Abstract: A curbside lift apparatus for transferring wheelchair passengers to and from trains and public transit vehicles using existing pedestrian passenger entryways. Free-standing base wall structures support parallel guide tracks inclined toward the transit vehicle, such that a passenger lift car guided by such tracks and carried by chain and sprocket elevator means between the wall structures advances toward and retracts from the passenger vehicle in being raised and lowered, thereby shortening the crossover distance between vehicle passenger deck and lift car spanned by a hinged bridge on the lift car lowered to the deck. Simplified, enclosed, vandal-resistant construction of the mechanical apparatus and an automatic sequencing control system for the same accessible only to an authorized attendant assure prompt, safe operation of the apparatus under various contingencies.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle. When in a stored position, the apparatus and wheelchair are fully contained within said vehicle. A first embodiment illustrates use of the apparatus in a rear compartment of a station wagon, van or similar vehicle in which a pair of motor-driven drive links and a pair of drag links are utilized to lift and rotate a chair rack and wheelchair mounted thereon into said vehicle rear compartment. The drive and drag links connect the rack to a carriage which may then be rolled from a rearwardmost to a forwardmost position for final storage of the apparatus and chair in the vehicle. Latching means is provided to latch the carriage in either its forwardmost or rearwardmost positions. A remote control switch and limit switches are used to control power to the electric motor. A second embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use in the trunk of a typical passenger automobile.

Abstract: An assembly for raising and collapsing a wheelchair having collapsible legs including a first arm having a first hook at the end thereof for reversibly engaging the proximal leg of the wheelchair and having a lowered and a raised position, and a second arm having a second hook at the end thereof for reversibly engaging the distal leg of the wheelchair and being operatively connected to the first arm for movement between the raised and lowered positions therewith. The second arm has a retracted and an extended position relative to the first arm. A first motor reversibly moves the first and second arms between the raised and lowered positions for raising and lowering the wheelchair, and a second motor reversibly moves the second arm relative to the first arm to reversibly collapse the distal leg of the wheelchair against the proximal leg thereof.

Abstract: A transport seat for conveying disabled travellers through a stairwell opening of a passenger carrying vehicle is disclosed. An elongate boom section is pivotally connected to a support base located exterior of the vehicle and is intended to extend over the stairwell of the vehicle. The boom section at its vehicle interior end is supported from the floor or a stair tread of the vehicle. A seat is carried on the boom section and is reciprocatable therealong. A traveller on the seat, during transport, faces outwardly of the vehicle towards the support base. The seat, however, is made rotatable so that a traveller on the seat, after being transported into the interior of the vehicle, can be rotated in a horizontal plane in order to face the vehicle floor and leave the seat and conversely, can first occupy the seat and then be rotated to face the support base before being transported from the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A carriage for receiving a wheelchair is pivotable relative to a frame between a lowered position (as shown) wherein the wheelchair can be wheeled onto and off the carriage, and a raised position (FIG. 3) wherein the wheelchair is tipped in a vertical plane. The carriage is raised and lowered by an operating mechanism which is fully operated by the wheelchair occupant and which includes hand grips positioned to either side of the carriage. A fluid damper prevents the carriage from being lowered except at a controlled relatively slow rate.

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 stablizing chain.

Abstract: A stroller base (A) detachably receives a seat structure (B) therein. The base includes forward wheel assemblies (12), rearward wheel assemblies (14) for rollably supporting the base, and wheel lock structures (60) for selectively locking the rear wheels against rotation. An upper base frame portion (20) is collapsable to a folded position (FIG. 3) and raiseable to a seat structure receiving position (FIG. 2). The upper base frame portion includes a channel guide (30) having a transverse slot (38) therein. The detachable seat structure includes a seat frame (80) with a plurality of patient supporting pads (90, 92, 94, 96) adjustably mounted thereon. Handles (84) selectively enable an attendant to lift a rearward portion of the detachable seat structure. A transverse seat frame member (88) is selectively received in the channel guide slot as the seat structure is positioned thereon and selectively lifted out of the channel guide slot as the seat is lifted therefrom.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns an automatic handrail for a platform lift which automatic handrail is pivoted along one side of the foldable platform along an axis perpendicular to that of the hinge of the platform for oscillating movement from an inoperative position parallel to the plane of the platform when the platform is in its vertical inoperative position, into a vertical operative position in a plane orthogonal to the plane of the platform when the platform is in its horizontal operative position. This movement of the handrail is affected by an oscillating cam arm anchored to the pivotal connection of the reciprocating motor for oscillating the platform, which cam arm engages a cam plate mounted on the side of the pivoted handrail. The handrail is normally urged into its inoperative position parallel to the plane of the platform by a resilient means. A stop may be provided for limiting the movement of the handrail into its vertical operative position.

