Abstract: A portable patient lifting assembly (10) of the type for lifting and transporting a patient comprises a moveable base (12), an upstanding support member (14) rigidly fixed to the base and extending generally upwardly therefrom and a cantilevered support member (16) extending in cantilevered fashion from the upstanding support member. The assembly is characterized by the upstanding support member (14) and the cantilevered support member (16) being integrally interconnected for preventing all relative movement therebetween so that the cantilevered support member (16) is fixed relative to the upstanding support member (14). The assembly also includes lifting means (18) for raising and lowering a patient suspending from the fixed cantilevered support (16) to and away from the cantilevered support.

Abstract: A support platform for a person in a wheelchair is disposed at ground level and mounted on the top of a movable support frame within a hole in the ground. The movable support frame is surrounded by a fixed frame having guide rollers for guiding the movable support frame in its vertical movement. A U-shaped handrail, which is not above the ground when the handrail is in its lowermost position, moves upwardly initially relative to the support platform. When the handrail has been moved upwardly a first predetermined distance by a drive arrangement, the drive arrangement then causes the movable support frame to move upwardly with the handrail to transport the person in the wheelchair on the support platform from the ground level position to a raised position at which the support platform is level with a surface of a building to enable the wheelchair to be rolled to the surface of the building.

Abstract: Passive rotary wheelchair lift that is retrofittable in transit vehicles on either the forward or rearward edge of a side double-door step well. The lift employs in its preferred embodiment a double slide tube having a box frame with a cross header. A hydraulic cylinder actuates a pair of chains, one descending down each lift tube to operate the vertical lift. A manual hand pump is provided in the case of power failure. Secured to the bottom of inner telescoping lift tubes is a plate carrying a power actuator for rotating the lift platform from a deployed horizontal position to a vertical stowed position. In the stowed position the platform is approximately 26 inches in length and 36 inches in width. The platform has one or more slide-mounted extension sections which permit the platform to extend out to a full 51 inches. Manual or power-actuated wheel stops are provided at the rear entry and the forward end, for either one way or two way entry/exit onto the platform.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift designed for mounting in the stairwell of a railway car. The lift includes a vertical translation member which is attachable to one wall of the stairwell, and a platform assembly attached to the translation mechanism so as to be movable between an upper position, where the platform assembly is substantially coplanar with the floor of the railway car, and a lower position, adjacent the railroad bed. The platform assembly includes a main platform attached to the translation mechanism, and a pivot platform, pivotally mounted to the outboard end of the main platform. In the stowed position, the pivot platform is positioned underneath the main platform. Retractable barriers are provided at the outboard end of the pivot platform and the inboard end of the main platform for preventing a wheelchair from rolling off the platforms.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged for mounting to a wheel chair and the like for utilization by handicapped individuals to include a support frame mounted to an arm of the wheel chair structure or adjacent support rod, with the support frame including a rear plate and forward plate mounting securement members for fastening to the support rod. A clamp housing mounts a remote control device, such as for utilization with electronic equipment such as televisions and the like, with a sheath directed through a forward wall of the clamp housing, with the sheath including a flexible rod directed therethrough, wherein the flexible rod is reciprocated by use of a push-button member to direct the flexible rod against a control button of the associated remote control apparatus.

