CA1059954A - Vehicle doorway lift - Google Patents
Vehicle doorway liftInfo
- Publication number
- CA1059954A CA1059954A CA298,251A CA298251A CA1059954A CA 1059954 A CA1059954 A CA 1059954A CA 298251 A CA298251 A CA 298251A CA 1059954 A CA1059954 A CA 1059954A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- platform
- lifting columns
- vehicle
- configuration
- plates
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R3/00—Arrangements of steps or ladders facilitating access to or on the vehicle, e.g. running-boards
- B60R3/02—Retractable steps or ladders, e.g. movable under shock
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
- A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
- A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
- A61G3/062—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like using lifts connected to the vehicle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
- A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
- A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
- A61G3/068—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like in combination with folding stairs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
- B60P1/44—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load-transporting element
- B60P1/4414—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load-transporting element and keeping the loading platform parallel to the ground when raising the load
- B60P1/4421—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load-transporting element and keeping the loading platform parallel to the ground when raising the load the loading platform being carried in at least one vertical guide
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2220/00—Adaptations of particular transporting means
- A61G2220/16—Buses
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
Abstract
"VEHICLE DOORWAY LIFT"
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A lift assembly is provided which can be mechanically con-verted from a stationary step-like configuration to a movable platform configuration, thus allowing both handicapped and non-handicapped passengers to use a single vehicle entrance having the lift assembly operative within it.
A pair of lifting columns are provided which are movable along guide members mounted at the entrance of the vehicle. A platform is hing-ably connected at its inner edge to the bases of the lifting columns and comprises a linear assembly of hinged plates. Radius arms, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lift-ing columns, suspend the outer end of the platform. Means, such as hy-draulic cylinders, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lifting columns, are controlled to extend or contract the assembly of hinged plates between a flat, horizontal configuration level with the floor surface of the vehicle and a step-like configuration within the opening and also act to securely maintain the plates in the desired configuration. Means are provided to raise or lower the lifting columns while the platform is in the flat, horizontal configuration. In this manner the platform may be lowered to the grade to receive a passenger and raised to the level of the vehicle floor.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A lift assembly is provided which can be mechanically con-verted from a stationary step-like configuration to a movable platform configuration, thus allowing both handicapped and non-handicapped passengers to use a single vehicle entrance having the lift assembly operative within it.
A pair of lifting columns are provided which are movable along guide members mounted at the entrance of the vehicle. A platform is hing-ably connected at its inner edge to the bases of the lifting columns and comprises a linear assembly of hinged plates. Radius arms, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lift-ing columns, suspend the outer end of the platform. Means, such as hy-draulic cylinders, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lifting columns, are controlled to extend or contract the assembly of hinged plates between a flat, horizontal configuration level with the floor surface of the vehicle and a step-like configuration within the opening and also act to securely maintain the plates in the desired configuration. Means are provided to raise or lower the lifting columns while the platform is in the flat, horizontal configuration. In this manner the platform may be lowered to the grade to receive a passenger and raised to the level of the vehicle floor.
Description
lOS9954 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a lift assembly that can be used both by passengers on foot and by passengers in wheelchairs in boarding or getting off a vehicle, such as a bus.
Heretofore, commercial lift assemblies for use by the handicapped in connection with 6uses and the liRe have usually involved a large one-piece platform that pivots about its inner edge from a vertical stored position in the doorway to a horizontal floor-level loading position. When in the horizontal position, the platform may 1~ be lowered and raised with a passenger aboard between grade and the bus floor level.
A problem with thi`s prior art type of lift assembly is that it cannot conveniently be used by foot passengers. The problem has until now been dealt with by providing a vehicle with two entrances.
The lift assembly is mounted in one entrance for use by handicapped passengers, and a conventional step assembly is mounted in the other entrance for use by foot passengers.
It is therefore the object of this invention to provide a lift assembly which can be mechanically converted from a stationary step assembly to a movable lift assembly. This would make it possible for a single entrance unit to be used for both handicapped and non-handicapped passengers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention there is provided a plat-form comprising an assembly of alternating tread and riser plates hinged together in end-to-end arrangement and convertible from a step-like configuration to a flat horizontal configuration. When in the latter configuration, the platform can be lowered and raised with a passenger aboard between grade and the floor level of the vehicle. The platform can be installed in a vehicle doorway and used both by foot and wheel-chair passengers.
~059954 More particularly, the platform is positioned in a recessed rectangular opening, such as is normally provided in the sill of a bus to accommodate the doorway steps. A pai'r of substantially vertical guide members are fixed to the vehicle at the inner corners of the opening.
A movable li`fting column slides along each such guide member, for a purpose to be described. The innermost plate of the platform, bei'ng a riser plate, is connected by hinge means to the bases of the lifting columns.
A pair of tenslon members or radius arms extend between the outermost plate of the p1atform and the lifting columns at a level spaced well up along the length of the columns. Each of these tension members is pivotally connected at its ends to the platform and to one of the lifting columns.
