Abstract: A stair lift incorporates a pair of power jacks linked to a stair or step and associated with a vehicle such as a trailer adjacent the vehicle doorway, with the jacks operating in tandem to raise or lower the stair or step with a person standing thereon.

Abstract: The lift is installed under the cargo floor proximate to the side door of the van. In the retracted position it is entirely concealed and does not obstruct the normal van usage. Stationary track members are attached to the van. Slidably mounted within the track members are frame members which may be extended or retracted from the van by use of a pair of worm gears. A pair of hydraulic cylinders interconnect the platform and the frame using four links which raise and lower the platform equalangularly. The equalangular motion of the links maintains the platform in a substantially horizontal position as it is lowered from its raised position level with the floor of the van to its lower position with the street or sidewalk.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a van adapted to be installed into a recess formed into the rear of the van floor and bumper assembly. The lift includes a pair of spaced apart guide rails, each securely connectable into the sides of the recess so that they lie in spaced, longitudinally disposed verticle planes, the guide rails sloping diagonally downward toward the rear of the van. The lift also includes a movable platform whose central bed is horizontally disposed between spaced parallel side panels and adapted to receive a wheelchair or the like thereatop. A pair of spaced-apart rollers rotatably connected to each side panel engage within the guide rails to facilitate translation of the platform within the guide rails while maintaining the bed generally horizontal.

Abstract: A device for enabling persons with reduced mobility to enter and leave a bath tub comprises an upper collar, a lower collar, a vertical column secured to the ceiling by the upper collar and to the floor by the lower collar, a jack for holding the column under compression for making the column completely rigid, and a support assembly mounted on the column for pivotal and vertical sliding motion. The support assembly comprises a member having first and second ends and a bend therein, a guide tube secured in the bend and having a side surface, first and second guide rings disposed in the first and second ends, respectively, of the member, a water-activated jack in fluid communication with the water tap of the bath tub and secured to a side surface of the guide tube, a roller mounted on the jack and resting on a track in the lower collar, and a seat supported on a seat supporting arm mounted in a bracket secured to the back of the support assembly.

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 or 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 trauma stretcher for use in transferring a patient to and from stretcher to bed or operating table. The stretcher includes a wheeled chassis, platform mounted thereon, patient litter slidably positioned atop said platform, extension arms with means for sliding a litter across, and stabilizer legs to prevent tipping.

Abstract: A wheel chair with elevating seat having a high lift capability includes a frame assembly having a plurality of wheels attached to and normally supporting the frame assembly. A pair of opposed, vertical track members are atached to and project upwardly from the frame assembly, and elements are provided for selectively moving a chair substantially along the lengths of the track members. The lengths of the track members provide high lift capabilities for the chair while permitting passage through standard residential door openings whereby the operator is enabled to perform household and other tasks which otherwise would not be possible.

Abstract: A van apparatus (20, 20') for the transportation of handicapped people having a bi-level floor surface supported by a frame rail (34, 34'), wherein the lower portion of said bi-level floor extends in a substantially level plane from an intermediate area to a forward area of said van apparatus, such that a handicapped person may drive or ride as the front passenger in said van apparatus. The lower portion of said bi-level floor may be lowered to a customized depth in the construction of each individual van apparatus. Methods for construction of such a van apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lift for tilting a wheelchair intended for use by a physician, dentist or the like in treating a wheelchair bound patient. The wheelchair lift assembly is portable, light weight and easily adapted to any wheelchair structure so as to provide proper support for the chair and occupant as well as provide the necessary angle of repose. The wheelchair lift assembly generally includes a frame, piston and lift linkage for causing rotation of the wheelchair about its rear wheels and stabilizer bars that support the wheelchair in the tilted position and prevent over rotation. Also provided is a detachable footrest support for the comfort of the wheelchair occupant when the wheelchair is lifted by the assembly.