Abstract: An elongated ramp is provided for longitudinal extension and retraction relative to a predetermined margin of a support structure therefor. The ramp includes a longitudinally short base end section and a considerably longer outer end section and the support and ramp include coacting guide structures for supporting and guiding the ramp during extension and retraction thereof, the outer end section of the ramp being automatically disengaged from the support and guide structure responsive to the ramp approaching its fully extended position. In a first form of ramp, a biasing structure is operatively connected between the sections yieldingly resisting downward swinging of the outer end section as it disengages from the support and guide structure during extension of the ramp and the biasing structure is operative to counteract a major portion, only, of the force of gravity acting upon the outer end section to swing the outer end thereof downwardly as the ramp moves to its fully extended position.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a vehicle, such as a tour bus, having an elevated seating area and a compartment beneath the seating area. The lift includes a carriage (38) movable into and out of the compartment, a platform (56, 58) on the carriage, and a powered linkage (66, 76, 78) for raising and lowering the platform. The lift also includes stow latch mechanism (200) for securing the platform in the stowed position, and a door interlock system (300) for preventing the vehicle door above the lift from being opened except when the lift is positioned at or near the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel chair transport assembly includes a remote winch-actuated carrier case having wheels mounted on a rear face thereof and rollable within tracks mounted to the vehicle for raising and lowering the carrier case to a storage position on the vehicle roof and an access position flush with the ground, respectively. A door provided forward of the carrier case enables an operator to insert and remove a wheel chair as necessary while conveniently seated as a driver within the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lift device adapted to transfer wheelchair passengers to commuter aircraft. A base and optional four post system provide support for a vertically moveable platform. An apron, which can be used either as a ramp from lowered platform to ground or a bridge from elevated platform to aircraft is provided. The platform is preferably raised and lowered using ball or acme screw-bushing brackets. The platform can be used to load and unload passengers from rear and front door commuter aircraft, on either side of the fuselage. The lift can be incorporated into a wheeled chassis, which can be lowered into ground contact at the position of use. Optionally extendible stairs are present to allow other passengers to enter or leave the aircraft using said platform and apron.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift apparatus for transporting a wheelchair and its occupant into and from a commercial vehicle can be installed in the existing doorway of the vehicle on a rotation column which is capable of supporting a telescoping platform assembly for movement into and out of an operative position across the doorway, there being a retention strap to prevent accidental forward rolling movement of the wheelchair as it is lifted or lowered, and a barrier plate across the front end of the forwardmost platform section cooperates with side flanges or rails on the platform section to prevent accidental movement of the wheelchair off of the platform assembly. The platform support unit is capable of lifting and lowering substantial loads without binding, and the platform assembly is hinged to the platform support unit in such a way as to require positive manual pressure in folding and unfolding the platform assembly with respect to the support unit.

Abstract: An improvement in a vehicle such as a mini-van for transporting wheel chair bound people or large and bulky items is disclosed. A mini-van having a rear dropped axle and a door openable to the rear of the mini-van is converted into the improved mini-van. The improved mini-van is able to transport passengers or cargo as do ordinary mini-vans, and in addition may be quickly and easily converted to either simultaneously carry a wheelchair or bulky item and passengers if desired. The improved mini-van has a drop floor, a rear body piece having a cut-out section corresponding to the drop floor, a pivoting ramp for providing access to the drop floor, and a system for lowering the mini-van to make it more accessible to wheelchair bound people or easier to load bulky objects. The improved mini-van also includes a system for securing the wheelchair or bulky item within the mini-van. In addition, a removable covering for the drop floor is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a carrier for an ambulance litter which safely and easily transports a patient between the ambulance and a hospital gurney. The litter carrier includes a frame and a platform, the platform being pivotably mounted to the frame. Moving the platform around its pivot point causes the platform to be raised or lowered relative to the frame. To transport a patient, the operator raises the platform to the level of the ambulance floor, and moves the carrier to the vicinity of the ambulance. The operator then rolls or moves the litter out of the ambulance, onto the platform, and may then secure the litter to the platform with a suitable fastener. The platform includes channels which provide a path for the wheels or feet of the litter, and which tend to prevent the litter from falling from the carrier. As the platform is lowered, its downward movement is cushioned by shock absorbers. The operator then easily lifts the patient from the litter and onto the hospital gurney or other carrier.

Abstract: An invalid assistance device mounted on a ceiling is which a supported locked and guided flexible line is used to stabilize an invalid in the range of desired vertical positions from sitting to standing while a single attendant can work with the stabilized invalid.