The tension members are operative to assi:st in the suspension of the g platform. Thus the platform is suspended at its inner and outer ends from the vertically movable columns. Means are provided for expanding and contracting the platform to convert it from the step-like configuration to the flat horizontal configurati:on and back again. Such means preferably comprise a pai'r of hydraulic cylinders-, each such cylinder being pivotally connected with one edge portion of the outer plate of the platform and with the base of one of the lifting columns. The cylinders may be locked in either of the configurations to hold the plates fixed in that configuration. Preferably, each such cylinder is connected with the plate assembly between said plate assembly's ends by a slotted bracket and pin device to assist in suspending the plates so the assembly does not sag at its middle. Means are also provided for controllably raising and lowering the lifting columns. Such means may compri'se a pair of roller chains, each being attached to one of the lifting columns, said roller chains being connected to and moved by a hydraulic cylinder mounted within the vehicle.
Broadly stated, the invention is a lift assembly for use in connection with a recessed openi'ng forming part of the doorway of a vehicle having a floor surface,- compri`sing: a pai'r of substanti'ally verti'cally movable li'fting columns associ`ated wi'th the vehicle and lOS9954 positioned at the opening; firs.t means associ:ated with the vehicle for controllably raisi`ng and lowering said lifting columns; second means fixed to the vehicle for gu;di:ng the l;fting columns as they move substantially ve.rtically between rai:sed and lowered positi:ons; a platform disposed in the opening and comprising a linear assembly of alternating tread and riser plates interconnected by hinge means in end-to-end arrangement, said platform being connected to the bases of the lifti`ng columns. at its inner edge portion by hinge means whereby the inner end of the platform is the.reby suspendedi third mean.s, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and wi.th the lifting columns, said thi:rd means being operative to suspend the outer en:d of the platform from said lifti.ng columns; and fourth means, pi:votally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lifting columns, for extending and contracting the assembly of plates between a flat horizontal con-figurati`on level with the floor surface and a step-like configuration within the opening and for retai:ning said plates in each of said con-figurations when required; whereby extensi:on of said fourth means in combination with rotation of the third means about its pivot connecti.ons with the lifting columns forces the plates from the step-like configuration 20 to the flat hori:zontal configuration, and whereby subsequent lowering of the lifting columns results in lowering of the flat horizontal platform to grade and subsequent raising of the lifting columns results in raising of said platform to the floor level, and whereby contraction of said fourth means in combination with downward rotation of the third means forces the plates from the flat horizontal configuration to the step-like configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
Fi:gure 1 is a side view of part of the lift assembly, including the tread and riser plates, in the step-li:ke configuration;
Figure 2 is a side view of part of the lift assembly in the rais:ed and ri`gid, flat horizontal configuration;
Figure 3 is a side Y;eW of the li:ft assembly i:n the lowered and flat, horizontal configuration;
Figure 4 i's a perspective view showing the lift as.sembly in place in the recessed opening of a veh.i'cle, the assembly bei`ng shown partly lowered in soli:d li`nes and fully lowered i`n b.roken li`nes;
Figure 5 illustrates scfi.emati`call~ a preferred embodiment for the.means to be used in raising and lowering the lifting columns and attached platform;
Figure 6 is a si'de vi:ew-of the outermost end of the platform in a preferred embodiment i:'llustrating tfie operati:on of the safety gate; and Figure 7 is a side view showing cable system used to actuate the safety gate.
DESCRI'PTION OF THE PRE:FERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in Fi`gure 4, the li:ft assembly l is located at the doorway 2 of a vehi`cle 3 and its platform 4 works withi.n a rectangular recess.ed opening 5 formed i:n the sill of the vehicle.
Means are provided from which the platform is suspende.d, said means may be actuated to controllably raise or lower the platform between grade level 6a and the floor level 6b of the vehicle. More particularly, with reference to Fi.gure 5, a pair of vertically disposed tubular outer columns 7a, 7b are fixed to the vehi:cle at the i'nner corners of the opening 5. A pair of i:nner li:fti:ng columns 8a, 8b are posi.tioned within the outer columns and are sli:dable up and down therewithi.n. Rolle.r chains 9a, 9b are attached to the uppe.r ends of the li:fting columns. The roller chains extend up through their respective outer columns, over sprockets. lOa, lOb, down to and aroun.d a double sprocket 11, and then extend to a fi'xed bracket 12, secured to the veni`cle, to which they are attached. The double sprocket ll is attached to the piston of a hydraulic lift cyli:nder 13, wfiich i'n turn ï's secured to the vehicle The movement of the cylinder pi'ston is controlled by a conventional sys-tem which does not form part of this system Thus it is seen that expansion or contraction of the lift cylinder 13 controllably lo~ers or raises the inne.r lifting column:s si:multan.eQusly by moY;ng the.double sprocket. Also, the movement of the li:fting columns is guided by the outer columns wi~hi:n ~hich they slide.