Abstract: The device comprises a screw driven by a motor for raising and lowering a nut supporting a pivotally mounted arm onto which is fixed a platform able to pass through an opening of a door, and which is then placed on the vehicle floor. A load, for example a trolley, may be fixed on the platform by an anchoring device.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving a wheelchair into and out of an automobile under the control of a disabled person using the wheelchair. The apparatus comprises a wheelchair supporting assembly secured to the interior roof of the automobile rearwardly of the driver's seat, the wheelchair supporting assembly being movable generally laterally inwardly and outwardly of the automobile when the driver's door is open and having means at its outer end for engaging and lifting the wheelchair. When the disabled person approaches an automobile in the wheelchair, he opens the driver's door, moves the wheelchair close to the automobile and positions himself on the driver's seat in the automobile. Thereafter, he actuates suitable control means on the dashboard to extend the wheelchair supporting assembly laterally outwardly of the automobile.

Abstract: A wheelchair elevator system for installation on the inner side of a passenger vehicle door including a docking member for lockingly receiving a docking prong fixed to the wheelchair to permit lifting of the wheelchair to a position wherein it is securely carried on the door.

Abstract: An invalid lift assembly installed in a vehicle such as a van or the like. It is specially adapted to permit a non-invalid person to use the door opening even when it is stored. The lift assembly comprises a platform which is made of a frame supporting two independent sections displaceable in between a coplanar position and a transverse position. The platform is rotatable in between an upstanding stored position inside the vehicle and an outside intermediate position level and parallel with the vehicle floor and moveable from that position to the ground and inversely. A pair of armatures swingable in parallel paths on each side of the platform connect the platform to the vehicle.

Abstract: A tilting device for a wheelchair and occupant comprises an outer frame defining a base and upstanding triangular supports at an inner frame pivotally mounted on the outer frame at the top of the triangular supports. The inner frame comprises a back rest and platform with a rearwardly extending section to receive the wheels of the wheelchair and parallel guides spaced by the width of the wheelchair to prevent twisting. The pivot axis passes through the occupant and the inner frame can be pivoted relative to the outer frame by operation of a handle which rotates a screw, axial movement of which acts to pivot the inner frame by actuation of suitable levers.

Abstract: A tricycle powered wheelchair carrier has a platform supported on the bight of a U-shaped axle between a pair of rear wheels supported at the ends of the axle legs. The platform is formed with a downwardly sloping ramp portion at the end extending beyond the rear wheels. A front wheel is connected to handlebars at the front of a platform by a linkage pivoted at the top. A front actuator is connected between this linkage and the platform. A rear actuator is connected between the U-shaped axle and the platform. A transmission couples an internal combustion engine to a rear wheel and includes a reverse gear. A locking bar has rear and side mutually perpendicular arms. The side arm is pivotal about a horizontal axis in bearings on the side of the carrier to allow the side arm to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position against the rear wheels of a wheelchair on the platform with the end of the rear arm having a stud seated in a socket attached to the other side of the carrier.

Abstract: An arrangement for transferring a patient between a wheelchair and an examination table. While the patient is in the seated position, segments of the examination table are arranged in front of the upper body of the patient, above the thighs of the patient, and in front of the lower legs of the patient. The examination table segments, in this configuration, are then moved simultaneously with the wheelchair until the patient is deposited onto the segments. The segments are then arranged in a desired configuration. The process is reversed for placing the patient back on the wheelchair.