Abstract: An apparatus attached to the trailing end of a passenger vehicle that carries a small three wheeled vehicle of the type used by people who have difficulty in walking. Three ramps in triangular array are supported by a support assembly that is raised and lowered by a small motor. The raising and lowering is accomplished by a telescoping member that causes a linkage apparatus to lift the ramp members when the telescoping member is extended and to lower the ramp members when the telescoping member is retracted. The profile of the apparatus is low in that it is positioned below the bottom edge of a station wagon rear door and does not interfere with the opening of that door. A hinge allows folding of the apparatus into a generally vertical plane when not in use.

Abstract: A wheelchair including a wheeled base assembly provided with an upright assembly thereon, the latter including a pair of telescopic vertical post arrangements which are provided adjacent the front corners of the wheelchair and are vertically extendable and retractable. The upright assembly includes a pair of arms which are secured and cantilevered rearwardly from the upper ends of the upright post arrangements. A seat arrangement is removably attached to and positioned between the arms to facilitate transferring of an occupant, along with the seat assembly, either to or from the wheelchair.

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 wheelchair lift, for tour buses or any bus having an elevated seating area providing room for a compartment beneath the seating area, includes a carriage movable into and out of the compartment. A platform on the carriage is formed by rotating a movable part with respect to a fixed part. A powered linkage between the carriage and the platform raises and lowers the platform. Safety devices such as barriers and handrails are provided.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift that consists of a horizontal platform mounted on a hydraulic elevator operable by the wheelchair occupant. A pivotable back panel of the platform provides a ramp for access to its top from ground level when the elevator frame is completely contracted and the platform is at its lowest position. The back ramp, together with a front gate and a system of lateral rails insures the stability and safety of the wheelchair on top of the platform, which can then be raised to the desired height by the occupant. The elevator arrangement is designed for fast response, so that the invention can be effectively used not only to move a wheelchair to a different plane for locomotion, but also for applications that require frequent adjustments to different heights.

Abstract: A rotatable stand-up wheelchair or invalid mobility device which includes a main drive chassis having front and rear wheels. A means for raising and lowering the seat and back portion of the wheelchair raises and lowers the invalid from a substantially seated position on the seat to a substantially standing position supported by a foot plate attached to the base of the wheelchair. Stability of the wheelchair device is maintained by two triangular wheel configurations intercepting at their apex. In operation, the invalid can move while standing in such a fashion as the foot plate may be lowered to a close proximity to the ground so that the invalids hand approximates the level of a hand height of a non-handicapped person. This simulated normal motion and enables direct contact with countertops and other work surfaces.

Abstract: A device for loading and unloading a wheelchair into and out of a motor vehicle, consisting of a horizontal carriage track mounted transversely on the floor of the vehicle and extending the length of the compartment behind the front seat. A carriage block is slideably engaged with the carriage track and connected to a motor-actuated screw drive that causes it to slide along the track on command. An arm with a wheel-support track assembly conforming to the front wheels of a standard wheelchair is pivotally attached to the carriage block and can be extended to the outside of the vehicle to receive the folded wheelchair and move it in and out of the vehicle as the arm is retracted or extended as a result of the carriage block sliding across the track. The device is controlled by a single switch operable from the driver's seat.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of low, stable, self-propelled vehicles adapted to carry disabled, infirmed or elderly persons. In each embodiment there is provided a load carrying floor that has its upper surface spaced below the axis of rotation of the rear wheels and which may be raised and lowered for facilitating entry onto the floor. In many embodiments, a wheelchair is adapted to be supported on the floor and a movable stop pivots upon movement of the floor between a raised and a lowered position. In each position, the stop functions to retain a wheelchair in place.

Abstract: A portable crane for hoisting electric scooters, wheelchairs and the like includes a column assembly, a boom assembly, a base assembly and a winch assembly. The column assembly is removably and pivotally mounted between an opened vehicle trunk lid and a trunk floor. The column assembly includes top and bottom pivot pins which rotatably engage pivot pin receiving holes and about which the boom assembly rotates. The column assembly and boom assembly are collapsible so as to allow the trunk lid to close.