As shown in Fi:guré 4, the. outer columns: are posi'tioned out over the openi`ng 5 so tfiat th.e lower.en:ds of tfie.li.fting columns may move through the openi:ng 5. The outer columns are also provided wi'th slots 14 ex-tendi.ng upwardly from their lowermost en.ds to permit the plat.form to be attached to t.fie i'nner li:fti`ng columns-, as descri`be:d below.
The platform 4 compri:ses a li`near as-sembly af alternating tread:and riser plates 2Q, 21 interconnected i:n end-to-end arrangement by hinges 22. The innermost rïser plate i`s connected by a hinge 23 to the lower ends of the lifting columns 8a, 8b. Thus the inner end of the platform i5 suspended from the lifti.ng columns. The plates are con-vertible from the step-like confi`gurati'on shown i:n Figure 1 to the flat horizontal confi'guration shown i`n Fi:gure.2. The wi:dth of the plates is such that, i.n the step-like confi'guration, they horizontal1y span the distance between the chassi:s frame 24 and the side 25 of the vehicle body and vertically span the distance between the vehicle floor level 6b and the standard vehicle clearance above the grade 6a.
The outer edge portion 26 of the outermost tread plate carries pairs of spaced upstanding lugs 27 mounted thereon adjacent each of its side edges. Each pair of lugs is aligned with one of the lifting columns.
A radius arm 28 extends downwardly and angularly between each li:fti:ng column and the pair of lugs 27 aligned with it. Each such radius arm i:s pivotally conne.cted by pins 29, 30 with the lugs and lifting ~ column.
- A hydrauli:c cyli:nder 31 extends along each si.de edge of the platform. I`t i's pi`votally attached by pi:ns. 32, 33 to the lower end of the adjacent lifting column and the ali'gned pai`r of lugs 27 on tne outer tread plate.
~059954 It wi.ll be noted the.re.fore that the outer end of the platform i.s he.ld up by the radi`us arms under tens~i`on and tKe hydraulic cylinders under compressi'on. The platform, radi`us arms and cylinders are all free to ratate. in unison about their pivot conn:ections wi`th. the lifting columns and all of them are lowered and raised i~ uni.~son by said columns.
rt has been found desirafile to support tKe assembly of plates 6etween i:ts ends, as a sag can develop when the assembly i's fully extended ;:n the flat confi`gurati:on and i.`s loaded with a passe.nger. Thus a brack.et 34 is prov;ded on e.ach c~li.nder to form a slot 35, a pin. 36 attached to a lug 37 secured to e.ach.of tfi.e slde. edge.s of the i~n.ner tread plate, sli:des wnthin the slot. Th.us the position of the central section of the platform i:s held fi:xed relati`ve to the cylinder.
During travel or i:n the usual use of the doorway, the platform is maintained i.n the step-like confi:gurati:on. Gus.set plates 38 are adjacent the side edges of the inner portion of the outer tread plate to assis.t in ensuring a rigid assembly whe.n the. plates are ïn the step-li.ke confi:gurati.on. The pivot poi'nt 39 abuts the brackets 34 and the innermost pivot point 40 abuts the vehicle chassïs. Hence, all the pivot points between the plates are supported when i:n said step-like configuratiQn.
With reference to Figures 6 and 7, a safety gate 42 is pro-vided at the outer edge of the platform to retain a wheelchair when lifting and lowering operations: are underway. The safety gate is pivotally attached to the outer edge of the platform and is movable between an upstanding retaining posi:tion (see Figure 2) and a flat in-operative position (see Figure 1). A spring 48 is connected between the lug 27 and safety gate; this spring acts to normally urge the gate to the flat pos.ition. A cable 43 extends~ along each side edge of the platform, around a pi:n 44 and up throug~ th.e adjacent li:fti.ng column; it is attached to the adjacent roller chain by a 601t and connector assem61y 50. The e~e 6.olt 51, forming the lower part of tfie assem61y sa, extends through a load-bearing cross member 52 secured to the lifting column. When the ~OS99S4 roller chain is pulled up, the assembly 50 pulls on the cable 43, thereby rotating the safety gate to the upstanding position and stretching the spring 48. When the eye of the bolt 51 contacts the cross member 52, the safety gate is fully closed~ Thereafter, the tension exerted by the roller chain i`s applied through the cross member to the lifting column.
The conversïon sequence`from the step~like configuration to the flat, horizontal configurati`on begins wi'th extension of the hydraulic cylinders 31. ~he radius arms 28 swing through an arc indicated by the broken line 41 so that the outermost tread plate of the platform moves outwards and upward causi`ng the other hinged plates to move out of the step profile. When the cylinders 31 have reached full extension, the plates 20, 21 form a flat, horizontal platform whi'ch i's even with the floor level 6b of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 2.