Abstract: A lifting platform for the handicapped for a transit system utilizes a pair of side support members mounted on a fixed base support at ground level in which the platform is located between the side supports and raised and lowered by a set of rotating actuating arms interconnected by a chain drive and sprocket wheel combination. A sprocket wheel and idler shaft combination interconnect the rotary actuating arms associated with each side support member and maintain the support platform at all times in a horizontal position while being raised and lowered. The rotating actuating arms rotate about an axis above ground level and intermediate between the high and low position of the platform. Final height adjustment is determined by the amount of rotation beyond the vertical by the rotating actuating arms.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift apparatus of rotary construction including a brake system for a carriage lift assembly adapted to receive a wheelchair for mounting in the door opening of a vehicle, such as a van or the like, for automatically lifting the wheelchair user from ground level into and out of the van while under the users complete control and without any need for the user to leave the wheelchair.

Abstract: The present wheel chair lift apparatus has a rotatable post at the front of a doorway in the side of a van. A pivotally mounted electric motor rotates this post through a pinion and gear drive at the lower end of the post. A carriage for the wheel chair lift platform is slidable up and down along this post. A vertical lead screw is coupled to the carriage through a ball nut and a lost-motion coupling. The lead screw is driven from an electric motor through gear wheels. The lead screw motor has an electric brake which prevents the screw from turning when the motor is stopped. The lift platform has a pivoted retainer lip at its outer edge which is pulled up before the lift platform can move up or down. Provisions are made for manually moving the platform in case of power failure.

Abstract: A device for selectably positioning onto an automobile an invalid's wheelchair comprising a fixed support apparatus mountable onto the roof of an automobile and defining a fixed track, an axle arranged for rotational rolling engagement with the track and movement therealong, and wheelchair support shaft apparatus defining first and second ends, the first end being rotatably mounted onto the axle and the second end being associated with a wheelchair for support thereof.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring a wheelchair through a side door opening of a motor vehicle includes a hoisting device disposed in the vehicle and a linkage linking the chair to the hoist. Once hoisted off the ground, the wheels of the chair are retracted and the chair is swung by the parallel links through the door opening. The chair is suspended at a rear corner of a generally box-like frame so that final pivoting of the chair about its point of suspension not only brings the chair to its front facing position in the vehicle but simultaneously completes its sideways movement into the vehicle. The chair is then lowered into its seated position.

Abstract: An improved retractable hand rail for mounting on a platform of a vehicle lift. The hand rail is folded on top of the platform when the platform is raised into a substantially vertical position in an opening in the vehicle. The hand rail is unfolded and extended upwardly on the platform when the platform is lowered into a horizontal position adjacent the opening of the vehicle. The hand rail provides the safety feature of allowing the user of the vehicle lift to grip the rail to maintain his balance during the use of the lift as it is raised and lowered adjacent the vehicle.

Abstract: A lift is provided characterized by its ability to be simply retrofitted into a van or similar vehicle of virtually any style construction without requiring the modification of the existing structure. The unit comes in a small, neat package which is hinged on a vertical axis to a door post adjacent the hinge of one of the doors. The mounting plate of the unit which mounts the hinge also mounts a slide in its distal end which slides in a track in the door, so that as the door is opened the mounting plate is supported at one end by its hinge and at the other end in the slide. A horizontal carrier slides outwardly on tracks on the mounting plate, so that the unit clears the vehicle structure, and then a vertical carrier descends from the horizontal carrier by virtue of a hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is adapted to enable ready entry and exit of the vehicle for a disabled person from or into his wheel-chair, and also to enable convenient storage of the folded wheel-chair in the vehicle. The adaptation consists in the provision of a seat which can be moved from a normal position within the vehicle to a displaced position projecting laterally outwardly of the vehicle, whereby the disabled person can readily slide himself from his wheel-chair into the seat and vice versa, and also in the provision of storage means on the inside of the door adjacent to the seat into which the folded wheel-chair can be located for retention on said door between the door and the seat.

Abstract: Platform lifting device mounted on a motor vehicle, used especially for the transport of a physically handicapped person. The device comprises two connecting rods forming a parallelogram which rods are mounted for pivoting by one of their ends between the side-plates of a mounting plate integral with the floor of the vehicle, and by their other end, on the upper part of a bearing arm of which the lower end carries the pivoting axis of a lever on which is fixed an axis extending sideways and integral with the platform.