Abstract: A vehicle access ramp especially for wheel chair access includes alternative horizontal and vertical pivot assemblies. A foldable ramp is pivotably attached to a horizontal axis hinge, and vertically pivotable around a vertical rod at a side of a doorway. For deployment to the ground, the ramp is pivoted horizontally and unfolded. To provide access to the doorway without use of the ramp, the folded ramp is locked into its stored vertical position in the vehicle and pivoted or swung out of the way on a vertical pivot assembly in the vehicle doorway.

Abstract: An invalid lifting device is disclosed. A mast is mounted to a frame to rotate about a vertical axis. A boom is mounted to the mast to swing with the mast and to pivot about a horizontal axis. A sling for supporting an invalid extends from the end of the boom. A first motor drives the mast to rotate and a second motor is mechanically linked with an extendible strut to raise and lower the boom. A control box is provided in the proximity of an invalid as he is seated in the sling to allow the user to select an elevational and rotational movement. A computer controls movement of the device based upon input at the control box.

Abstract: A medical bed apparatus is provided that has a body frame, a hoisting assembly and a hammock supported from the hoisting assembly by hanging strings. The body frame is positioned over a hospital bed or the like and a person is placed on the hammock. A pair of drums are provided in the hoisting assembly so that the hanging strings may be hoisted or wound on the drums in a first direction to lift the hammock. The drums are preferably cone-shaped such that the head portion of the hammock is initially lifted at a rate that is faster than the rate the foot portion of the hammock is lifted. Once the person's upper torso is substantially upright, the lifting rate for the head and foot portion of the hammock are substantially equal. Once the person is lifted, the hoisting assembly is horizontally movable in both the x and y directions so that the person may be maneuvered away from the bed and positioned in an upright sitting position over a urinal, bath or chair.

Abstract: The invention consists of a wheelchair lift frame, movable platform and transfer system. It is designed to enable the person in a wheelchair to independently enter a vehicle and drive from his/her wheelchair without transferring or leaving the wheelchair platform. In the first position the lift frame is folded inside the driver's door below the arm rest, and the platform, separate from the lift frame, is attached to rails, which are attached to the floor of the vehicle. A movable head rest is attached to the roof of the vehicle as a safety feature. When the lift mechanism is activated the lift frame is lowered and extended to the second position, outside the driver's door on a level with the vehicle floor. The platform moves sideways, by means of a caterpillar chain which catches on teeth on the lift frame, over a eight inch gap onto the lift frame assembly and is cantilevered over the lift frame in the third position. The lift frame and platform are now lowered to ground level to the fourth position.

Abstract: A stairway wheelchair lift includes a stationary motor drive unit, a rail assembly extending along the stairway and a mobile platform movable along the rail. A flexible drive member, such as a chain or cable, within the rail assembly, is driven by the motor drive unit and is connected to the mobile platform to move the platform in either direction along the rail. The mobile platform is adapted to support and transport a wheelchair-bound passenger during use, and to fold upwardly out of the way of the stairway when the lift is not in use. An automatically actuated brake mechanism stops further movement of the mobile platform when the speed of the platform relative to the rail exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a plurality of safety sensing switches prevent operation of the lift in the presence of obstructions along the stairway or other unsafe conditions.

Abstract: A safety barrier for a vehicle mounted lift for wheelchairs is normally in an upright blocking position even when the lift platform is at a ground level. The barrier includes upper and lower panels which are hinged together and coupled with a pair of lever arms. A tubular slide coupled with each lever arm cooperates with a rigid link to bias the forward ends of the arms to elevated positions to maintain the barrier in an upright position. When the lever arms are manually lowered, the barrier upper and lower panels fold upon themselves to provide a ramp over which a wheelchair may be rolled for loading onto the lift platform. The arms are supported by the links in cantilevered positions and are connected to the panels for absorbing by deflection of the arms the energy from impacts from the wheelchair against the barrier.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for tilting a wheelchair and occupant backwards to a position for having his or her hair dressed or dental work or the like performed includes a pivotable frame onto which the wheelchair is rolled and secured. The lift also includes a fixed frame, a telescoping arm pivotally attached to the fixed frame and to the rear of the pivotable frame, and an electric motor drive which retracts and extends the telescoping arm to pivot the pivotable frame and wheelchair attached thereto about a pivot axis where the pivotable frame and the fixed frame are connected. The pivotable frame includes a horizontal section and an upright section which are connected at the pivot axis. The upright section includes a headrest which is adjustable.

