GB2489479A

GB2489479A - Portable Wheelchair Lifting Assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2489479A
Application number: GB201105347A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Derby Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-30
Filing date: 2011-03-30
Publication date: 2012-10-03
Also published as: GB201105347D0

Abstract

A portable wheelchair lifting assembly 10 is provided for loading and unloading a physically disabled person to and from a vehicle to allow their operation of that vehicle, such as a fork lift truck or digger. The wheelchair lifting assembly comprises a platform 12 for supporting a wheelchair (14 fig. 6) and a wheelchair user, a pneumatic or hydraulic drive system 24 to control ascent and descent of the platform, a barrier 36, 40, 56, 60 at each side of the platform, a first said barrier 36 being a ramp for providing wheelchair access onto the platform, and a second said barrier 40 being moveable to facilitate a wheelchair user transferring between their wheelchair (14 fig. 6) and a location exterior of the assembly. The second barrier 40 may comprise a pivotable arm 46 with locking means 52. A footplate 28 may extend at least partially around the platform 12 and may include at least one hinged bridging portion 32. The ramp 36 and drive system 24 may be operated from the platform 24 by means of flexible elongate assistance device 38 or a winch and by means of user console (72 fig. 3) respectively.

Description

Portable Wheelchair Lifting Assembly The present invention relates to a portable wheelchair lifting assembly, and more particularly but not necessarily exclusively to a portable wheelchair lifting assembly for transferring a person with little or no use of their lower limbs to and from a vehicle having a raised operating entrance/exit.

For people with limited or no use of their lower limbs, it can be challenging to lead a relatively "normal" working life. Whilst fair access for all in the office workplace has improved over the years, for example, with the introduction of automatic doors, lifts, and disabled car parking spaces, those wanting a career in an industrial or agricultural setting, for example, a production environment, can still face many practical issues.

Primarily this is due to a lack of facilities, e.g. machinery, suitable for use by such a person. Whilst many pieces of equipment or machineiy may be prohibitively expensive to specially adapt for operation by a physically disabled person, many other pieces of equipment or machinery remain that could still be adapted in a cost effective manner.

Moreover, many jobs, even those of a manual nature, could readily be tailored to accommodate the specific needs of an individual.

It is an object of the invention to provide a portable wheelchair lifting assembly which improves the access of a physically disabled person into an industrial or agricultural According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable wheelchair lifting assembly comprising a platform for supporting a wheelchair and a wheelchair user accommodated therein, a drive system in communication with the platform, the drive system being operable to control ascent and descent of the platform, a barrier at each side of the platform, a first said barrier being a ramp for providing wheelchair access onto the platform, the ramp being pivotally mounted to the platform and moveable between a raised condition and a wheelchair embarkation/disembarkation condition, and a second said barrier, which is different to the said first barrier, being upstandable from or substantially from the platform, the second barrier being moveable to facilitate a wheelchair user transferring between their wheelchair and a location exterior of the assembly.

The portable wheelchair lifting assembly is advantageous because it enables a person with limited or no use of their lower body to access a vehicle having a raised operations cabin or cockpit, for example, a forklift truck, a digger, and a tractor. Use of the lifting assembly opens up a wide variety of manual careers to those with physical disabilities, careers such as a warehouse driver, a farmer, and a production operative.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in dependent claims 2 to 39.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting and dismounting a vehicle having a raised operations cabin, comprising the steps of: providing a wheelchair lifting assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention adjacent to the vehicle, positioning a wheelchair and wheelchair user accommodated therein on the platform, moving the ramp into a raised condition, operating the drive system to raise the platform to a desired height above ground level, moving the second barrier from a transportation condition to a wheelchair user embarkation/disembarkation condition, and the wheelchair user transferring himself or herself from the wheelchair into the vehicle.

Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of: the wheelchair user transferring himself or herself from the vehicle back into the wheelchair, moving the second barrier from a wheelchair user embarkation/disembarkation condition to a transportation condition, operating the drive system to lower the platform to ground level, moving the ramp into an embarkation/disembarkation condition, and exiting the platform.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of a first embodiment of the wheelchair lifting assembly in accordance with the invention, and shows in particular the ramp being in the wheelchair embarkation/disembarkation position; Figure 2 shows a side perspective view of the wheelchair lifting assembly of Figure 1, with the platform being in a raised position; Figure 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of second, third and fourth barriers of the invention; Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of an emergency release valve unit of the invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a lifting device of the invention; and Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the wheelchair lifting assembly being demonstrated in use, adjacent to a fork lift truck, the wheelchair lifting assembly having an alternative second barrier.

With reference to Figures 1 to 5, a portable wheelchair lifting assembly 10 is indicated generally at 10. The wheelchair lifting assembly 10 comprises a platform 12 for receiving a wheelchair 14 and a wheelchair user accommodated therein, four side bathers and a drive system indicated generally at 24, for raising and lowering the platform 12.

The platform 12 is planar and preferably rectangular. The platform 12 may alternatively be square in shape. Optionally, a slip resistant film or coating may provided on an upper surface 26 of the platform 12 to improve traction between a wheelchair 14 and the platform 12, for example, during inclement weather.

A footplate 28 or "kickboard" extends upwardly preferably from a peripheral edge 30 of the platform 12. The footplate 28 extends preferably continuously around three sides of the platform 12 and as such is generally U-shaped. Each elongate side member 32 of the footplate 28 is planar and like the platform 12 is preferably made from metal. The footplate 28 is preferably at least partially formed integrally with the platform 12. The footplate 28 acts as a further low-level bather, especially to the wheels of a wheelchair 14, to prevent or limit objects from unintentionally leaving the platform 12.

A recessed portion 34 is optionally provided in one of the elongate side members 32. In having a recessed portion 34, the potential obstruction between the wheelchair user and the vehicle to be mounted/dismounted is reduced.

Although not shown, the footplate 28 may include at least one footplate bridging portion that is moveably mounted to the peripheral edge of the platform 12. The footplate bridging portion may consist of one elongate side member 32 of the footplate 28 or it may consist of only a portion of one elongate side member 32of the footplate 28. Each footplate bridging portion is connected preferably to the platform 12 by hinge means. Each footplate bridging portion is moveable between a raised condition, in which the footplate bridging portion is substantially upright relative to the platform 12, and a bridging condition, in which the footplate bridging portion is angularly spaced from the upright condition by at least 90 degrees.

The purpose of the footplate bridging portion is to bridge any gap between the wheelchair lifting assembly 10 and any substantially horizontal surface exterior of the assembly 10, for example, a mezzanine level in a factory. The benefit of the footplate bridging portion is that the wheelchair user can transfer their wheelchair 14 between the platform 12 and the surface exterior of the assembly 10 without the need to move and orient the entire wheelchair lifting assembly 10 accordingly.

Preferably, two footplate bridging portions are provided on opposing sides of the platform 12. However, it is envisaged that three footplate bridging portions may be provided to the extent that the footplate 28 may comprise three independently moveable elongate side members 32. A footplate locking means may be provided to retain the or each footplate bridging portion in the upright position.

A first said barrier is a ramp 36 for providing wheelchair access onto the platform 12.

The ramp 36 is pivotally mounted to the platform 12 by hinge means and is moveable between a raised condition and a wheelchair embarkation/disembarkation condition.

The ramp 36 preferably includes chequer plate for sustained durability and grip, and in this case is planar or substantially planar.

A ramp locking means 37 for locking the ramp 36 in the raised condition may be provided. The ramp locking means 37 may take the form of a sliding bolt arrangement or a latch and clasp arrangement. The latch and clasp arrangement may be auto-self locking. In the illustrated example, as best seen in Figure 6, the ramp locking means 37 takes the form of a locking pin. The ramp locking means 37 is disposed at least partially on the ramp 36. Depending on the particular arrangement, a portion of the ramp locking means 37 may be disposed on the footplate 28. The ramp locking means 37 is preferably operable by the wheelchair user when seated within the wheelchair 14.