Abstract: An automobile occupant hoist is provided for aiding a disabled or crippled person in entering or exiting an automobile. The hoist is disposed entirely inside the car for traveling and is extensible by means of an electric motor drive to project outside of the car with the door open. A transverse bar is provided which is parallel to the body of the car and which may be gripped by the occupant so that he may swing himself in or out of the car. The bar is optionally provided with hangers for engagement with a harness worn by the disabled person if he is physically unable to manually pull himself in and out of the car.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift such as for vehicles, comprising a stationary outer rectangular frame across the top of which swings an inner rectangular telescopic frame, the lower telescoping end of which has a foldable platform for the wheelchair. The inner frame swings out to clear the side of the vehicle, which swinging movement is limited by a pair of toggles that support a bridging platform between the lift platform and the floor of the vehicle. An electric motor-driven hydraulic pump, valve, and accumulator assembly provides the power for lifting the platform by telescoping the inner frame parts, and a valve in the hydraulic system damps the lowering of the platform. The folding of the platform from a vertical to a horizontal position and swinging of the inner frame may be done manually or by a separate reciprocating motor mounted on the upper telescopic frame.

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 means of 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.

Abstract: A lightweight self-propelled vehicle of the tricycle type with all controls reachable by an occupant seated in a wheelchair. A retractable ramp lowers to ground level to permit entry of a person in a wheelchair. The person raises the ramp to provide clearance with the ground, and locks the raised ramp and the wheelchair to the frame of the vehicle. A small horsepower gasoline engine drives the rear wheels via a centrifugal clutch and a single speed transmission having a reversing gear. A hand hydraulic pump operates a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the wheelchair ramp.

Abstract: A vehicle entry system for invalids includes a wheelchair and a wheelchair mounting device. The wheelchair mounting device includes a platform that is swivellably and non-tiltably mounted in a motor vehicle. The wheelchair is moved forwardly to straddle the platform when the platform is extended out from a vehicle opening. The wheelchair's wheels are then movable in at least a vertical direction, relative to the wheelchair's seat, to a level above the sill of the vehicle opening to clear same as the platform is swivelled into the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift operable to transport handicapped persons between a lower level and an upper level. The apparatus includes an elevator platform and a plurality of vertically movable stair members. When the platform is in its lower position, the stair members form a conventional stairway which extends between lower and upper surfaces; and when the platform is moved upwardly, a collecting member attached thereto sequentially collects the stair members and moves them upwardly until the platform and stair members are coplanar with the upper surface. A normally open safety gate on the platform is automatically moved to and retained in a closed position whenever the platform is raised above the lower surface.

Abstract: A patient positioning device characterized by a horizontal support beam, a pair of motors coupled to the support beam, a first cable and hook assembly associated with a first motor, a second cable and hook assembly associated with a second motor, and a motor controller operative to selectively actuate the first motor, the second motor, or both motors simultaneously. Rigid, body contoured supports and/or flexible slings are coupled to one or both of the motors to selectively lift portions of a patient's body from a bed.

Abstract: An auxiliary step is provided principly for use with the type of wheelchair lift that mounts to buses and other passenger vehicles wherein the risers and horizontal panels of a step structure are extended horizontally to define a platform which can be raised up and down between the levels of the sidewalk and the floor of the passenger vehicle to permit the boarding and deboarding of passengers in wheelchairs. The lift structure for which the instant invention is primarily to be used defines two steps between the floor level of the vehicle and the sidewalk or passenger platform, and the instant invention defines a third auxiliary step which can be deployed above the highest step of the platform lift.

Abstract: A device for selectably positioning onto an automobile an invalid's wheelchair comprising a fixed support apparatus mountable onto the roof of an automobile and defining a fixed track, an axle arranged for rotational rolling engagement with the track and movement therealong, and wheelchair support shaft apparatus defining first and second ends, the first end being rotatably mounted onto the axle and the second end being associated with a wheelchair for support thereof.

Abstract: Invalid lift apparatus particularly adapted for installation in an automotive vehicle of the van type characterized by a passenger side door adjoining a loading floor. The apparatus includes a storage receptacle mountable below the loading floor to receive a platform for wheelchair passengers. The platform is extensible onto movable supports for raising and lowering relative to fixed supports attachable at opposite sides of the door opening. Limit switches are provided to control the extent of upward and downward movement of the platform, and to orient the platform in proper position for movement out of the way and onto the storage receptacle whereby ambulatory passengers can enter and leave the vehicle.