Abstract: A crane or lifting device includes a base assembly with a telescopic and rotatable column mounting a boom assembly including a telescopic boom arm. A strap is connected at one end thereof to the base assembly, extends through the boom arm, and is connected at another end thereof to a hook for engaging a load. An extensible/retractable jack assembly innerconnects the column and the boom arm for raising and lowering the boom arm. The crane can be mounted in an automobile trunk for raising and lowering the boom assembly.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift apparatus for transporting a wheelchair and its occupant into and from a commercial vehicle can be installed in the existing doorway of the vehicle on a rotation column which is capable of supporting a telescoping platform assembly for movement into and out of an operative position across the doorway, there being a retention strap to prevent accidental forward rolling movement of the wheelchair as it is lifted or lowered, and a barrier plate across the front end of the forwardmost platform section cooperates with side flanges or rails on the platform section to prevent accidental movement of the wheelchair off of the platform assembly. The platform support unit is capable of lifting and lowering substantial loads without binding, and the platform assembly is hinged to the platform support unit in such a way as to require positive manual pressure in folding and unfolding the platform assembly with respect to the support unit.

Abstract: A device (10) for transferring an invalid includes a beam (11) comprised of two telescopically received tubes (12,13); a track (14), slidably engaged within said beam capable of supporting a rolling trolley (15) and connected winch (16) for providing a vertical lifting force. A seat (18) is appended to winch (16) by a winch yoke (19). The device is secured transversely to the roof surface of an automobile by clamps (21,22) mounted to the beam and track. The invalid is positioned within the seat and lifted vertically by the winch and is then slided into or out of the automobile as desired.

Abstract: An invalid assistance device in which a supported, locked, and guided cable or other flexible line is used to stabilize an invalid in the range of desired vertical positions from sitting to standing while a single attendant can work with the invalid, thus stabilized. Also taught by the present invention is a portable apparatus in which a collapsible tripod is used to mount and support the stabilizing apparatus.

Abstract: Portable lift structure for moving a support platform between a comparatively dry position above the surrounding deck of a liquid spa tank to a wetting position in the spa tank including two longitudinally extending structural members pivotally connected at corresponding top ends thereof to be moved between a portable and operating positions, one structural member serving as a mast to be removably mounted in the spa tank deck and the other as a platform mount, to be pivoted from above the surrounding spa tank deck to a position above the spa tank and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder and piston to a wetting position.

Abstract: An adjustable support base for portable vehicle mounted equipment includes a perpendicular pair of support legs adjustable relative to one another. Each leg is adjustable in length and anchorable to the vehicle on which the equipment is being mounted. A plate mounting system is angularly adjustable and secures the vehicle mounted equipment to the base provided by the support legs.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a lifting apparatus installed near or upon a generally horizontal raised bed of a vehicle for safely moving a wheelchair and its occupant operator to and from the raised bed. The lift apparatus uses a single actuating means to automatically and sequentially serve three distinct functions: (1) appropriately engages one or more safety barriers before a laterally extending support platform is moved, thereby preventing the wheelchair and operator from falling off of the platform; (2) moves the platform between a lower support position located at ground level and an upper support position located at floor level; and (3) moves the platform between a generally horizontal, laterally extending support position and a compact, generally upright stowed position. The lift apparatus is also designed to prevent an appendage of the operator from becoming pinched when the support platform is raised from the support position to the stowed position.