The lowering sequence of the raised horizontal platform to the grade position shown in Figure 3 is started by extending hydraulic lift cylinder 13, thus providing slack to the two roller chains 9a, 9b.
As the chains attain slack, the lift columns 8a, 8b simultaneously move downwards inside the guide columns 7a, 7b. As the platform is lowered, a footguard plate 45 is exposed to prevent the load from rolling under the vehicle.
The platform 4 and the liftiRg columns 8a, 8b travel downwards through the recessed opening 5 until the platform touches the grade. The cable 43 which holds up the safety gate 42 goes slack at this point and the spring 48 contracts and draws the safety gate down so that it is level with the platform.
The platform is now ready for the boarding of a passenger in a wheelchair. After the wheelchair has moved onto the platform, the safety gate is closed by upward movement of the lifting columns and the platform i:s raised to the level of the bus. As stated, the lift sequence begins with the closing of the safety gate 42 by tensioni'ng the safety gate cable. The lift cylinder 13 retracts, pulli`ng on the roller chains 9a, lOS9954 9b whi.ch., in turn, cause th.e li:fting calumns 8a, 8b to trave1 upwards.
through. the gui:de column.s 7a, 7b. T6i;s; action li:fts the platform and the passenger. A tension spring 44:pulls the footguard plate..45 upward until i:t i:s flush.wi`th the bottom step well of the tread and riser configuration.
~.hen the platform i`s level with the floor of the bus, the passenger rolls the whee-lchair onto the bus for tra~elling therein The conversion back.to the normal position can only be achi:eved when the platform i:s in the rai:sed posi.tion. The cylinders~ 31 retràct, causing the radi.us arms: 28 to pi:VQt downwards: and ihward through.
an arc. The hinged plates buckle.at the h.inged joints 22 to assume the tread and riser confi`guratîon upon full re.tracti:on of the cylinders.
While the present invention has been disclosed in connection with a preferred embodi:ment thereof, it should be understood that there may be other embodiments which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defi:ned by the following claims.
g
This invention relates to a lift assembly that can be used both by passengers on foot and by passengers in wheelchairs in boarding or getting off a vehicle, such as a bus.
Heretofore, commercial lift assemblies for use by the handicapped in connection with 6uses and the liRe have usually involved a large one-piece platform that pivots about its inner edge from a vertical stored position in the doorway to a horizontal floor-level loading position. When in the horizontal position, the platform may 1~ be lowered and raised with a passenger aboard between grade and the bus floor level.
A problem with thi`s prior art type of lift assembly is that it cannot conveniently be used by foot passengers. The problem has until now been dealt with by providing a vehicle with two entrances.
The lift assembly is mounted in one entrance for use by handicapped passengers, and a conventional step assembly is mounted in the other entrance for use by foot passengers.
It is therefore the object of this invention to provide a lift assembly which can be mechanically converted from a stationary step assembly to a movable lift assembly. This would make it possible for a single entrance unit to be used for both handicapped and non-handicapped passengers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention there is provided a plat-form comprising an assembly of alternating tread and riser plates hinged together in end-to-end arrangement and convertible from a step-like configuration to a flat horizontal configuration. When in the latter configuration, the platform can be lowered and raised with a passenger aboard between grade and the floor level of the vehicle. The platform can be installed in a vehicle doorway and used both by foot and wheel-chair passengers.
~059954 More particularly, the platform is positioned in a recessed rectangular opening, such as is normally provided in the sill of a bus to accommodate the doorway steps. A pai'r of substantially vertical guide members are fixed to the vehicle at the inner corners of the opening.
A movable li`fting column slides along each such guide member, for a purpose to be described. The innermost plate of the platform, bei'ng a riser plate, is connected by hinge means to the bases of the lifting columns.
A pair of tenslon members or radius arms extend between the outermost plate of the p1atform and the lifting columns at a level spaced well up along the length of the columns. Each of these tension members is pivotally connected at its ends to the platform and to one of the lifting columns.
The tension members are operative to assi:st in the suspension of the g platform. Thus the platform is suspended at its inner and outer ends from the vertically movable columns. Means are provided for expanding and contracting the platform to convert it from the step-like configuration to the flat horizontal configurati:on and back again. Such means preferably comprise a pai'r of hydraulic cylinders-, each such cylinder being pivotally connected with one edge portion of the outer plate of the platform and with the base of one of the lifting columns. The cylinders may be locked in either of the configurations to hold the plates fixed in that configuration. Preferably, each such cylinder is connected with the plate assembly between said plate assembly's ends by a slotted bracket and pin device to assist in suspending the plates so the assembly does not sag at its middle. Means are also provided for controllably raising and lowering the lifting columns. Such means may compri'se a pair of roller chains, each being attached to one of the lifting columns, said roller chains being connected to and moved by a hydraulic cylinder mounted within the vehicle.
