WO2006135970A1

WO2006135970A1 - A wheelchair platform

Info

Publication number: WO2006135970A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/000868
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey Kendall
Original assignee: Razorback Vehicles Corporation Limited
Priority date: 2005-06-21
Filing date: 2006-06-21
Publication date: 2006-12-28

Abstract

A method and apparatus of moving a wheelchair support platform (108) with respect to a vehicle (200). The platform (108) is moved longitudinally of the vehicle (200) by a motor (224), transversely of the vehicle (200) by operation of a motor (217) and angularly and vertically by operation of a motor (10). The platform (108) is moved longitudinally, then transversely and then angularly between an interior and exterior position. Operation of the motor (10) then lowers the platform (108) in a step wise or inclined manner to a ground surface at which the wheelchair can be loaded with respect to the platform (108). The sequence is then reversed to return the platform (108) to the transport position. When the platform (108) is moving to the exterior, it is first raised, while when being returned to the transport position is lowered.

Description

A WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to wheelchair platforms employed in vehicles for the purposes of moving occupied wheelchairs from a position inside the vehicle to a position exterior of the vehicle.

Background of the Invention

Known wheelchair platforms employed in vehicles can only be used in relatively large vehicles, that is, vehicles having a high interior roof level. The platforms are generally located at the rear of the vehicle with the wheelchair loaded through the rear door opening.

The above platforms have the disadvantage that they cannot be used in smaller vehicles, that is, they can only be employed in larger more expensive vehicles.

Described in International Patent Application PCT/AU2005/000868 is a seat assembly, including a seat that is moved between an interior position and an exterior position with respect to a vehicle, with the seat exiting through a side door of the vehicle. This assembly is unable to accommodate wheelchairs. The same remarks apply to Japanese patent specification 8238963, Japanese patent specification 2004050968, Japanese patent specification 2002029294, Australian Patent 708602 and USA Patent 5746465. Described in French patent specification 2726182 is a frame that is mounted in a vehicle to move a wheelchair between an exterior and an interior position with respect to the vehicle. The device of this publication suffers the problem that an occupant of the wheelchair is vulnerable as there is very little head room for the occupant as the occupant passes through the door opening of the vehicle. Japanese patent publication 2001315565 describes an assembly to be mounted in a vehicle to again provide for movement of the wheelchair with respect to the vehicle.

The device is mounted in the rear of the vehicle adjacent the rearwardly facing door. A problem with this arrangement is that the vehicles employed are generally larger and therefore frequently more expensive. This device is not adapted for smaller vehicles.

Object of the Invention

It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantage. Summary of the Invention

There is disclosed herein a platform assembly to move a wheelchair with respect to a vehicle having a door opening and a floor, said assembly including: a support upon which the wheelchair is to rest; a base to be attached to the vehicle adjacent said opening; a carriage assembly supporting the support and being attached to the base for relative movement thereto along a generally linear first path, to extend generally parallel to the floor, so that in use the carriage is movable between a retracted position substantially locating the support within the vehicle and an extended position enabling the support to be positioned exterior of the vehicle by movement through the opening; a first motor, the first motor extending between the carriage assembly and base to cause movement of the carriage assembly between the extended and retracted positions thereof; a second motor, the second motor being operatively associated with the carriage assembly and support and operable to raise and lower the support; and a control operatively associated with the motors so that at least a period of simultaneous operation thereof causes the support to pass along a downwardly inclined second path.

Preferably, said first path is to extend transverse of the vehicle. Preferably, said support is pivotally attached to said carriage for angular movement about a generally upright axis.

Preferably, said upright axis is arranged relative to said base so that pivoting of said support moves the support through said opening.

Preferably, said second motor is operable to cause the angular movement of said support.

Preferably, said second motor causes angular movement of said support through approximately 90°.

There is further disclosed herein the platform assembly to move a wheelchair with respect to a vehicle having a door opening and a floor, said assembly including: a support upon which the wheelchair is to rest; a base to be attached to the vehicle adjacent the opening; a carriage assembly attached to the support and attached to the base but movable relative to the base along a generally linear path to extend generally parallel to the floor so that in use the carriage assembly is movable between a retracted position to locate the support substantial within the vehicle, and an extended position to locate support exterior of the vehicle by movement through the opening; and wherein at least part of said support is attached to said carriage assembly for angular movement so that said part is movable between a generally horizontal first orientation and an inclined second orientation at which the part is inclined to the first orientation by an acute angle to aid in retaining the wheelchair on the support and to lower a wheelchair occupants head.