Abstract: A movable seat arrangement for a vehicle includes a base plate having guides which define a curved path for a beam and which support the beam so that it can travel along the curved path, the beam in its turn supporting a seat in such a way that the seat can travel along the beam, whereby the seat can travel along the beam until a position near to the edge of the vehicle is reached and the beam may then be extended along the curved path to carry a passenger in the seat clear of the vehicle.

Abstract: An invalid car lift is presented which comprises a bar which is mounted on the inside of a car with the help of a strap. A winch device is mounted in bearing relationship on the bar so that the winch may be moved laterally along the bar. The winch may be of the well known type which includes a handle attached to suitable rope or metal line and includes a hook. The hook is engaged to a basket. Thus, when a person in a wheelchair is brought up to the car and positioned under the winch, the person may be lifted off the wheelchair by the winch/basket. Thereafter the winch is rolled along the bar and into the car. Next, the winch is lowered and the person is disconnected therefrom. The bar preferably is hinged so that it may be easily folded and stored in the trunk during transportation.

Abstract: A standing support having a truncated lower horizontal side frame member has an extension flange mounted thereon to laterally displace the drive wheel assembly outward relative the side frame member to widen the rear facing cavity defined therebetween. A cantilevered floor pan configuration removes transverse obstructions between the side frame members to allow the further longitudinal insertion of a conventional wheelchair within the cavity therebetween. A hand crank assembly mounted to the main frame aids in the transfer of the handicapped user from the conventional wheelchair to the improved standing support of the present invention.

Abstract: An elevator device insertable into and transportable in a motor vehicle for lifting and lowering heavy loads comprises a base plate, a main frame and an additional frame, and an elevating arrangement positioned between said frames. The elevating arrangement is foldable to vertically stand and lean against the main frame while in non-use position, and unfoldable to lie horizontally on a connecting shaft in a stable use position. Each frame is provided with a parallelogram link mechanism and the elevator arrangement is provided with a pressure air cylinder-piston unit operated to compensate for the weight of the elevator arrangement to enable one to easily place the arrangement to one of said positions.

Abstract: A wheel chair hoist assembly for a vehicle having a body, a roof and a door opening comprises a support bar suspended within the body, with a mount tube reciprocally mounted upon the support bar. A boom having a retracted position within the body is located parallel to the support bar and at one end is secured to the mount tube. A motor operated winch assembly depends from the mount tube, and includes a drum with a cable wound thereon, and projected through the boom. The cable terminates in hooks to support a wheel chair. A reversible electric motor is supported upon the mount tube and drives a pinion in mesh with a stationary rack gear for reciprocally feeding the boom from its retracted position to an advanced position through the door opening. A manual remote control selectively connects the vehicle battery to the motor and to the winch assembly for alternately advancing and retracting the boom, and for alternately lowering and raising the wheel chair.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a vehicle in which the lift platform serves as part of the floor of the vehicle, and does not need to be extended outwardly of the vehicle to load or unload a wheelchair passenger. The lift operates within a shaft extending between the floor and the undercarriage of the vehicle, and sliding pulley panels are provided at two opposing sides of the shaft below the floor of the vehicle. Pulleys are mounted adjacent the top edges of the pulley panels, and chains are passed over the pulleys, and attached at one end to a fixed point on the vehicle at or below the midpoint between the floor of the vehicle and ground level, and attached at the other end to a lift platform. Other chains are attached at one end to the pulley panels and at the opposite end to a hydraulic cylinder, such that the pulley panels are lowered or raised as the hydraulic cylinder is retracted or extended, in turn causing the lift platform to traverse between the floor of the vehicle and ground level within the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a scooter-type wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle comparment such that the apparatus and wheelchair loaded are fully contained within the vehicle when in a storage position. The apparatus includes a frame attachable to a lower surface of the vehicle compartment and a platform upon which the wheelchair may be rolled. During a loading cycle, the platform and wheelchair are raised upwardly, traversed toward the vehicle compartment and lowered into the compartment for storage. During this cycle, the platform passes through a vertical plane defining a maximum elevation. The platform includes wheel locators and positioning plates for locating the wheels of the wheelchair as it is positioned on the platform and for preventing the wheelchair from undesired movement once loaded. A vertical shaft is positioned adjacent a track portion of the platform.