Abstract: A motorcycle/sidecar apparatus, the sidecar designed and constructed to accommodate therein a wheelchair and wheelchair occupant, the sidecar further outfitted with controls for operation of the throttling, braking and steering functions of the motorcycle by the wheelchair occupant in the sidecar who has only minimal elbow-flex motion capabilities.

Abstract: A vehicle attached wheelchair support is formed by a stationary frame mounted on a horizontal base tube and a lateral pivotally connected frame joined to the base tube permitting movement of one end portion toward and away from the surface of the earth. The base tube is telescopically joined to a socket forming member secured to an end surface of a vehicle. The pivoting frame forms a space receiving the large wheels and major portion of a wheelchair in supporting relation. A handle on the pivoting frame enables the tilting frame to be lifted to a stationary frame locked position or moved toward the surface of the earth for loading and unloading the wheelchair.

Abstract: A lift system for a transit vehicle includes a stationary main frame secured within a door recess of the vehicle and a side frame that is movable relative to the main frame. An articulated platform including steps pivotally secured to the side frame and scissor linkage pivotally and slideably connected to the main frame is also included. The lift system also includes a reaction switch coupled to the main frame to sense torque imparted to the main frame upon engagement of the platform with an obstacle such as a curb or the ground. If sufficient torque is created due to contact of the platform with an obstruction, the reaction switch is actuated to terminate further downward movement of the platform thereby preventing destruction of the system.

Abstract: A horizontal loading platform is pivotally interconnected by a pair of spaced apart and opposed linkage systems, positioned on either side thereof. Each linkage system includes five pivotally interconnected links which are arranged so that a first common link is disposed above the loading platform and the points of pivotal interconnection of a first set of spaced apart links to the common link and to the loading platform define the corners of a first parallelogram. The points of pivotal interconnection of a second set of spaced apart links to said common link and to said framework define the corners of a second parallelogram. Thrust links, which includes an offset arm on the inboard link of said second set of links and a cross-link pivotally connected to said offset arm and to the outboard link of said first set of links, maintain said loading platform out of contact with the vehicle when the loading platform is away from rest position interior of said vehicle.

Abstract: A carrier (10) for external attachment to a vehicle (80) for facilitating the loading and carrying of objects (90) externally of the vehicle (80) is provided. The carrier (10) includes a support member (26) attached externally of the vehicle (80) and extends from the vehicle (80) in a first direction. A pivot member (20) is pivotally mounted to the support member (26) and is rotatable for arcuate movement through an arc about an axis (22) extending through the pivot member (20) in a second direction. The arc of rotation is between a vertical carrying position and a receiving position at the end of the arc. A carrying device (66, 70, 72) is attached to the pivot member (20) for carrying objects (90), such that the carrying device (72, 70) receives objects (94) in the pivot member receiving position thereby loading the objects (90) to the carrier (10) for carrying the objects (90) in the pivot member vertical carrying position.

Abstract: A loading apparatus is operable to load or unload a secondary vehicle usable by a handicapped person to and from the rear passenger compartment of a four-door automobile. The secondary vehicle, a single passenger battery powered three wheel vehicle, is longer than the width of the rear door opening and the loading apparatus automatically swings the secondary vehicle during the process to pass endwise through the rear door opening and to be located parallel to the automobile when grounded at the beginning of the loading operation and at the conclusion of the unloading operation.

Abstract: A method of carrying a wheelchair externally of a vehicle without first folding the wheelchair. The wheelchair is placed so that its rear wheels rest against the rear of the vehicle; it is then lifted by a bumper-attached carrier, and the rear wheels roll up the rear bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrically controlled hydraulic lift, such as wheelchair lifts for vehicles, wherein the hydraulic reciprocating motor for operating the platform of the lift is mounted in a vertical slot so that any obstruction in the downward movement of the platform of the lift will cause the reciprocating motor to rise in the slot and operate a microswitch to automatically shut off the continued supply of fluid to the reciprocating motor. This arrangement not only prevents the crushing of obstacles that get in the downward path of the platform, but also limits the downward movement of the platform when it contacts the solid ground or floor level from which an object is to be lifted, such as an invalid in a wheelchair. If desired, the upward movement of the reciprocating hydraulic motor may be restricted by resilient means for maintaining it in the lower part of its mounting slot.