Broadly stated, the invention is a lift assembly for use in connection with a recessed openi'ng forming part of the doorway of a vehicle having a floor surface,- compri`sing: a pai'r of substanti'ally verti'cally movable li'fting columns associ`ated wi'th the vehicle and lOS9954 positioned at the opening; firs.t means associ:ated with the vehicle for controllably raisi`ng and lowering said lifting columns; second means fixed to the vehicle for gu;di:ng the l;fting columns as they move substantially ve.rtically between rai:sed and lowered positi:ons; a platform disposed in the opening and comprising a linear assembly of alternating tread and riser plates interconnected by hinge means in end-to-end arrangement, said platform being connected to the bases of the lifti`ng columns. at its inner edge portion by hinge means whereby the inner end of the platform is the.reby suspendedi third mean.s, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and wi.th the lifting columns, said thi:rd means being operative to suspend the outer en:d of the platform from said lifti.ng columns; and fourth means, pi:votally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lifting columns, for extending and contracting the assembly of plates between a flat horizontal con-figurati`on level with the floor surface and a step-like configuration within the opening and for retai:ning said plates in each of said con-figurations when required; whereby extensi:on of said fourth means in combination with rotation of the third means about its pivot connecti.ons with the lifting columns forces the plates from the step-like configuration 20 to the flat hori:zontal configuration, and whereby subsequent lowering of the lifting columns results in lowering of the flat horizontal platform to grade and subsequent raising of the lifting columns results in raising of said platform to the floor level, and whereby contraction of said fourth means in combination with downward rotation of the third means forces the plates from the flat horizontal configuration to the step-like configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
Fi:gure 1 is a side view of part of the lift assembly, including the tread and riser plates, in the step-li:ke configuration;
Figure 2 is a side view of part of the lift assembly in the rais:ed and ri`gid, flat horizontal configuration;
Figure 3 is a side Y;eW of the li:ft assembly i:n the lowered and flat, horizontal configuration;
Figure 4 i's a perspective view showing the lift as.sembly in place in the recessed opening of a veh.i'cle, the assembly bei`ng shown partly lowered in soli:d li`nes and fully lowered i`n b.roken li`nes;
Figure 5 illustrates scfi.emati`call~ a preferred embodiment for the.means to be used in raising and lowering the lifting columns and attached platform;
Figure 6 is a si'de vi:ew-of the outermost end of the platform in a preferred embodiment i:'llustrating tfie operati:on of the safety gate; and Figure 7 is a side view showing cable system used to actuate the safety gate.
DESCRI'PTION OF THE PRE:FERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in Fi`gure 4, the li:ft assembly l is located at the doorway 2 of a vehi`cle 3 and its platform 4 works withi.n a rectangular recess.ed opening 5 formed i:n the sill of the vehicle.
Means are provided from which the platform is suspende.d, said means may be actuated to controllably raise or lower the platform between grade level 6a and the floor level 6b of the vehicle. More particularly, with reference to Fi.gure 5, a pair of vertically disposed tubular outer columns 7a, 7b are fixed to the vehi:cle at the i'nner corners of the opening 5. A pair of i:nner li:fti:ng columns 8a, 8b are posi.tioned within the outer columns and are sli:dable up and down therewithi.n. Rolle.r chains 9a, 9b are attached to the uppe.r ends of the li:fting columns. The roller chains extend up through their respective outer columns, over sprockets. lOa, lOb, down to and aroun.d a double sprocket 11, and then extend to a fi'xed bracket 12, secured to the veni`cle, to which they are attached. The double sprocket ll is attached to the piston of a hydraulic lift cyli:nder 13, wfiich i'n turn ï's secured to the vehicle The movement of the cylinder pi'ston is controlled by a conventional sys-tem which does not form part of this system Thus it is seen that expansion or contraction of the lift cylinder 13 controllably lo~ers or raises the inne.r lifting column:s si:multan.eQusly by moY;ng the.double sprocket. Also, the movement of the li:fting columns is guided by the outer columns wi~hi:n ~hich they slide.
As shown in Fi:guré 4, the. outer columns: are posi'tioned out over the openi`ng 5 so tfiat th.e lower.en:ds of tfie.li.fting columns may move through the openi:ng 5. The outer columns are also provided wi'th slots 14 ex-tendi.ng upwardly from their lowermost en.ds to permit the plat.form to be attached to t.fie i'nner li:fti`ng columns-, as descri`be:d below.
The platform 4 compri:ses a li`near as-sembly af alternating tread:and riser plates 2Q, 21 interconnected i:n end-to-end arrangement by hinges 22. The innermost rïser plate i`s connected by a hinge 23 to the lower ends of the lifting columns 8a, 8b. Thus the inner end of the platform i5 suspended from the lifti.ng columns. The plates are con-vertible from the step-like confi`gurati'on shown i:n Figure 1 to the flat horizontal confi'guration shown i`n Fi:gure.2. The wi:dth of the plates is such that, i.n the step-like confi'guration, they horizontal1y span the distance between the chassi:s frame 24 and the side 25 of the vehicle body and vertically span the distance between the vehicle floor level 6b and the standard vehicle clearance above the grade 6a.
