opening, the platform having a surface for supporting a wheelchair thereon, wherein the platform is rotatable, in use, between a stowed position, in which the surface is positioned or positionable below at least part of the sill, and a loading position, in which the platform extends or is extendable through the door opening, and various embodiments.

Abstract: An improved front loading or side loading refuse collection body includes an ejector panel which is moveable from a position immediately adjacent the front end wall of the storage compartment of the refuse collection body to a second position at the open rear end of the storage compartment. A compaction blade in a compaction chamber adjacent the front end of the storage compartment is independently driven by a second hydraulic ram. The ejector panel has an opening which is in registry with the opening in the front wall of the storage compartment through which refuse is pushed by the compaction blade. A tray member may be fixed to a side of the ejector panel to catch refuse which falls back through the opening in the ejector panel when it is moved away from the front end of the storage compartment. A multiple compartment body may include two compaction chambers each adjacent one of two storage compartments.

Abstract: A vehicle provided with at least one front axis and at least one rear axis, one vehicle frame and at least one loading box or loading surface which can be raised or lowered in a vertical direction by way of lifting devices, in addition to a loading ramp located in the rear area of the vehicle. At least one loading box or loading surface is arranged behind at least one rear axis such that it forms an inner loading ramp (9). At least one opening surface is arranged in a lateral (16) and rear position (20) on the vehicle frame and used to release loading openings for loading or emptying.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift having a pivot and a platform. A rotary position sensor is mounted at the pivot and configured to generate an output signal. A controller is configured to receive the output signal of the rotary position sensor and determine the position of the platform based on the output of the rotary position sensor.

Abstract: A lift gate assembly including a pair of spaced-apart columns, a pair of support members telescopingly received within the pair of spaced apart columns, a platform having a first section operably coupled to the pair of support members and a second section operably coupled to the first section, and a support element having a first end operably coupled with one of the pair of support members, and a second end operably coupled with the platform.

Abstract: The present invention is a lifting mechanism designed to be releasably attachable to a support, such as a hitch on the rear of a vehicle. The mechanism includes a housing that is securable to the hitch and encloses an operating mechanism having a pair of openings in which lift arms can be connected to be rotated by the operating mechanism. Each lift arm is movably and releasably connected to a platform which can be raised from a lowered position to a raised position by the operating mechanism and the lift arms in order to enable an item placed on the platform to be elevated from a position adjacent the ground to a position generally level with the cargo space of a vehicle, such as the bed of a pickup truck. The components of the mechanism are detachable from one another in order to easily store the mechanism when not in use.

Abstract: A liftgate platform assembly may include: (a) a platform support structure having a plurality of non-tube brace members each having a first and a second tab; and, (b) a platform including a plurality of slots. The tabs of the non-tube brace members are received within the slots in order to attach the platform to the platform support structure.

Abstract: A liftgate platform assembly has increased degrees of freedom with the use of a pivoting ball joint connection.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart release system is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, removing and loading various types of carts and carriers. A release system is adapted for use with carts of the type configured for materials handling and a vehicle such as a semi-truck trailer used to transport such carts. The release system includes and a ramp that physically engages with a cart so as to retain the cart within the semi-trailer. An automated remote system may also be used, enabling an operator to release a cart without having to manipulate the release system directly. The release system is located within the floor of the semi-trailer. The release system can also be used in other arrangement, for example, within a liftgate mechanism that has the release system incorporated within the loading ramp of the liftgate. The release system utilized in the liftgate operates in the same manner as that of the release system incorporated within the floor of the bed of a semi-trailer truck.

Abstract: A lift trailer device configured to load and unload a payload from the ground or a loading dock or any height inbetween.

Abstract: A lift gate apparatus for a truck or trailer body is provided that includes a platform and a drive mechanism operable to pivot the platform between a stowed position and a deployed position, and vertically move the platform from a bed-level position and a lower than bed-level position. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism utilizes a pneumatic motor to power one or both of a pivot drive and a lift drive. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism utilizes one or more pneumatic cylinders within the pivot drive or lift drive. In some embodiments, one or more pneumatic cylinders are arranged to both pivot the platform and vertically lift the platform, thereby combining the functionality of the pivot drive and the lift drive. The emergency brake system of the truck or trailer body can be used as a source of compressed air to power the pneumatic motor and/or cylinders.

Abstract: A liftgate platform assembly may include a roller assembly having a pair of roller cartridge assemblies that are attached within a channel on opposite sides of a rail member. One roller cartridge assembly may be considered a fixed roller assembly because it does not move relative to the rail member and the other may be considered an adjustable roller assembly because it can move relative to the rail member.