Abstract: A lifting device adapted to be mounted within an automobile trunk is disclosed as having a rigid boom mounted for free pivotal movement about both vertical and horizontal axes. The lifting device includes a motor-driven lift mounted at the distal end of the boom. A counterbalance member is employed to counterbalance the gravitational force biasing the boom in downward movement about its horizontal axis so that the boom may be easily pivoted upwardly or downwardly by a handicapped person. A prop assembly may be manually moved into position to positively maintain the boom in an elevated lifting position.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift device located in a bus stepwell that includes foldable hinged sections normally positioned through a first linkage to form a step with a riser and in which the first linkage operates during deployment to control forward swinging movement of the sections to form a platform for supporting a wheelchair that can be lowered to ground level by a second linkage.

Abstract: A car top wheelchair carrier includes a carrier case mounted on the top of a car and open to one side of the car. A moving platform inside of the case is movable between a loaded position entirely within the case and an unloading position where an outer edge portion of it is downwardly hinged at an acute angle to overhang the side of the car. A wheelchair cage is provided for encompassing a folded wheelchair to be stored, and the cage includes a rectangular angle iron back frame member. A top edge of this back frame member is connected by a pair of cables to a pair of winches mounted with respect to the moving platform. The wheelchair cage, whether it encompasses and retains a wheelchair or not, is lifted up onto the platform by the winch means and the platform is then moved to its retracted position inside of the case.

Abstract: A device for transferring a disabled person from a wheelchair to a vehicle. The device of the present invention comprises a removable seat associated with the wheelchair and an actuator attached to a door of the vehicle. The actuator is adapted to releasably engage the seat to lift the seat from the wheelchair and deposit the seat and the disabled person seated therein upon the seat of the vehicle. The actuator is movable relative to the door in a longitudinal, transverse, or vertical direction.

Abstract: A device for vertical and/or horizontal transport of loads into and out of a vehicle or the like and particularly intended to enable disabled wheel chair bound persons to be transferred into and out of a passenger car and comprising a tubular supporting member attached to the car in connection to the vehicle roof and in the lateral direction of the vehicle and being intended to support a supporting arm cooperating telescopically with the supporting member and being displaceable along the supporting member. The supporting arm is adapted to be moveable laterally between a position entirely inside the side of the vehicle and positions outside the side of the vehicle, and the electrically powered lifting device is arranged to be suspended from said supporting arm. It is hereby possible for the disabled himself to load and unload himself and/or his wheel chair and the like in and out of the car resp.

Abstract: A wheelchair construction having means incorporated therein for the transfer of a seat element supporting an invalid from a wheeled frame to the seat of an automobile or other vehicle. The wheeled frame includes electrically or otherwise powered lifting means which in turn supports a platform mounting transversely extending tracks. The seat element is guided by the tracks for lateral movement. A similar set of tracks is carried by a platform supported upon an automobile seat, the tracks having extensions which in extended condition communicate with the tracks on the wheeled frame. The seat element with the invalid thereon is selectively transferred by first adjusting the level of the lifting means whereby the tracks on the frame are placed in coplanar relation relative to the tracks on the platform supported by the automobile seat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel loading and detraining apparatus for use by wheelchair confined and other handicapped passengers. One embodiment of the invention makes provision for the loading and detraining of such passengers at the entrances to railway coaches and more particularly over the stairwell in a vestibule of such coaches. A horizontal loading platform is pivotally connected to a pair of spaced apart and opposed linkage means positioned on either side thereof and which are in turn pivotally connected to the coach. Each linkage means comprises three linkage sections which are so arranged as to define two co-operating parallelograms having one common side which is parallel to the loading platform.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted device for use in moving a wheelchair and its occupant to and from the bed of a vehicle, comprising a platform for supporting the wheelchair, two parallelogram linkages having base links secured in place in the vehicle and end links carried by elongated arms swinging in space vertical planes, .[.and means securing the platform.]. .Iadd.the platform being secured .Iaddend.to the end links for movement in a generally horizontal attitude along an arcuate path so that one edge of the platform passes close to the edge of the bed of the vehicle at the access opening, and engages a stop in the vehicle for folding the platform into a storage position as the linkages complete their arcs. A motorized chain-and-sprocket drive swings the linkages between lowered, outwardly extending positions and raised, upright storage positions in the vehicle, and controls are provided for operating the drive and stopping the platform in an intermediate, entry position level with the bed.