The outer edge portion 26 of the outermost tread plate carries pairs of spaced upstanding lugs 27 mounted thereon adjacent each of its side edges. Each pair of lugs is aligned with one of the lifting columns.
A radius arm 28 extends downwardly and angularly between each li:fti:ng column and the pair of lugs 27 aligned with it. Each such radius arm i:s pivotally conne.cted by pins 29, 30 with the lugs and lifting ~ column.
- A hydrauli:c cyli:nder 31 extends along each si.de edge of the platform. I`t i's pi`votally attached by pi:ns. 32, 33 to the lower end of the adjacent lifting column and the ali'gned pai`r of lugs 27 on tne outer tread plate.
~059954 It wi.ll be noted the.re.fore that the outer end of the platform i.s he.ld up by the radi`us arms under tens~i`on and tKe hydraulic cylinders under compressi'on. The platform, radi`us arms and cylinders are all free to ratate. in unison about their pivot conn:ections wi`th. the lifting columns and all of them are lowered and raised i~ uni.~son by said columns.
rt has been found desirafile to support tKe assembly of plates 6etween i:ts ends, as a sag can develop when the assembly i's fully extended ;:n the flat confi`gurati:on and i.`s loaded with a passe.nger. Thus a brack.et 34 is prov;ded on e.ach c~li.nder to form a slot 35, a pin. 36 attached to a lug 37 secured to e.ach.of tfi.e slde. edge.s of the i~n.ner tread plate, sli:des wnthin the slot. Th.us the position of the central section of the platform i:s held fi:xed relati`ve to the cylinder.
During travel or i:n the usual use of the doorway, the platform is maintained i.n the step-like confi:gurati:on. Gus.set plates 38 are adjacent the side edges of the inner portion of the outer tread plate to assis.t in ensuring a rigid assembly whe.n the. plates are ïn the step-li.ke confi:gurati.on. The pivot poi'nt 39 abuts the brackets 34 and the innermost pivot point 40 abuts the vehicle chassïs. Hence, all the pivot points between the plates are supported when i:n said step-like configuratiQn.
With reference to Figures 6 and 7, a safety gate 42 is pro-vided at the outer edge of the platform to retain a wheelchair when lifting and lowering operations: are underway. The safety gate is pivotally attached to the outer edge of the platform and is movable between an upstanding retaining posi:tion (see Figure 2) and a flat in-operative position (see Figure 1). A spring 48 is connected between the lug 27 and safety gate; this spring acts to normally urge the gate to the flat pos.ition. A cable 43 extends~ along each side edge of the platform, around a pi:n 44 and up throug~ th.e adjacent li:fti.ng column; it is attached to the adjacent roller chain by a 601t and connector assem61y 50. The e~e 6.olt 51, forming the lower part of tfie assem61y sa, extends through a load-bearing cross member 52 secured to the lifting column. When the ~OS99S4 roller chain is pulled up, the assembly 50 pulls on the cable 43, thereby rotating the safety gate to the upstanding position and stretching the spring 48. When the eye of the bolt 51 contacts the cross member 52, the safety gate is fully closed~ Thereafter, the tension exerted by the roller chain i`s applied through the cross member to the lifting column.
The conversïon sequence`from the step~like configuration to the flat, horizontal configurati`on begins wi'th extension of the hydraulic cylinders 31. ~he radius arms 28 swing through an arc indicated by the broken line 41 so that the outermost tread plate of the platform moves outwards and upward causi`ng the other hinged plates to move out of the step profile. When the cylinders 31 have reached full extension, the plates 20, 21 form a flat, horizontal platform whi'ch i's even with the floor level 6b of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 2.
The lowering sequence of the raised horizontal platform to the grade position shown in Figure 3 is started by extending hydraulic lift cylinder 13, thus providing slack to the two roller chains 9a, 9b.
As the chains attain slack, the lift columns 8a, 8b simultaneously move downwards inside the guide columns 7a, 7b. As the platform is lowered, a footguard plate 45 is exposed to prevent the load from rolling under the vehicle.
The platform 4 and the liftiRg columns 8a, 8b travel downwards through the recessed opening 5 until the platform touches the grade. The cable 43 which holds up the safety gate 42 goes slack at this point and the spring 48 contracts and draws the safety gate down so that it is level with the platform.
The platform is now ready for the boarding of a passenger in a wheelchair. After the wheelchair has moved onto the platform, the safety gate is closed by upward movement of the lifting columns and the platform i:s raised to the level of the bus. As stated, the lift sequence begins with the closing of the safety gate 42 by tensioni'ng the safety gate cable. The lift cylinder 13 retracts, pulli`ng on the roller chains 9a, lOS9954 9b whi.ch., in turn, cause th.e li:fting calumns 8a, 8b to trave1 upwards.
through. the gui:de column.s 7a, 7b. T6i;s; action li:fts the platform and the passenger. A tension spring 44:pulls the footguard plate..45 upward until i:t i:s flush.wi`th the bottom step well of the tread and riser configuration.