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: An access system for a vehicle includes a gateway module that connects to the vehicle data bus, and an interface system coupled to the gateway module via a gateway bus. The interface system is also coupled to a ramp control subsystem that operates to stow and deploy a ramp for providing wheelchair access to the vehicle. A door control subsystem is coupled to the vehicle data bus and operates in response to data signals sent over the vehicle data bus. The gateway module is configured to relay signals relating to the status of the ramp from the gateway bus to the vehicle data bus to coordinate operation of the door and the ramp.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting multiple off-highway vehicles in a bed of a pickup truck. The apparatus includes a pair of front uprights and a pair of rear uprights. A platform is pivotally attached to the front uprights and slidingly attached to the rear uprights. A cable is provided for pivotally raising and lowering the platform about its attachment to the front, such that a first ATV may be parked on the platform and a second ATV may be parked under the platform so that the pickup truck may transport two ATVs simultaneously.

Abstract: A drag-behind square hay bale accumulator that groups ten (10) bales of hay is claimed. The grouping configuration has the advantage of providing the first two bales of hay turned at right angles to the remaining bales, to provide for improved stacking of the hay bales. The accumulator is comprised of an open framework within which channels for routing the bales are positioned. After a group of ten (10) bales is collected, the accumulator leaves the bales on the field in a grouping that can be mechanically picked up and stacked.

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 two-wheel vehicle foldable to have a width equivalent to the width of a license number plate can be contained in a door, side walls, or a rear wall of a four-wheel vehicle. Handles and steps of the two-wheel vehicle can be folded so that the vehicle width becomes equivalent to the width of the license number plate. Accordingly, containing space on the four-wheel vehicle at the time of mounting the two-wheel vehicle can be made to be small. As a result, vehicle compartment space of the four-wheel vehicle can be secured, and the two-wheel vehicle can be easily mounted onto the four-wheel vehicle.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift (20) for a vehicle is disclosed. The wheelchair lift includes a lift platform (22) coupled to a support structure (32) by an attachment assembly (74). The lift platform is reciprocal between a stowed position and an extended position, wherein the lift platform is coplanar with a first plane. The wheelchair lift also includes a redundant support assembly (80) in communication with the lift platform to provide secondary support of the lift platform when the lift platform is in the extended position and to maintain the lift platform in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane if a portion of the attachment assembly fails.

Abstract: The invention is a unitary cantilever liftgate that attaches to the vehicle body instead of the vehicle chassis. The liftgate may be fully assembled and tested prior to installation on the vehicle body. This greatly reduces installation time while improving performance and reliability. Various features such as steps, bumpers and brackets are integrated into the liftgate. Further, the liftgate is preferably configured so that multiple units can be stacked together for shipping and ease of unloading and loading. The stackability of the liftgates simplifies storing as well, by removing the necessity of storing several components separately.

Abstract: A liftgate/tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a chassis and a cargo area, such cargo area comprising a bed and one or more vertical sidewalls mounted to the vehicle chassis, such liftgate/tailgate assembly comprising a tailgate which, when rotated into an open tailgate position, forms a liftgate/tailgate platform to support a load to be lifted, and one or more linkage assemblies pivotably mounted to the tailgate which permit the liftgate/tailgate platform to be translated both vertically and horizontally relative to the cargo area of the vehicle, while permitting rear impact protection to be mounted on the vehicle and method for lifting a load into a vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: A dual function, inboard barrier/bridgeplate assembly for wheelchair lifts having a stowable platform, the barrier being pivotably secured to the inboard end of the lift 5 platform, which barrier is actuated by a link to variously raise the barrier to a safety position and lower it to a bridging position in accordance with the position of the platform. The dual function barrier/bridgeplate system is particularly useful in combination with a parallelogram type lift employing an articulated lever assembly having a sliding block for leveraging the platform from a horizontal transfer orientation to a vertical, or over-vertical stowage position.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle door assembly including two entrances. Both entrances are surrounded by a frame assembly for mounting on the vehicle. One of the entrances is at about the height of the vehicle floor, while the other is lower than the vehicle floor and opens into a stairwell that leads up and into the vehicle. The floor-level door may be suitable for use with an appliance for assisting passengers to enter the vehicle, such as a lift or a ramp. The door assembly includes doors for closing the entrances. The door assembly may be mass-produced as a modular component and mounted on a conventional vehicle that has been specially modified to accept the door assembly.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle transporter for a master vehicle which has a platform that reverse articulates and is removably connected thereto. The auxiliary vehicle transporter includes a main frame, a platform pivotally connected to the main frame for supporting an auxiliary vehicle, a reverse articulation apparatus for reverse folding the platform with respect to the main frame, and a frame connection group for removably connecting the main frame to a hitch and the vehicular frame of a master vehicle without inflicting injury to the vehicular frame.