Abstract: FIGS. 1-5 show a device (10) for selectively lifting and tilting a wheelchair (14) and its occupant to a convenient position for performance of a service, such as a dental work or beauty salon work, upon the occupant of the wheelchair. An alternative embodiment of the invention is wheelchair handling device (110), which is disclosed in FIGS. 6-10, inclusive. Device (110) comprises housing (102), wheelchair receptacle (104), backrest (106), wheels (108 and 113), foot-operated control box (112) having dual footpad switch (114) for raising and lowering housing (102) and dual footpad switch (116) for tilting the receptacle (104) forward and backward. Switch (114) operates motor-driven lift system (118), which comprises a pair of scissors jacks (136) and vertical worm gears (134 and 135) driven by a chain (126) and reversible motor (122).

Abstract: A selectively positionable extension for an elevated walkway includes a planar ramp mounted by rollers to a frame and coupled to the frame by a selectively extensible hydraulic ram. The frame itself is supported by a second ramp for controlled vertical positioning. A pair of handrail gates are pivotally mounted on the ramp frame at opposed lateral sides thereof, and engage guide channels in the ramp side edges for automatically opening and closing the handrail gates as the ramp is extended from and retracted into the frame. The guide channels are so constructed that the handrail gates open and close from overlapping positions without interference. The entire extension is provided as a modular assembly which may be readily incorporated into existing or new walkway constructions.

Abstract: A collapsible wheelchair and a lift assembly which is permanently mountable in a vehicle and operable for moving the wheelchair and an occupant thereof between the interior and the exterior of the vehicle. The wheelchair includes a chair member and a pair of enlarged rear wheels on the chair member which are operable for movably supporting the rear portion of the chair member on a supporting surface when the chair member is in the erected position thereof. The wheelchair is movable to a collapsed position wherein one of the rear wheels is positioned behind the back portion of the chair member in substantially parallel relation therewith and the other rear wheel is positioned beneath the seat portion of the chair member in substantially parallel relation therewith. When the wheelchair is in the collapsed position, it has a reduced overall profile to enable the wheelchair and an occupant thereof to be effectively moved between the interior and the exterior of a vehicle with the lift assembly.

Abstract: A tray loader includes a rail fixed to the load compartment of a vehicle. The rail has a rail part which can roll horizontally there along, which part in turn has a traveller horizontally rollable therealong. The traveller carries a post comprising telescoping parts. A single flexible device such as a chain, aided by the actuation of clutches between the rail part specifically between part 31 and the traveller and between the post and the rail, causes extension of the rail by lowering of the lower end of the post with its attached tray.

Abstract: A carrier is mountable on the rear of a vehicle for carrying a conveyance for handicapped persons. The carrier has a frame adapted to be attached to the conveyance. The platform is slideably and hingeably attached to this frame. The platform is vertically positionable above the ground for storage. The carrier also includes a drive motor coupled between the frame and the platform for lifting the platform while keeping it horizontal. This driver is sized to lift the platform with it loaded with the conveyance.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for clamping an object to a structural member. The clamping mechanism is particularly adapted for clamping a wheelchair wheel to a loading rack of a wheelchair loader. The clamping mechanism comprises a mounting bracket used for attachment to the structure, such as the wheelchair loading rack, and has a pivot pin fixedly attached thereto. Pivotally mounted with respect to the pivot pin is a handle assembly including a hollow handle with a spring biased actuation plate positioned therein. An actuation button is attached to the plate. The pivot pin extends through a transverse hole in the handle and has a key portion which lockably engages a keyway in the actuation plate. By depressing the actuation button, the keyway in the plate is moved with respect to the key on the pivot pin to an unlocked position so that the handle assembly may be pivoted.