Preferably, said part is pivotable about a generally horizontal axis between the first and second orientations. Preferably, said support includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being pivotably attached to the second portion, with the first position providing said part, with said part being downwardly inclined when in said inclined orientation.

There is also disclosed herein a platform assembly to move a wheelchair with respect to a vehicle having a floor and a side door opening, said assembly including: a track to extend longitudinally of the vehicle; a base operatively associated with the track so as to be guided thereby in moving longitudinally of the track, the base providing a transverse track and a carriage assembly operatively associated with the transverse track so as to be guided thereby in movement along the transverse track; a wheelchair support operatively associated with the carriage assembly so as to be moved longitudinally and transversely thereby, with said carriage assembly also providing for angular movement of the support about a generally upright axis between a longitudinally facing position and a transverse facing position; and at least one motor operatively associated with the base and carriage assembly to cause the support to move longitudinally, transversely and angularly, to move the platform from a transport position facing longitudinally of the vehicle and an external position to be located externally of the vehicle with the platform facing transversely away from the vehicle.

Preferably, said carriage assembly includes a first sub-carriage operatively associated with the base and to be moved longitudinally and transverse of the vehicle, and a second sub-carriage supported on the firs sub-carriage for the angular movement about said generally upright axis through an acute angle to provide for angular movement of the support between a generally forward or backward facing position and a transverse facing position. Preferably, said support includes a first position and a second portion, with said first portion being pivotally attached to said second portion for angular movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal axis so that the first portion is moved angularly between a first position generally co-planar with the rear portion, and an inclined position sloping downwardly to the second portion to aid in retaining a wheelchair on the support and to lower a wheelchair occupants head.

Preferably, said second sub-carriage is moved through 90° between a forward or rearward facing position and a transverse facing position to facing away from the vehicle. Preferably, the assembly further includes a first motor, said first motor causing longitudinal movement of the carriage assembly longitudinally of the vehicle, and said platform assembly further includes a second motor, said second motor being operatively associated with the first sub-carriage to cause transverse movement of the first sub- carriage with respect to the vehicle, and a third motor, said third motor being operatively associated with the first and second sub-carriages to cause the angular movement of the second sub-carriage relative to the first sub-carriage.

Preferably, said third motor is operable to cause upward and downward movement of the second sub-carriage relative to the first sub-carriage.

Preferably, the platform assembly further includes a control operatively associated with the motors to co-ordinate operation thereof, with said second motor and third motor being sequentially operated so that said support is moved through a series of steps between a raised and lowered position.

Preferably, said support is generally square or rectangular in plan, and said third motor is located adjacent a corner of said support, said corner being a rear corner and located adjacent said opening when said support is forward facing. Preferably, the platform assembly further includes a fourth motor, said fourth motor being operatively associated with said first portion and said second portion and operable to cause angular movement of said first portion relative to said second portion, said fourth motor being operatively associated with said control so as to be operated in co-ordination with the first, second and third motors. Preferably, said control is configured to operate said third motor to cause upward movement of the support relative to the floor prior to movement of the support from the transport position to the external position.

There is still further disclosed herein a platform assembly to move a wheelchair with respect to a vehicle intended to move in a forward direction, the vehicle having a floor and a side door opening, with said floor having a step adjacent said opening to facilitate movement to and from the vehicle, said assembly including: a support upon which the wheelchair is to rest; a base to be attached to the vehicle adjacent the opening; a carriage assembly supporting the support and being attached to the base but movable relative; at least one motor to move the support relative to the base; and a control operatively associated with the motor to cause operation thereof to move the support in a stop wise manner to follow the step in the vehicle floor. Preferably, the motor is a first motor, and said platform assembly includes a second motor, with said second motor when operated by the control causes up and down movement of the support, and operation of said first motor by said control causes the transverse movement relative to said direction of said support, with the control coordinating the first and second motors to move the support in a step wise manner. Preferably, said platform is mounted on the carriage assembly for angular movement about a generally upright axis between a first position at which the platform faces either forward or rearward, and a second position at which the platform faces transversely away from the vehicle, said first position also being intended to be a position within the vehicle and said second position intended to be a position external of the vehicle with the platform located adjacent a surface upon which the vehicle is resting to provide for movement of the wheelchair to and from the support.