Abstract: In a loading platform system for mounting on a vehicle, especially a truck provided with a loading platform mounted to the vehicle by a lift support structure which is operated by a lift actuator for lifting and lowering loads onto, and from, a vehicle loading bed by way of the loading platform, a locking structure is provided for locking the loading platform in its raised position in which its surface is in planar alignment with the vehicle loading bed, thereby preventing exposure of the lift actuator to the stresses generated by heavy loads disposed on the loading platform during loading and unloading of the vehicle.

Abstract: An elevator delivery system is used with a truck body or trailer to facilitate loading and unloading cargo. The elevator delivery system includes a platform and drive mechanism for raising and lowering the platform. A control system and various types of switches allow the operator to control the raising and lowering of the platform.

Abstract: In a device for transfering especially a person sitting in a wheel-chair between a platform and a passenger department of a vehicle having a floor on a higher level than the platform a first floor surface (5) is arranged inside the vehicle closest to an entrance (2) into the vehicle from a platform side and arranged on substantially the same level as the platform. Power means are adapted to move a support surface (6) arranged inside the vehicle and reachable through the first floor surface (5) between platform level and the level of the floor of the passenger department so as to join a first floor surface and a second floor surface (10) leading to the passenger department or belonging thereto, respectively. A staircase (8) is arranged between the two levels beside the support surface (6) and directly reachable through the first floor surface (5) as well as the second floor surface (10) independently of the position of the support surface (6).

Abstract: A lifting system is attached to the rear of a pick-up truck and has a load carrying platform which can be raised and lowered between the tray of the truck and the ground to assist loading and unloading. The platform is raised and lowered by operation of a cable system incorporated within a frame. The frame and platform structure can be pivoted to a stowed position in which the platform structure then acts as a tailgate for the vehicle. The frame and the platform structure are foldable to a reduced depth configuration so that when in the stowed configuration the height of the frame and platform structure then approximates to the height of the sides of the truck.

Abstract: An improved heavy vehicle chassis for recreational vehicles, busses and trucks is provided. According to the invention, the chassis has a front frame chassis subcomponent and a rear chassis subcomponent. The front chassis subcomponent contains appropriate chassis subcomponents such as wheels, axles, a suspension unit, braking and steering apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, the engine is disposed between the front chassis subcomponent axles allowing better handling, turning, and maneuverability, while not significantly reducing overall vehicle ground clearance. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear chassis configuration has increased storage capacity to accept items as large as additional recreational vehicles such as a personal water craft, golf cart, dirt bike, and the like. A drop deck can be added to assist in delivering the small recreational vehicle to ground level.

Abstract: The invention relates toga vehicle comprising loading boxes (2) for receiving loads. At least one part of the loading boxes (2) can be raised or lowered in vertical direction by means of lifting devices (3), the lifting devices (3) being disposed in a central chassis (5) extending in longitudinal direction of the vehicle. When viewed in longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the lifting devices (3) are disposed in the loading boxes (2) in such a way that practically all the space above the central chassis (5) can be used as additional loading area (15).

Abstract: A tire manipulator for mine service vehicles has a mast for mounting on a vehicle, a telescopic boom connected to said mast and wheel handling equipment connected to said telescopic boom. A first boom may connect said mast to a moveable boom, the moveable boom being connected to said telescopic boom.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an object, such as a wheelchair, between an upper position and a lower position. The upper position is typically adjacent to the floor surface of a vehicle while the lower position is typically at ground level. The apparatus preferably includes a platform including at least three pivotally connected sections. The sections are selectively moveable between an unfolded orientation in which the sections are substantially co-planar and a folded orientation in which the sections form a compact configuration. The apparatus also preferably includes a folding assembly for selectively moving the sections of the platform between the folded orientation and the unfolded orientation, a deployment assembly for selectively deploying and stowing the platform and a lift assembly for selectively moving the platform vertically between the upper position and the lower position.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle includes a floor deck assembly slideably mounted inside the body of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion and telescopically extended away from the body toward a loading platform when the vehicle is at rest. A ramp assembly is supported by the floor deck assembly and may be deployed to accommodate a guest in a wheelchair. To promote safety, the ramp and vehicle door preferably have automatic latch mechanisms. Also for safety purposes, if the vehicle door is not completely pushed back or closed in the locked position, an override switch connected to the door release mechanism, prevents the ride from running. To maintain the ride capacity at all times, a companion seat is built into the vehicle body and a conversion seat can be deployed if no guest in a wheelchair is being accommodated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle cargo lift having a bed (9) having posts (10) parallel to each other extending from the bed (9), a support frame (2) having two opposed side frames forming a well therebetween to accommodate the bed (9), at least one hollow elongated member (7) located in each side frame, drive devices (8) to move the bed (9) between a raised transport position and a ground engaging loading positions such that the bed (9) retains substantially the same orientation throughout its movement between the transport position and the loading position with the hollow elongated members (7) being telescopically engaged with respective posts (10) of the bed (9).