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

Abstract: A wheelchair lift which permits the wheelchair to be lifted to an appropriate height by means of a vertically adjustable pedestal including telescoping circular cylinders. The pedestal also includes a generally circular base of a predetermined height for housing the lifting cylinders, a typical example being a hydraulic unit for lifting a barber chair. The lift comprises a pair of elongated generally parallel upwardly facing channel members disposed on either side of the pedestal base for receiving and supporting the wheels of a wheelchair which has been rolled into position thereon. The parallel channels are connected to the uppermost lifting cylinder by means of a downwardly facing channel member which includes a top portion secured to the lift cylinder and two side arm portions extend outwardly and downwardly over the base where they are attached to the parallel channel members intermediate their length.

Abstract: An automobile trunk loading apparatus for loading wheelchairs into the trunk of an automobile comprises a load frame having an aperture sized and located to accept the handwheel of a wheelchair. The apparatus is fitted with a support frame and lanyards to facilitate the removal of loading of a collapsed wheel chair from or into the trunk of an automobile and to reduce the hazard of muscular strain while the wheelchair is being loaded or unloaded.

Abstract: A method of moving a person from a bed to a wheelchair employs a seat section and a conveyor section. It includes the steps(a) fitting the seat section to the rear of said person who is lying on his side on the bed,(b) rolling the seat section and said person to bring the person into sitting position, on the seat section, and with the person's legs overhanging the side of the bed,(c) bringing the conveyor section and seat section into removably attached relation so that the conveyor section supports the seat section, and said person thereon, as the conveyor section and attached seat section are moved horizontally away from the bed,(d) conveying the seat section onto a wheelchair,(e) and detaching the conveyor section away from the seat section whereby the seat section and person thereon are fully supported by the wheelchair.

Abstract: An automobile bumper mounted wheelchair carrier includes an extendible hydraulic cylinder secured to a known trailer-type bumper hitch. The piston member is vertically movable and includes a bottom chair support plate projecting outwardly of the bumper. In the lowered position, the support plate is located to receive the two rear wheels, or safety roller provided on the wheelchair. Upper lock members are aligned with the side frames of the wheelchair and one is releasably attached to the frame. The wheelchair is mounted in the in-use state. A pressurized hydraulic supply, either hand or electrically operated, is mounted in the vehicle trunk with lines releasably connected to the cylinder for raising and lowering of the support and wheelchair.

Abstract: A swivellable seat for a motor vehicle having a seat bearing on which a seat is mounted for rotation about a vertical swivel axis. The seat bearing is itself carried by a cantilevered support arm having a hinge attachment to a door pillar of the vehicle body such that the seat can be swung from a stowed position inboard of the vehicle to an outwardly projecting position outboard of the vehicle body, thereby facilitating access to the seat by disabled persons.

Abstract: A device (10) for selectively lifting and tilting a wheelchair (14) and its occupant to a convenient position for convenient performance of a service such as dental work upon the occupant of the wheelchair wherein there is a base (16), a platform (24), a support frame (64) attached between said base and platform, a reversible motor (40) and jack mechanism (42 and 56) attached between the base (16) and support frame (64) for lifting or lowering the support frame (64), a reversible motor (82) and actuator mechanism (84) attached between the support frame (64) and the platform (24) for tilting the platform (24) in a desired direction, safety belts (28) for securing the wheelchair and its occupant to the platform, two sets of switches (32 and 34) for selected actuation of the device (10), one (32) of which may be operated by hand and the other (34) being foot-controlled.

Abstract: An article of furniture is provided for receiving a wheelchair and extending the wheelchair functions, the article of furniture including track rail members having upwardly opening concave tracks which extend rearwardly from a lowermost point to a first slightly raised position and then extend along curved paths in an arc having about the same or slightly larger radius of curvature as the large wheels of the wheelchair to be accommodated. Thus, a wheelchair may be backed along the concave tracks to "detent" over the first position to safely "bed" the wheelchair. Also included is a tilt frame against which the rear of the wheelchair bears and a head rest carried in an upper portion of the tilt frame. A controllable rearward reclining position may be assumed by actuating (alternatively, manually or power assisted) a lift mechanism which raises pads supporting the small front wheels of the wheelchair such that the entire wheelchair, as well as the tilt frame, rotates about the axis of the large wheels.