Optionally, the ramp locking means 37 may take the form of a channel adjacent to the peripheral edge of the platform 12. In such an arrangement, when the ramp 36 is moved into an upright condition by virtue of a simultaneous pivoting and translating action, the ramp 36 is received in the channel. The channel retains the ramp 36 in the upright condition until such a time as the ramp 36 is manually removed therefrom.

A ramp assistance device 38 is provided to assist the wheelchair user raise and lower the ramp 36. In this arrangement, the ramp assistant device 38 takes the form of a flexible elongate member attached at one end thereof to or adjacent to a distal end of the ramp 36. The other end of the flexible elongate member is attachable to an anchor point within the assembly, for example, a hook or loop located on one of the barriers. The ramp assistant device 38 is operable by the wheelchair user when accommodated within the wheelchair 14 on the platform 12, in other words, the ramp assistance device is within reach of a seated wheelchair user.

The ramp locking means 37 may form a part of the ramp assistance device 38 or it may be a separate entity.

In an alternative arrangement, the ramp assistance device may comprise a winch element having a spool member and a flexible elongate member which is windable around and connected to the spool member. Again, the free end of the flexible elongate member is connected to a distal end of the ramp 36. The winch element may be manually or electrically operable. Preferably, such a ramp assistance device includes a brake member for preventing the spool member from unwinding.

A second said barrier 40 upstands from a position proximate the platform 12; the second barrier 40 is releasably received within at least one barrier support 42 mounted to the footplate 28. Each barrier support 42 is cylindrical and open at one end. The second barrier 40 is detachable from the or each barrier support 42 for ease of storage. The second barrier 40 is moveable to facilitate a wheelchair user transferring between their wheelchair 14 and a location exterior of the assembly.

In this arrangement, the second barrier 40 comprises elongate first and second barrier arm portions 44, 46. The first and second arm portions 44, 46 are preferably pivotably interconnected. Accordingly, the second barrier arm portion 46 is rotatable about a distal end 48 of the first barrier arm portion 44. In other words, the second barrier is at least partially moveable in a plane that is or is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the platform 12. A proximal end 50 of the first barrier arm portion 44 is received within the barrier support 42.

Optionally, the first barrier ann portion 44 may be permanently connected to the platform 12 or the footplate 28, for example with a welded connection.

A barrier arm locking means 52 for locking the relative positions of the first and second arm portions 44, 46 is provided. The barrier arm locking means 52 may take the form of a clamp member 54 disposed at the distal end 48 of the first barrier arm portion 44.

When the barrier arm locking means 52 is in a locking condition, the clamp 54 firmly holds the second barrier arm portion 46. When the barrier arm locking means 52 is released, the second barrier arm portion 46 is free to rotate about the distal end 48 of the first barrier arm portion 44.

Optionally, the ramp locking means 37 and barrier ann locking means 52 may together form a co-ordinated locking system.

Alternatively, the position of the first and second arm portions 44, 46 may be fixed relative to each other. In such an arrangement, the second barrier ann portion 46 is typically configured to rotate about the longitudinal extent of the first barrier arm portion 44. This facilitates movement of the second barrier at least partially in a second plane which is or is substantially parallel to the plane of the platform 12, the second plane being perpendicular to the first said plane mentioned above. A projection may be disposed at the proximal end 50 of the first barrier arm portion 44 to abut or even engage with a stop or detent within the barrier support 42, thereby limiting rotation of the second barrier arm portion 46 about the longitudinal extent of the first barrier arm portion 44.

The second barrier 40 may alternatively be substantially U-shaped as shown in the second embodiment of Figure 6. In such an arrangement, each leg of the second barrier may be received in a barrier support 42 at an edge of the platform 12 such that the second barrier 40 is removable from the platform 12. Alternatively, each leg of the second barrier 40 may be permanently connected to the platform 12 or footplate 28.