Abstract: A patient transfer device adapted to be a component of a patient transport stretcher, chair or gurney is disclosed. A rigid articulated support having a head portion and a lower portion hinged to one another is adapted to be attached to a stretcher having a Fowler mechanism. A self locking reversible gearbox which can be manually driven from either side of the transport device is attached to the support. The gearbox drives an articulated output shaft to which rollers are attached. The rollers drive an endless belt beneath the support. The endless belt has finite lengths of low friction webbing attached. The low friction webbing wraps around the support and across the top thereof between the support and a flexible semirigid transfer sheet. The low friction webbing is attached to the semirigid sheet such that when the gearbox is activated the transfer sheet is moved across the rigid support to extend outwardly from either side of the rigid support.

Abstract: A device for transporting and for carrying from one elevation to another, persons in wheelchairs or persons otherwise requiring assistance. The device comprises a frame supported on wheels, an engine supported on the frame to drive the wheels and a steering mechanism to turn the wheels for manoeuvering the frame. The frame supports a cab which is vertically movable with respect thereto. The cab has a space within to hold at least one person and has doors on its front. Movable support members connect the cab to the frame, and are operable to move the cab from the level of the frame to a position elevated with respect to the frame. A platform is outwardly extendable from the cab forwardly from the bottom of the doors to provide a bridge between the cab and another location, to support a person being moved from the cab to such other location. A leveling system is provided to maintain a floor of the cab and the platform in horizontal orientation while the cab is moved to the elevated positon.

Abstract: A carrier for handicapped vehicle comprises a fulcrum frame which is adapted to be coupled rigidly to a trailer hitch mounted at the rear of an automobile, truck, or van. A horizontal platform is mounted on the fulcrum frame for tilting movement about a tilt axis provided by the fulcrum frame from a horizontal position to an inclined position wherein one edge engages the ground. The platform is also pivotal about a second axis perpendicular to the tilt axis and includes casters at its rear edge for engaging the ground and permitting articulation of the platform about the second axis.

Abstract: A vehicle access ramp especially for wheel chair access includes alternative horizontal and vertical pivot assemblies. A foldable ramp is pivotably attached to a horizontal axis hinge, and vertically pivotable around a vertical rod at a side of a doorway. For deployment to the ground, the ramp is pivoted horizontally and unfolded. To provide access to the doorway without use of the ramp, the folded ramp is locked into its stored vertical position in the vehicle and pivoted or swung out of the way on a vertical pivot assembly in the vehicle doorway.

Abstract: A wheelchair transporter for transferring a handicapped person, while seated in a wheelchair, from a ground level into an operative position on a motorcycle. The wheelchair is intended for independent use, but is designed to couple with a glide track on the motorcycle. The glide track receives rollers mounted on the wheelchair and guides the wheelchair into operational position on the motorcycle. The motorcycle includes a support unit for stabilization during the transfer of the wheelchair, and in the course of initiating and ending a ride on the motorcycle by a handicapped person seated in the wheelchair, operating the motorcycle.

Abstract: Arrangement for a lift adapted to a motor vehicle, comprising a lifting platform capable of moving between the vehicle and a floor. The invention provides a simple device for achieving a reliable and efficient lift arrangement, for example, for use by individuals in wheelchairs who wish to move between the inside and the outside of a vehicle without the help of an assistant, and without additional ramp or lift arrangements. The platform is attached via a scissor mechanism to a source of power for the platform, so that the platform, upon actuation of the power source, moves between a lower and an upper position, one of which at least is situated at a different level with respect to that of the attachment of the scissor mechanism to the source of power.