Preferably, said second motor also causes angular movement of the platform about said upright axis.

There is also disclosed herein a method of moving a wheelchair support platform relative to a vehicle between a vehicle interior transport position and a loading position exterior of the vehicle adjacent the surface of upon which the vehicle is resting, said vehicle having a floor and a side door opening, said method including the steps of: moving the platform from the transport position transversely of the vehicle toward the opening; moving the platform angularly about a generally upright axis adjacent said opening to a transverse facing orientation; moving said platform downwardly to said loading position; moving said platform upwardly to adjacent said floor; moving said platform angularly about said axis to a longitudinally facing orientation; and moving said platform transversely to said transport position.

Preferably, said transverse orientation is an orientation with the platform facing away from the vehicle.

Preferably, the angular movement causes movement of the platform through about 90° between the exterior and interior of the vehicle.

Preferably, the upward and downward movement is long and inclined path.

Preferably, said upward and downward movement is in a step wise manner. Preferably, prior to movement of the platform transversely with respect to the vehicle from said transport position, said platform is first moved forwardly relative to the vehicle, while after transverse movement of the platform toward the transport position, said platform is moved rearwardly relative to the vehicle to the transport position.

Preferably, the platform is raised from the floor when initially moving from the transport position, and lowered to the floor to be positioned at said transport position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of a wheelchair platform assembly to be installed in a vehicle;

Figure 2 is a schematic top plan view of the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation of the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic front elevation of the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic bottom plan view of the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic side elevation of the assembly of Figure 1 in a vehicle adjacent the door opening thereof;

Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation of the assembly as shown in Figure 1 in a partly operated configuration;

Figure 8 is a schematic side elevation of the assembly of Figure 1 mounted in a vehicle adjacent the door opening thereof;

Figure 9 is a schematic side elevation of the assembly as shown in Figure 8 in a further operative position;

Figure 10 is a schematic side elevation of the assembly as shown in Figure 8 in a further operative position; Figure 11 is a schematic side elevation of the assembly as shown in Figure 8 in a still further operative position;

Figure 12 is a schematic sectioned side elevation of a cylinder employed in the assembly of Figure 1 ; Figure 13 is a schematic sectioned side elevation of the assembly of Figure 12 in a further operative configuration;

Figure 14 is a schematic sectioned side elevation of the cylinder of Figure 12 in a still further operative configuration;

Figure 15 is a schematic end elevation of a piston employed in the cylinder of Figure 12;

Figure 16 is a schematic isometric view of the cylinder of Figure 15;

Figures 17 to 25 are schematic illustrations of a hydraulic circuit employed with the platform of Figure 1.

Figure 26 is a schematic top plan view of a vehicle having a wheelchair platform assembly that is a modification of the assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 27 is a further schematic top plan view of the vehicle and assembly of Figure 26;

Figure 28 is a further schematic top plan view of the vehicle and assembly of Figure 26; Figure 29 is a further schematic top plan view of the vehicle and assembly of

Figure 26;

Figure 30 is a schematic end elevation of the vehicle and assembly of Figure 26;

Figure 31 is a further schematic end elevation of the vehicle and assembly of Figure 26; Figure 32 is a still further schematic end elevation of the vehicle and assembly of

Figure 26;

Figure 33 is a schematic parts sectioned side elevation of the vehicle and assembly of Figure 26;

Figure 34 is a schematic parts sectioned end elevation of the vehicle and assembly of Figure 26;

Figure 35 is a schematic parts sectioned end elevation of the vehicle and assembly of Figure 26;

Figure 36 is a schematic side elevation of the vehicle and assembly of Figure 26; Figure 37 is a further schematic side elevation of the vehicle and assembly of Figure 26;

Figure 38 is a schematic parts sectioned elevation of a drive assembly employed in the assembly of Figure 26; Figure 39 is a schematic end elevation of the drive assembly of Figure 38;

Figure 40 is a further schematic side elevation of the vehicle of Figure 26;

Figure 41 is a schematic illustration of a hydraulic circuit employed in the assembly of Figures 26 to 40; and

Figure 42 is a schematic illustration of a modification of the hydraulic circuit of Figure 40.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

In the accompanying drawings there is schematically depicted a wheelchair platform assembly 100. The assembly 100 has the object of facilitating the movement of a wheelchair either occupied or not with respect to a vehicle 101. More particularly the assembly 100 is to be mounted in the vehicle 101. The vehicle 101 includes a floor 102 and a side wall 103 with a side opening 104 closed by means of a door (not illustrated).