Abstract: This concerns a wheelchair lift for a vehicle having upper and lower telescopic frames pivoted about an upper horizontal axis to swing out of the side of the vehicle. The lower telescopic frame is raised and lowered by sprocket chains connected around pulleys on a single hydraulic reciprocating motor anchored to the upper frame. A platform is horizontally pivoted to thelower telescopic frame for movement between a vertical and a horizontal position, either manually or by a separate reciprocating motor. The movement of the platform into its horizontal operating position also automatically swings the telescopic frames out from the side of the vehicle. The platform has pivoted along an orthogonal edge thereof a handrail which automatically raises from an inoperative position parallel to the platform when the platform is folded into its vertical inoperative position to an operative vertical position orthogonal to the platform when the platform is in its operative horizontal position.

Abstract: A vehicle lift device comprises structure 23 which is fixed to the chassis beneath the vehicle floor 11, a parallel linkage 21 carrying a platform 50 and connected to the structure 23 for movement at a level beneath floor 11 about vertical axis 22 so that the linkage and platform can be moved between an operative position extending from the vehicle and a stowed position beneath the vehicle floor 11. A single ram 40 can move the linkage up and down for raising and lowering a load, for example a wheel-chair, to permit the load to be moved on to the floor through a doorway which is not obstructed by the lift device. The platform can be collapsed for storage and the linkage has nesting members 35a, 37 for resisting possible injury.

Abstract: A wheelchair carrier is described which is mounted on the rearwardly extending hitch of a vehicle such as an automobile or the like. A platform is pivotally mounted on a horizontally extending support which is operatively mounted on the vehicle hitch. The platform may be pivotally moved from a horizontal carrying position to an inclined loading and unloading position. When the platform is in its inclined position, one end of the platform may be positioned beneath the handles of the folded wheelchair with the wheelchair then being moved towards the carrier. Pivotal movement of the carrier from its inclined position to its horizontal carrying position causes the wheelchair to be lifted from the ground and positioned on the carrier. The carrier is locked in its horizontal carrying position by means of a spring-loaded lock. The wheelchair is held on the carrier by means of a spring-loaded connector.

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

Abstract: A sulky or horse cart has a low floor. A wheelchair carrying a paraplegic may be rolled from the ground onto the low floor. Hooks on the floor provide a means for locking the wheelchair to the floor. Other features include a roll bar to protect the rider and shock absorbers for comfort.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling wheelchair-confined individuals to more easily convey themselves between two different elevations, especially between the inside ground level of a house and the outside ground level. The key to the invention is a unitary molded lift or scoop on which the wheelchair rides while being conveyed between the two levels. This lift is formed so as to maintain the wheelchar seat in a horizontal orientation during transit. The lift is mounted in a frame in which also resides the peripheral equipment needed to raise and lower the lift. The lower end of the lift is attached to a pair of cables which pass up to and through the top of the frame and then around the take-up reels. The opposite end of the lift is attached by a hinge to the frame at the level of the higher elevation. In its preferred embodiment, the lift conveys the wheelchair between the interior of the ground floor of a house and the ground level outside.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a scooter-type wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle compartment such that the apparatus and wheelchair loaded thereon are fully contained within the vehicle when in a storage position. The apparatus includes a frame attachable to a lower surface of the vehicle compartment and a platform upon which the wheelchair may be rolled. A pair of upper links and a pair of lower links interconnect the frame and platform. A drive shaft interconnects the lower links, and the shaft may be rotated by an electric motor. Each upper link has a drive shaft which is connected to the first link drive shaft by a chain and sprocket assembly. Thus, as the motor rotates the lower link drive shaft, all links are rotated which raises the platform and wheelchair upwardly, traversing toward the vehicle compartment and lowering the platform and wheelchair into the compartment for storage. During this cycle, the platform passes through a vertical plane defining a maximum elevation.