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle includes a floor deck assembly slideably mounted inside the body of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion and telescopically extended away from the body toward a loading platform when the vehicle is at rest. A ramp assembly is mounted to the floor deck assembly near the door of the vehicle and foldably extended away from and at an angle to the floor deck assembly when the ramp assembly is deployed to accommodate a guest in a wheelchair. To promote safety, the ramp and vehicle door preferably have automatic latch mechanisms. To maintain the ride capacity at all times, a companion seat is built into the vehicle body and a conversion seat hidden underneath the companion seat can be deployed if no guest in a wheelchair is being accommodated.

Abstract: A lifting device that can be installed in the frame of a motor vehicle is disclosed. A portion of the frame is removed to accommodate the lifting device and the motor vehicle has a subframe attached under the existing frame across the location where the lifting device is installed to structurally support the motor vehicle. In order to fit within the space provided by removal of a portion of the frame, and provide clearance for the van underneath, the lifting device has a movable frame and a platform having a telescoping movable portion. A single driving unit is used to move the telescoping portion out from the stationary portion of the platform and then extend the movable frame from a stored configuration to an extended configuration.

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 vehicle (1) for the transport of persons in wheel chairs, the vehicle (1) being of the panel van type with a side loading door (7). The vehicle (1) is modified by removing the chassis or sub-frame adjacent the door opening (3), installing a lifting platform (9) within the confines of the vehicle for access through the door opening (3), and providing a door (7) hinged from the roof, the door having strengthening members (26) such that when in the closed position of the door (7), the strength and rigidity of the vehicle (1), as a result of removing the chassis or sub-frame, is restored.

Abstract: A vehicular wheelchair step lift for persons who are physically challenged or otherwise have limited mobility. The lift includes a platform structure which is mounted to an elevator frame which is then mounted to an elevator housing for vertical movements of the platform structure. The platform structure includes a plurality of individual plates which are rotatably connected at their transverse adjacent edges for manually folding and unfolding the platform, wherein the individual plates are manually folded from an outermost individual plate against an adjacent individual plate to an innermost individual plate for stowing the platform structure into a step position of the vehicle and manually unfolded inversely such that the individual plates are substantially horizontal and in fully coplanar alignment to each other for use in an entry level position.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an object, such as a wheelchair, between an upper position and a lower position. The upper position is typically adjacent to the floor surface of a vehicle while the lower position is typically at ground level. The apparatus preferably includes a platform including at least three pivotally connected sections. The sections are selectively moveable between an unfolded orientation in which the sections are substantially co-planar and a folded orientation in which the sections form a compact configuration. The apparatus also preferably includes a folding assembly for selectively moving the sections of the platform between the folded orientation and the unfolded orientation, a deployment assembly for selectively deploying and stowing the platform and a lift assembly for selectively moving the platform vertically between the upper position and the lower position.

Abstract: A platform-type wheelchair lift for mounting in the stairwell of a vehicle, such as a bus or train. The wheelchair lift includes a platform frame that is movable from a retracted position in which it is stowed underneath the vehicle to an extended position in which it extends out from the side or back of the vehicle. A wheelchair platform is movably coupled to the platform frame by a parallelogram linkage that allows the wheelchair platform to move between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair platform includes foldable outer and inner wheelchair barriers that prevent a wheelchair from moving off of the wheelchair platform during operation of the wheelchair lift. The wheelchair platform also includes a mechanical platform interlock mechanism. The platform interlock mechanism is moveable between an unlocked and a locked position. The platform interlock mechanism is in an unlocked position when no weight is placed on the wheelchair platform.