Abstract: An apparatus providing access by a handicapped person from a landing to a guideway mounted vehicle includes a support structure having a pedestal portion and a housing extending upward from the pedestal. A lift, mounted in a lift opening of the support structure, includes a platform, linkages interconnecting the platform to the housing, and movement apparatus coupled to selectively move the platform between a lowered position adjacent a landing, a raised position adjacent the top of the pedestal and a vertical storage position in the lift opening. A bridge member pivots between a horizontal position extending into the doorway of a light rail vehicle and a vertical storage position in the passage adjacent the bridge opening. Roll-up doors are mounted in the top region of the housing for being selectively rolled down to a position to cover the lift opening and bridge opening when the lift and bridge are in their respective storage positions.

Abstract: A simple, lightweight, easily assemblable, disassemblable and transportable frame and motive means which can be attached to a wheelchair to enable a user having a lower body disability to safely move to and from a standing position without assistance from another person. The device provides braces against horizontal movement of the user's knees and hips when standing to allow the individual's skeletal structure to support the majority of the individual's body weight. The device utilizes a manually operated worm gear mechanism to provide a mechanical advantage in lifting and security against undesirable reverse movement of the lifting means when under load.

Abstract: A lift for putting a handicapped person into the water of a swimming bath or pool comprises a top plate, a bottom plate, a base plate secured to the ground, a fixed support post mounted on the base plate and comprising a steel tube welded to the top plate and a stainless steel tubular shaft centered in the steel tube, a rotation block rotatably mounted on the tubular shaft, and a guide column or plate. The rotation block comprises a frame provided at the rear with concentric bearings pivoting around the tubular shaft, a bearing plate positioned inside the frame, a rod mounted on and secured to the tubular shaft, and a horizontal jack mounted at its rear end to the bearing plate. The nose of the jack is connected to the rod for pivotally mounting the rotation block on the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A height and tilt adjustable wheelchair support has a stationary base (30) with a main support leg (38) thereon. A platform (50) receives a wheelchair (20) and the platform (50) is connected to the main support leg (38) via a chassis (70), vertically movable via a length extendable cylinder (78) connected between the base (30) and the chassis (70). A second length-adjustable cylinder (88) rotates the wheelchair supporting platform (50) relative to the chassis (70) around a pivot (92) such that the wheelchair (20) can be raised, lowered, or tilted, via independent controls.

Abstract: A disabled transferring device comprises a stationary base and a rotary base coupled with the stationary base for forming a base assembly. An actuation lever assembly which has an actuation lever having a pivot point in the vicinity of one end and an actuation point at the other end, is pivotally supported on the rotary base of the base assembly. A pivotal support shaft is secured onto the level in the vicinity of the pivot point in such an arrangement that the securing point of the pivotal support shaft is oriented at the pivot point or between the one end and the pivot point with a first distance to the pivot point of the lever. The first distance is much shorted than a second distance between the pivot point and the actuation point. A saddle to mount thereon the disabled is mounted on the top end of the support shaft.

Abstract: An improved handicap bathtub lift to be installed independent of the tub for bathing by a handicapped person solely or with minimal help from another person. The lift apparatus is adaptable for installation at any point near the tub, but is generally installed towards the rear, outside of the bathtub unit. The lift is comprised of an adjustable upright post secured at the floor and ceiling with anchor bolts. Contained within the post is a threaded carriage block with threaded screw for the lift, and a frame and guide for the carriage block. A radially outwardly extending arm is pivotally secured to the adjustable upright post and supports a chair member. The arm can swing 180.degree. from the loading area to the tub. The chair member can swivel a complete 360.degree., and can also be raised and lowered as needed which increases the personal safety of the user. Upon completion of the bathing operation, the unit can be pivoted in the opposite direction towards the exterior of the tub.

Abstract: A lightweight frame supports a wheelchair platform for up and down movement between four vertical standards, one at each corner. A lifting mechanism includes a winch supported between two of the standards and connected to the platform by cables which pass over pulleys mounted in an upper cross bar pivotally secured and extending between the two posts with the pivot being offset from the longitudinal axis of the crossbar thereby giving a camming or offset partial rotational movement. The winch includes a one way clutch which is disengaged when the platform is elevated but engages automatically as soon as the platform starts to descend thus locking a brake drum to the winch.

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.