Although the second barrier 40 has been described as being a barrier arm member or as being generally U-shaped, the second barrier 40 may be planar and continuous. For example, the second barrier 40 may be a panel of preferably sheet metal.

The second barrier 40 may be slidably height-adjustable relative to the platform 12.

This extends to whether the second barrier 40 is provided as a barrier arm member, a U-shaped barrier or any other fonm A third said barrier 56 is disposed on an opposing side of the platform 12 to the second barrier 40. The third barrier 56 is substantially U-shaped and is mounted to the footplate 28 using a pair of barrier supports 42, as described previously. Again, the third barrier 56 may be detachable from the barrier supports 42. Preferably, the third barrier 56 is slidable within its barrier supports 42, allowing it to adopt a raise condition and a lowered condition. A third barrier locking means 58 may be provided for locking the third barrier 56 in the raised condition. In the illustrated example, the third barrier locking means 58 includes a locking pin which is inserted into a pair of aligned pin apertures in each leg of the third barrier 56. The locking pin extends through the leg and locks the position of the third barrier 56 relative to the footplate 28.

The second 40 and third barriers 56 may be the same or different. The advantage of having both the second and third barriers 40, 56 the same or substantially the same is that a wheelchair user can transfer between their wheelchair 14 and a location exterior of the assembly 10 from either side of the platform 12.

A fourth said barrier 60 is disposed on an opposing side of the platform 12 to the ramp 36. The fourth barrier 60 is fixed preferably to the footplate 28 but it may extend directly from the platform 12. As best seen in Figure 3, the fourth barrier 60 is planar and includes a mesh portion. The mesh portion is advantageous as it enables the wheelchair user to monitor the height of the platform 12 above ground during ascent and descent. The fourth barrier 60 is disposed intermediate the platform 12 and a lifting device 62, described in further detail below, and preferably extends to a position higher than the first and second barriers 36, 40 when in their raised or locked position. The fourth barrier 60 includes a plurality of hooks 64 for receiving tools or other items such as an air-horn. An air horn is beneficial for the wheelchair user as it can be used to attract attention should the user require assistance, despite loud background noise as is typical of an industrial environment.

The fourth said barrier 60 as described above may be substituted by a barrier having all the properties of the second barrier 40 mentioned previously.

The recessed portion 34 is preferably disposed on the same side of the platform 12 as the second barrier 40.

A transfer support member 66 for supporting the weight of the wheelchair user during the transfer between the wheelchair 14 and the said location exterior of the assembly 10 is detachably mounted on one of the hooks 64 on the fourth barrier 60. The transfer support member 66 is preferably but not necessarily rectangular and, in this case, is made from wood. However, the transfer support member 66 is not necessarily essential and may be omitted.

The drive system 24 comprises a transmission means 68 connected to a lifting device 62 or a height-adjustment mechanism for raising and lowering the platform 12. A typical 12V electric battery 69 is preferably used to energise the transmission means 68.

The transmission means 68 may be electrically or hydraulically operable. The transmission means 68 is conventional in the field and therefore a detailed description is omitted. The transmission means 68 may be disposed outside of a footprint of the platform 12, as shown in the diagram, or it may be disposed within a footprint of the platform 12. In this context, the scope of the term "footprint" is intended to include a peripheral outline of the platform 12 and does not require the relevant component to be contiguous with or onboard the platform 12.

A cover 70 is preferably used to conceal the transmission means 68 in use, to minimize the risk of accidents or incidents associated with the transmission means 68, and also to reduce noise levels.

As best seen in Figure 3, a portable or remote handholdable user console 72 for controlling operation of the drive system 24 is connected to the drive system 24 with flexible cable. The user console 72 therefore facilitates operation of the drive system 24 from the platform 12. Although the user console 72 is shown as being temporarily mounted on the fourth bather 60, by virtue of the flexible cable, the wheelchair user is able to hold the user console 72 during ascent and descent of the platform 12.