Abstract: This motor vehicle is of use to a disabled person 43 who moves about on a wheeled chair 44 and comprises a compartment 1 which has an openable panel 8 on one of its sides and includes horizontal slideways 11 which are disposed perpendicular to said opening. A support is slidable in these slideways 11 and, in a withdrawn position of the support, is partly located outside the compartment 1. A panel 22 is vertically movable between branches 13 of the support to which it is connected by a raising device 25, 27. When the branches 13 are in a drawn out position, the panel 22 is lowered down to the ground while remaining horizontal by the raising device 25, 27. A wheeled chair 44 is then easily placed on the panel 42 which is raised, and the support is introduced into the compartment 1 by a driving device provided for this purpose.

Abstract: A wheel chair is provided which is adapted to permit the chair to be separated from the wheeled chassis so that the chair may be positioned on a seat of an automobile. The wheeled chassis provides support for the chair on the side of the chair so that the chair may be brought into the automobile through the open door with the wheeled chassis moving beneath the automobile. The support for the chair is rotatably on the wheeled chassis so that the chair can be rotated into alignment with the seat in the automobile. The support for the chair is also vertically adjustable so that the chair may be lowered to rest on the automobile seat. The wheeled chassis and support for the chair may then be disassembled and stored in the automobile.

Abstract: A rotary wheelchair lift comprising a hydraulic lift having a vertically telescoping slide tube and a horizontal wheelchair platform support arm attached to the lower end thereof. The arm supports a wheelchair platform having a front safety barrier, a rear entry ramp which folds up to become a rear wheel safety barrier, and a platform extension horizontally movable to accomodate wheelchairs of various sizes and types. A switch box and safety handrail assembly is mounted on the upper end of the slide tube. An UP/DOWN swtich causes the platform to be raised or lowered. An IN/OUT switch causes the platform to be rotated into or out of the van around a vertical axis offset from, but parallel to, the slide tube. A latching lever releases the handrail into a vertically downward position where it folds back the front safety barrier which interlocks the extension against horizontal motion preventing falls by able-bodied users traversing the platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for lifting a wheel-chair into and out from a vehicle, having a lifting arm which may be connected to the wheel-chair. According to the invention the apparatus comprises a substantially Z-shaped stand (4) having a lower support and mounting plate (5) intended to be attached to the vehicle floor at the place for the driver's seat by means of a number, suitably three, of bolts (6), and a substantially vertical middle portion (7) an an upper support plate (8) intended to be positioned on top of the back seat of the vehicle, a lifting mechanism (25-45) and a swinging equipment (36-45) for the lifting arm (3) whereby the lifting arm (3) and the lifting mechanism (25-34) and the swinging equipment (36-45) are carried by the upper support plate (8) of the stand (4). The invention also relates to a collapsible wheel-chair especially adapted for use together with the lifting apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for moving a patient, of the type comprising: a support adapted to receive the body of the patient, a trolley comprising a motor actuating cables connected to the support for lifting the support loaded with the patient's body vertically then for translating it horizontally, at least one rail for translation over which said trolley moves; wherein, on the one hand, said support, adapted to receive the patient's body, is constituted by a supple cloth, in one piece, comprising at least three successive distinct parts: a first part adapted to receive and to maintain the patient's head, a second part adapted to receive and to maintain the patient's body, a third part adapted to receive and to maintain the patient's legs; and wherein, on the other hand, the trolley mobile over at least one rail comprises: a first pair of cables connected to the first part of the support, a second pair of cables connected to the third part of the support, a first, so-called lifting motor for control

Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a base having a column support socket, an upstanding column detachably mounted in said socket and a lifting arm extending from the column. Said arm is movable along the column by a screw-and-nut lifting mechanism within the column, with the nut of said mechanism being coupled to the arm. A reversible electric motor unit and battery for energization of the motor are mounted on said base with an output shaft of a reduction gear box of the motor unit aligned with and directly coupled to the lower end of the screw of said lifting mechanism to provide a drive from the motor to the screw, through the socket. The drive between said output shaft and said screw is provided by a coupling which can readily be broken to enable the column to be detached from the base without disturbing the motor.