~.hen the platform i`s level with the floor of the bus, the passenger rolls the whee-lchair onto the bus for tra~elling therein The conversion back.to the normal position can only be achi:eved when the platform i:s in the rai:sed posi.tion. The cylinders~ 31 retràct, causing the radi.us arms: 28 to pi:VQt downwards: and ihward through.
an arc. The hinged plates buckle.at the h.inged joints 22 to assume the tread and riser confi`guratîon upon full re.tracti:on of the cylinders.
While the present invention has been disclosed in connection with a preferred embodi:ment thereof, it should be understood that there may be other embodiments which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defi:ned by the following claims.
g
Claims (7)
IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A lift assembly for use in connection with a recessed opening forming part of the doorway of a vehicle having a floor surface, comprising:
a pair of substantially vertically movable lifting columns associated with the vehicle and positioned at the opening;
first means associated with the vehicle for controllably raising and lowering said lifting columns;
second means fixed to the vehicle for guiding the lifting columns as they move substantially vertically between raised and lowered positions;
a platform disposed in the opening and comprising a linear assembly of alternating tread and riser plates interconnected by hinge means in end-to-end arrangement, said platform being connected to the bases of the lifting columns at its inner edge portion by hinge means whereby the inner end of the platform is thereby suspended;
third means, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lifting columns, said third means being operative to suspend the outer end of the platform from said lifting columns;
and fourth means, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lifting columns, for extending and contracting the assembly of plates between a flat horizontal configuration level with the floor surface and a step-like configuration within the open-ing and for retaining said plates in each of said configurations when required;
whereby extension of said fourth means in combination with rotation of the third means about its pivot connections with the lifting columns forces the plates from the step-like configuration to the flat horizontal configuration, and whereby subsequent lowering of the lifting columns results in lowering of the flat horizontal platform to grade and subsequent raising of the lifting columns results in raising of said platform to the floor level, and whereby contraction of said fourth means in combination with downward rotation of the third means forces the plates from the flat horizontal configuration to the step-like configuration.
a pair of substantially vertically movable lifting columns associated with the vehicle and positioned at the opening;
first means associated with the vehicle for controllably raising and lowering said lifting columns;
second means fixed to the vehicle for guiding the lifting columns as they move substantially vertically between raised and lowered positions;
a platform disposed in the opening and comprising a linear assembly of alternating tread and riser plates interconnected by hinge means in end-to-end arrangement, said platform being connected to the bases of the lifting columns at its inner edge portion by hinge means whereby the inner end of the platform is thereby suspended;
third means, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lifting columns, said third means being operative to suspend the outer end of the platform from said lifting columns;
and fourth means, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lifting columns, for extending and contracting the assembly of plates between a flat horizontal configuration level with the floor surface and a step-like configuration within the open-ing and for retaining said plates in each of said configurations when required;
whereby extension of said fourth means in combination with rotation of the third means about its pivot connections with the lifting columns forces the plates from the step-like configuration to the flat horizontal configuration, and whereby subsequent lowering of the lifting columns results in lowering of the flat horizontal platform to grade and subsequent raising of the lifting columns results in raising of said platform to the floor level, and whereby contraction of said fourth means in combination with downward rotation of the third means forces the plates from the flat horizontal configuration to the step-like configuration.
2. A lift assembly for use in connection with a recessed rectangular opening forming part of the doorway of a vehicle having a floor surface, comprising:
a pair of substantially vertically disposed guide members fixed to the vehicle and positioned at the inner corners of the opening;
a pair of movable lifting columns, one such lifting column being associated with each guide member so as to be slidable therealong;
means associated with the vehicle for raising and lowering the columns together when actuated so they may be moved up and down within the opening between raised and lowered positions;
a platform disposed in the opening and comprising a linear assembly of alternating tread and riser plates interconnected by hinge means in end-to-end arrangement, the innermost plate, being a riser plate, being connected to the base portions of the lifting columns at its inner edge portion by hinge means whereby the inner end of the platform is thereby suspended;
a pair of tension members, each such tension member ex-tending downwardly and angularly between and being pivotally connected with one of the lifting columns and the outermost plate, being a tread plate, for suspending the outer end of the platform form said lifting columns at a level spaced above the connection of the innermost plate with said lifting columns;
a pair of spaced hydraulic cylinders, each being pivotally connected at its inner end to the base of one of the columns and at its outer end to the outermost plate, for extending and contracting the assembly of plates between a flat horizontal configuration level with the floor sur-face and a step-like configuration within the opening and for retaining said plates in each of said configurations when required;
whereby extension of the cylinders in combination with upward rotation of the tension members about their pivot connections with the lifting columns forces the plates from the step-like configuration to the flat horizontal configuration, and whereby subsequent lowering of the lifting columns results in lowering of the flat horizontal platform to grade and subsequent raising of the lifting columns results in raising of said platform to the floor level, and whereby contraction of the cylinders in combination with downward rotation of the tension members forces the plates from the flat horizontal configuration to the step-like configuration.