As shown in Figure 4, the transmission means 68 preferably includes an emergency release valve unit 74 for depressurising the hydraulic or pneumatic fluids so as to release the platform 12 from a raised position. Should the platform 12 ever become stuck in a raised position, a colleague or co-worker is able to operate the emergency release valve unit 74 and lower the platform 12 back down to ground level.

The transmission means 68 in this embodiment is supported within a shallow tray 76. A plurality of wheels 78 is connected to an underside of the shallow tray 76 to facilitate mobility of the wheelchair lifting assembly 10. However, any number of wheels 78 may be used, as required, and the wheels 78 may be adapted for indoor or outdoor use.

Turning now to Figure 5, the lifting device 62 preferably comprises vertical or substantially vertical first and second guide rails 80, 82 and a support member 84. The first and second guide 80, 82 rails are arranged in a parallel or substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship. The support member 84 is moveable within and guided by the first and second guide rails 80, 82. The support member 84 is provided as interconnected first and second support arms 86, 88 which are arranged in a plane that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first and second guide rails 80, 82.

The first and second support arms 86, 88 are arranged in a parallel or substantially parallel spaced apart relationship.

Alternatively, the lifting device 62 may be provided as a scissor mechanism connected to a lower surface 90 of the platform 12. As such, the lifting device 62 is provided within the footprint of the platform 12. The corresponding transmission means 68 may also then be provided within the footprint of the platform 12.

The lifting device 62 is connected to a base element 92 for stabilising the platform 12 during ascent and descent. The illustrated exemplary base element 92 comprises a pair of interconnected first and second base support members 94, 96, each first and second base support member 94, 96 having at least one wheel 98 connected to a lower surface thereof. However, the base element 92 may take an alternative form appropriate to the type of lifting device 62 used.

The lifting device 62 may be releasably connected to the platform 12 or alternatively, it may be permanently connected thereto.

The wheelchair lifting assembly 10 is mobile by virtue of the wheels 78, 98. Motion occurs manually in that a person pushes or pulls the assembly. However, the wheelchair lifting assembly 10 may be motorized, and preferably the motion is controllable platform-side, i.e. from within the platform 12.

In use and with reference to Figure 6, a disabled person may mount a vehicle 102 having a raised cabin or cockpit as follows: the wheelchair lifting assembly 10 is maneuvered by a colleague to place the assembly 10 wheelchair lifting adjacent to a vehicle 102. Preferably, the assembly 10 is positioned such that the second barrier 40 is intermediate the vehicle 102 and at least a majority portion of the platform 12. If the assembly 10 is motorized, then the wheelchair user himself or herself is able to manoeuvre the wheelchair lifting assembly 10 to the required position. The ramp 36 is lowered into an embarkation/disembarkation condition. The wheelchair 14 and wheelchair user accommodated therein are then positioned onto the platform 12. The ramp 36 is moved into an upright condition as the wheelchair user operates the ramp 36 assistance device. The wheelchair user then operates the ramp locking means 37 to lock the ramp 36 into the upright condition.

The drive system 24 is then operated by the wheelchair user using the user console 72 to raise the platform 12 to a desired height above ground level, appropriate to the vehicle which the wheelchair user will mount. The barrier arm locking means is released by the wheelchair user on the raised platform 12 and the second barrier 40 is then moved from a transportation condition in which the second barrier arm portion is horizontal or substantially horizontal, to a wheelchair user embarkation/disembarkation condition, in which the second barrier arm portion is raised/lowered or pivoted outwardly. The wheelchair user then manually transfers himself or herself from the wheelchair 14 into the vehicle 102, by sliding across the transfer support member 66 which acts as a temporary bridge, leaving the wheelchair 14 behind on the platform 12.