Abstract: A trailer for use in transporting a harvesting machine having a laterally shiftable tongue is disclosed wherein the trailer has transversely extending loading ramps pivotally connected to the load platform of the trailer to permit the harvester to be elevated from the ground level onto the load platform. An elevating linkage interconnecting the load platform and the pivotably ramps is engageable with the harvester wheels to affect a raising of the load ramps when the harvester has been properly positioned on the trailer platform. The load ramps are articulated to compact the transport position of the load ramps, thereby minimizing the transport width of the loaded trailer. The draft connection between the loaded trailer and its prime mover is the laterally shiftable tongue of the harvester positioned on the trailer platform.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns steps interchangeable into a platform lift, such as for wheelchairs for vehicles. Such a convertible step lift comprises a frame mounted in a rectangular notched-out floor section, which frame comprises corner posts which also act as guides for up and down movement of the platform lift. The movable platform comprises three sections foldable into a lower step, a riser, and an upper step, which sections are pivoted on shafts along their adjacent edges. The pivot shaft for upper step section and riser also is connected to reciprocating motor means for raising and lowering the platform. Lever extensions are fixedly attached to the ends of the riser, which are pivotally connected to other reciprocating motor means which unfolds the riser from an acute angle under the upper step section into a position coplanar with the upper step and at the same time moves the lower step section horizontally outwardly and upwardly into the same coplane to form the platform.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a patient from a wheelchair to a motor vehicle seat, which comprises a pair of interlocking trays, one on a frame of the wheelchair and one on the motor vehicle seat, the trays having aligned tracks which are engaged by the wheelchair seat, which upon being released from the wheelchair frame, is movable from the wheelchair frame onto the tray on the motor vehicle seat.

Abstract: A tilting platform lift device for wheelchairs is disclosed. The device (10) securely holds a wheelchair (14) and tilts the wheelchair (14) backward up to 90 degrees to shampoo the hair of the person (12) in the wheelchair (14). The device comprises a tilting platform floor (18) with attached frame (70), a motordriven hydraulic system (24) which includes double-acting hydraulic cylinder (34), four-way control valve (45), electric motor (50), hydraulic pump (48) and hydraulic reservior (52). System (24) is enclosed in case (26) which also acts as a base for platform floor (18). In operation, a person (12) in wheelchair (14) rolls backward up ramp (16) and is secured to platform floor (18) by chains (22), which attach to the arms of wheelchair (14), and chains (23), which attach to the lower frame of wheelchair (14). Platform floor (18) may be tilted forward and backward by operating lever ( 56).

Abstract: Apparatus for railway cars to handle the ingress and egress of passengers through a door opening where the apparatus selectively provides at the exterior of the car at the door opening an adjustable height platform, steps or a ground-to-car floor platform lift. The apparatus is storable within the railway car and extendable exteriorly of the railway car where it can then be selectively conditioned for a desired passenger handling mode as a platform positioned at a desired height between the car floor and ground, a series of steps extending between the car floor and ground, or a platform lift movable between ground level and car floor level.

Abstract: A motorcycle sidecar apparatus attaches to a motorcycle. The sidecar has an independent reverse drive and is controllable in the forward and reverse directions from either the motorcycle or the sidecar. It is particularly adapted for the use of wheelchair-bound handicapped persons. The invention also includes a suspension mechanism which cushions the ride and a hand-operated gear shift which facilitates operation of the vehicle from the sidecar. Finally, the sidecar incorporates a new type of wheel mounting assembly.