a pair of substantially vertically disposed guide members fixed to the vehicle and positioned at the inner corners of the opening;
a pair of movable lifting columns, one such lifting column being associated with each guide member so as to be slidable therealong;
means associated with the vehicle for raising and lowering the columns together when actuated so they may be moved up and down within the opening between raised and lowered positions;
a platform disposed in the opening and comprising a linear assembly of alternating tread and riser plates interconnected by hinge means in end-to-end arrangement, the innermost plate, being a riser plate, being connected to the base portions of the lifting columns at its inner edge portion by hinge means whereby the inner end of the platform is thereby suspended;
a pair of tension members, each such tension member ex-tending downwardly and angularly between and being pivotally connected with one of the lifting columns and the outermost plate, being a tread plate, for suspending the outer end of the platform form said lifting columns at a level spaced above the connection of the innermost plate with said lifting columns;
a pair of spaced hydraulic cylinders, each being pivotally connected at its inner end to the base of one of the columns and at its outer end to the outermost plate, for extending and contracting the assembly of plates between a flat horizontal configuration level with the floor sur-face and a step-like configuration within the opening and for retaining said plates in each of said configurations when required;
whereby extension of the cylinders in combination with upward rotation of the tension members about their pivot connections with the lifting columns forces the plates from the step-like configuration to the flat horizontal configuration, and whereby subsequent lowering of the lifting columns results in lowering of the flat horizontal platform to grade and subsequent raising of the lifting columns results in raising of said platform to the floor level, and whereby contraction of the cylinders in combination with downward rotation of the tension members forces the plates from the flat horizontal configuration to the step-like configuration.
3. The lift assembly as set forth in claim 2 comprising:
a slotted bracket and pin assembly interconnecting each hydraulic cylinder with the platform between the latter's ends to assist in maintaining the platform in a substantially flat, horizontal config-uration when the cylinders are extended.
a slotted bracket and pin assembly interconnecting each hydraulic cylinder with the platform between the latter's ends to assist in maintaining the platform in a substantially flat, horizontal config-uration when the cylinders are extended.
4. The lift assembly as set forth in claim 3 which includes gusset plates at the inner end of the outermost plate of the platform, a tread plate, such that the gusset plates abut against the next inner plate, a riser plate, to provide a rigid connection between the two.
5. The lift assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein:
said means for raising of lowering the lifting columns comprises:
a lift hydraulic cylinder mounted within the vehicle; and a pair of roller chains, each being secured to the vehicle at one end and to one of the lifting columns at the other end, said roller chains being connected with the lift cylinder between their ends so that movement of the cylinder raises or lowers the lifting columns together.
said means for raising of lowering the lifting columns comprises:
a lift hydraulic cylinder mounted within the vehicle; and a pair of roller chains, each being secured to the vehicle at one end and to one of the lifting columns at the other end, said roller chains being connected with the lift cylinder between their ends so that movement of the cylinder raises or lowers the lifting columns together.
6. The lift assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein the vertically disposed guide members fixed to the vehicle and positioned at the inner corners of the opening are tubular with a lifting column running inside.
7. The lift assembly as set forth in claim 2 comprising:
a safety gate pivotally mounted at the outer edge of the platform for movement between a flat position in the plane of the platform and an upraised position substantially perpendicular to the platform;
and means interconnecting the lifting columns and safety gate for pivoting the latter to the upraised position when the lifting columns are initially retracted.
a safety gate pivotally mounted at the outer edge of the platform for movement between a flat position in the plane of the platform and an upraised position substantially perpendicular to the platform;
and means interconnecting the lifting columns and safety gate for pivoting the latter to the upraised position when the lifting columns are initially retracted.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA298,251A CA1059954A (en) | 1978-03-06 | 1978-03-06 | Vehicle doorway lift |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA298,251A CA1059954A (en) | 1978-03-06 | 1978-03-06 | Vehicle doorway lift |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1059954A true CA1059954A (en) | 1979-08-07 |
Family
ID=4110917
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA298,251A Expired CA1059954A (en) | 1978-03-06 | 1978-03-06 | Vehicle doorway lift |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1059954A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0416701A1 (en) * | 1989-09-06 | 1991-03-13 | SOLID b.v.b.a. | Load lifting device in particular for a truck |
-
1978
- 1978-03-06 CA CA298,251A patent/CA1059954A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0416701A1 (en) * | 1989-09-06 | 1991-03-13 | SOLID b.v.b.a. | Load lifting device in particular for a truck |
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