Optionally, the colleague then moves the second barrier 40 from the embarkation/disembarkation condition into the transportation condition and places the ramp 36 into an upright condition. Depending on location, the wheelchair lifting assembly 10 may then be removed until such a time as further use is required.

Alternatively, the wheelchair user himself or herself may reposition the lifting assembly using the recently mounted vehicle.

The wheelchair user continues then to operate the vehicle 102 as required.

It is envisaged that the wheelchair user could park their wheelchair 14 in a vehicle bay, adjacent to the vehicle 102 to be mounted. The wheelchair user then transfers into the vehicle 102 using the lifting assembly 10 as described above. The lifting assembly 10 then remains in the vehicle bay until such a time as the wheelchair user wishes to transfer back again. As such, there is no need to move the second barrier 40 from the embarkation/disembarkation condition into the transportation condition and place the ramp 36 into an upright condition after the wheelchair user has transferred out of the lifting assembly 10.

To dismount the vehicle 102, the following steps may be taken: the wheelchair lifting assembly 10 is maneuvered by a colleague to place the assembly 10 wheelchair lifting adjacent to the vehicle. Again, preferably the second barrier 40 is positioned intermediate the vehicle 102 and at least the majority portion of the platform 12.

Depending on location, the wheelchair user himself or herself may be able to position the vehicle 102 adjacent to the wheelchair lifting assembly 10.

The second barrier 40 is then moved from the transportation condition to the embarkation/disembarkation condition and locked in position. This action is typically carried out by the colleague, although the second barrier 40 may still be in the embarkation/disembarkation condition as described above. The wheelchair user then manually transfers himself or herself from the vehicle 102 into the wheelchair. The wheelchair user then moves the second barrier 40 from the embarkation/disenibarkation condition into the transportation condition.

The wheelchair user then operates the drive system 24 to lower the platform 12 to ground level. Next, the wheelchair user unlocks the ramp locking means 37 and moves the ramp 36 back into the embarkation/disembarkation condition using the ramp assistance device 38. The wheelchair user then exits the wheelchair lifting assembly 10 using the wheelchair 14.

The wheelchair lifting assembly is suitable for use with traditional wheelchairs, sports wheelchairs, and motorized wheelchairs alike.

Accordingly, there is provided a portable wheelchair lifting assembly which improves the access of a physically disabled person into an industrial or agricultural work environment, and especially to and from vehicles having a raised operations cabin or cockpit, such as a tractor or forklift truck. Such vehicles have the raised operations cabin typically around im above ground. The lifting assembly is suitable for use with these vehicles and also with vehicles having an operations cabin more than im above ground.