Abstract: A trailer chassis for receiving and transporting shipping containers having a platform extension fixedly attached to the rear end and with a liftgate that can be moved between a position level with the platform extension and ground level. The platform extension and the liftgate are each large enough for a loaded pallet handler to maneuver. This construction allows a forklift, pallet jack or other pallet handler to unload palletized cargo directly from the shipping container at various retail locations without the need for an elevated loading dock.

Abstract: A hydraulic platform lift for trucks, having hydraulic and electrical circuitry to provide automated, or automated with manual override, platform levelling capability in the event the truck is tilted. Three embodiments are claimed where levelling may be accomplished in three separate ways; a first embodiment where levelling is accomplished by stopping one side of the platform and allowing the other side to "catch up", a second embodiment where levelling is accomplished by reversing the direction of movement of one side relative to the other to allow rapid levelling, and a third embodiment where the rate of movement of one side is slowed relative to the other, to allow the other side to "catch up" and thereby level the platform.

Abstract: A grinding machine for sharpening the blades of a mower. The grinding machine includes a lifting system for raising the mowing machine onto an operating platform where the blades are sharpened. A rotationally driven grinding wheel traverses its drive shaft in a controlled manner for sharpening each blade. A remotely mounted motor is coupled, by means of a flexible link and a motor coupling, to the mower's blade cylinder for rotating the blade cylinder during sharpening. The motor coupling is mounted to an adjustable mounting assembly for adjustment of the grinding machine to a variety of mower sizes and configurations. The lifting system includes a hydraulic cylinder which, upon extension, engages a drive chain to raise a lifting platform.

Abstract: A ramp section for a load platform has one or two elongate rectangular stop plates pivotally mounted in the ramp section adjacent a rear edge of the load surface of the platform. Each stop plate is coaxially fitted with a pawl having an angularly spaced apart pair of lobes. A detent member is pivotally mounted on the ramp section rearwardly adjacent to the pawl and biased into operative alignment therewith for selectively engaging one or the other of the lobes to hold the stop plate in either a retracted position or a stop position. The detent has a foot-operable pedal portion. The stop plate is normally biased into an erect stop position so that initial depression of the pedal effects raising of the stop plate from retracted position to a latched erect position. Upon subsequent depression of the pedal, the other foot of the user is used to force the stop plate into retracted position whereupon release of the pedal effects latching of the stop plate in retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an object, such as a wheelchair, between an upper position and a lower position. The upper position is typically adjacent to the floor surface of a vehicle while the lower position is typically at ground level. The apparatus preferably includes a platform including at least three pivotally connected sections. The sections are selectively moveable between an unfolded orientation in which the sections are substantially co-planar and a folded orientation in which the sections form a compact configuration. The apparatus also preferably includes a folding assembly for selectively moving the sections of the platform between the folded orientation and the unfolded orientation, a deployment assembly for selectively deploying and stowing the platform and a lift assembly for selectively moving the platform vertically between the upper position and the lower position.

Abstract: A safety guard uses a strip switch to prevent injury at pinch points on either lift gates or pedestrian-operated industrial trucks. A strip switch is provided at the pinch point between the lift gate and the truck bed or vehicle body to stop or reverse operation of the lift gate when contacted by body parts or items improperly loaded on the lift gate. A strip switch may also be located adjacent the portions of a pedestrian-operated lift truck. The strip switch is disposed located about a portion of the perimeter of the pedestrian-operated lift truck adjacent the operator. Upon contacting the strip switch, the pedestrian-operated lift truck may be stopped or reversed to permit the operator to free his foot from the potential pinch point where injury can occur.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydraulic lift apparatus in general and to a hydraulically operated vehicular tailgate lift apparatus in particular.

Abstract: A vehicle lift for transporting a wheelchair passenger between a ground-level position adjacent the vehicle to a position adjacent and substantially coplanar with the vehicle floor. The lift includes a pair of rails (36) attached to the vehicle. A carriage assembly (21) includes a pair of slides (34) that ride on the rails (36). The lift further includes a contact sensor (16) for detecting when the lift platform (25) contacts a curb or other object. As the platform is lowered, the relative position of the slides (34) and the rails (36) changes, the sensor (16) detects a relative position of one of the slides (34) and the corresponding rail (36). When the sensor (16) detects a relative position of the slide (34) and the rail (36) indicating that the platform (25) has contacted a curb or other object, the sensor (16) generates a control signal. A lift controller (60) stops the lowering of the platform in response to the control signal from the sensor(16).

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.