The embodiment described above is provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly comprising a platform for supporting a wheelchair and a wheelchair user accommodated therein, a drive system in communication with the platform, the drive system being operable to control ascent and descent of the platform, a barrier at each side of the platform, a first said barrier being a ramp for providing wheelchair access onto the platform, the ramp being pivotally mounted to the platform and moveable between a raised condition and a wheelchair embarkation/disembarkation condition, and a second said barrier, which is different to the said first barrier, being upstandable from or substantially from the platform, the second barrier being moveable to facilitate a wheelchair user transfelTing between their wheelchair and a location exterior of the assembly.
2. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a third said barrier is the same or substantially the same as the second barrier.
3. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the second and third barriers is moveable at least partially in a plane that is or is substantially perpendicular to the platform.
4. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one of the second and third barriers is moveable at least partially in a second plane that is or is substantially perpendicular to the first said plane.
5. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second and third barriers is provided as a balTier arm member, the barrier arm member comprising elongate first and second barrier arm portions.
6. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the or each first and second arm portions are pivotably interconnected.
7. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the barrier arm member further comprises a barrier arm locking means for locking the relative positions of the first and second arm portions.
8. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one claims 2 to 7, wherein the second and third barriers are provided on opposing sides of the platform.
9. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a footplate extending upwardly from and extending at least partially around a peripheral edge of the platform.
10. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least one of the second and third barriers is mountable on or adjacent to the footplate.
11. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the footplate comprises at least one footplate bridging portion that is moveably mounted to the peripheral edge of the platform.
12. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim Ii, wherein the or each footplate bridging portion is hingeably connected to the platform.
13. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein two footplate bridging portions are provided on opposing sides of the platform.
14. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ramp assistance device for assisting the wheelchair user when accommodated within the wheelchair on the platform to raise and lower the ramp.
15. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the ramp assistance device comprises a flexible elongate member having first and second ends, the first end being connected to a distal end of the ramp, and the second end being manually attachable to an anchor point within the assembly.
16. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the ramp assistance device comprises a winch element having a spooi member and a flexible elongate member which is windable around and connected to the spool member, a free end of the flexible elongate member being connected to a distal end of the ramp.
17. A portable \vheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the winch element is manually operable.
18. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claims 16 or 17, wherein the ramp assistance device includes a brake member for preventing the spool member from unwinding.
19. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ramp locking means for locking the ramp in the raised condition.
20. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the ramp locking means is operable by the wheelchair user when accommodated within the wheelchair on the platform.
21. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive system comprises transmission means releasably connected to a lifting device.
22. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the transmission means is substantially hydraulic.
23. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the transmission means is substantially pneumatic.
24. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the drive system is operable by the wheelchair user when accommodated within the wheelchair on the platform.
25. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 24, further comprising a user console for controlling operation of the drive system, the user console being electrically connected to the drive system with flexible cable.
26. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed any one of claims 21 to 25, further comprising an emergency release valve unit for overriding the transmission means to release the platform from a raised position.
27. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one claims 21 to 26, wherein the transmission means is disposed within a footprint of the platform.
28. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the transmission means is disposed outside of a footprint of the platform.
29. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one claims 21 to 28, wherein the lifting device comprises vertical or substantially vertical first and second guide rails and a support member, the first and second guide rails being arranged in a parallel or substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship, and the support member being moveable within and guided by the first and second guide rails.
30. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 29, wherein the support member is provided as interconnected first and second support arms which are arranged in a plane that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first and second guide rails, the first and second support arms being arranged in a parallel or substantially parallel spaced apart relationship.
31. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the lifting device is provided as a scissor mechanism connected to a lower surface of the platform.
32. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 31, further comprising a base element for stabilising the platform during ascent and descent.
33. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 32, wherein the base element is at least partially connected to the lifting device.
34. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 32 or 33, further comprising a platform angular adjustment system for adjusting the angle of the platform relative to the base element.
35. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a transfer support member for supporting the weight of the wheelchair user during the transfer between the wheelchair and the said any location exterior of the assembly.
36. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein the transfer support member is or is substantially rectangular.
37. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fourth said barrier for supporting tools.
38. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in claim 37 when dependent on claims 28 to 30, wherein the fourth barrier is disposed at least partially intermediate the platform and the transmission means.
39. A portable wheelchair lifting assembly substantially as indicated and described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 or 6 of the accompanying drawings.
40. A method of mounting and dismounting a vehicle having a raised operations cabin, comprising the steps of: a. Providing a wheelchair lifting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 39 adjacent to the vehicle, b. Positioning a wheelchair and wheelchair user accommodated therein on the platfonm c. Moving the ramp into a raised condition, d. Operating the drive system to raise the platform to a desired height above ground level, e. Moving the second balTier from a transportation condition to a wheelchair user embarkation/disembarkation condition, and 11 The wheelchair user transferring himself or herself from the wheelchair into the vehicle.
41. A method of mounting and dismounting a vehicle as claimed in claim 40, further comprising the steps of: a. The wheelchair user transferring himself or herself back from the vehicle into the wheelchair, b. Moving the second barrier from a wheelchair user embarkation/disembarkation condition to a transportation condition, c. Operating the drive system to lower the platform to ground level, d. Moving the ramp into an embarkation/disembarkation condition, and e. Exiting the platform.