The opening 104 has a lower sill 105 with a step 106. The assembly 100 is provided to move a wheelchair whether occupied or not, relative to the interior 107 of the vehicle 101.

The assembly 100 includes a support (platform) 108. The support 108 is pivotally attached to a carriage assembly 109 that includes a first sub-carriage 110 and a second sub-carriage 111. In particular the support 108 is pivotally attached to the sub- carriage 111 for pivoting movement about a generally horizontal (that is generally parallel to the floor 102) axis 112.

The assembly 100 includes a base 113 that is fixed to the floor 102 so that when the assembly 100 is in the configuration as shown in Figure 1, the support 108 faces longitudinally (forwardly or rearwardly) of the vehicle 101 so that an occupant of the wheelchair will face, for example in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

The base 113 includes a transverse track having a pair of rails 114 that extends generally transverse of the vehicle, that is, transverse of the forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The rails 114 are parallel to the floor 102. The rails 114 are fixed to a plate 115 that is intended to be bolted to the floor 102. The sub-carriage 110 is movable mounted on the base 113 for linear movement along the rails 114. In particular the sub- carriage 110 includes an arm 116 with a track follower 117 slidably engaged with a respective one of the rails 114. The sub-carriage 110 further includes a base 118 that slidably engages the other track 114 so as to be guided thereby. Mounted in the base 118 is a travel cylinder 119 that is operated by air or hydraulic fluid under pressure to cause movement of the sub-carriage 118. That is operation of the cylinder 119 causes movement of the entire carriage assembly 109 laterally relative to the vehicle interior 107 between a retracted positions in which the platform 108 is located in the interior 107, and an extended position at which the platform 108 is located externally of the vehicle 101.

The cylinder 119 extends between the base 115 and the second sub-carriage 110. The platform 108 includes a pair of side flanges 130, each of which has an aperture 120 through which a pin 121 passes to provide for the pivoting movement about the axis 112. The pins 121 are fixed to the second sub-carriage 111. However, also extending between the second sub-carriage 111 and a rear wall 122 of the platform 108 are tilt cylinders 123 that when operated cause the pivoting movement of the platform 108 about the axis 112. hi particular the cylinders 123 receive air or hydraulic fluid under pressure to cause movement of the platform 108. As best seen in Figures 10 and 11, the support 108 is movable through an acute angle to the horizontal between a tilted position as shown in Figure 10, and a generally horizontal position as shown in Figure 11. When in the titled position any wheelchair resting on the support 108 is tilted backward so that an occupants head is moved in an arcuate path from a generally upright position to a rearwardly displaced position so that the occupants head is located at a lower position than when the support 108 is generally horizontally oriented (that is parallel to the floor 102).

The support 108 is moved angularly from a forward facing position (or a rearwardly facing position) to a transversely facing position by means of a motor, in this instance a hydraulic cylinder 10. Li addition to moving the support 108 angularly, the cylinder 10 also raises and lowers the support 108. The cylinder 10 is attached to the first sub-carriage 110 and the second sub-carriage 111 so as to raise and the lower second sub- carriage 111 relative to the first sub-carriage 110. Additionally this cylinder 10 is operable to move the second sub-carriage 111 angularly so as to move the support angularly as previously discussed. The cylinder 10 therefore provides a generally upright (generally normal to the floor 102) pivot axis 12 that is positioned relative to the sub- carriage 110 so that the angular movement also moves the support 108 from the interior 107, through the opening 104 so as to locate the support 108 on the exterior. As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, the cylinder 10 and therefore the axis 12, is located adjacent a corner 125 of the generally rectangular support 108. The corner 125 is a rear corner of the support 108 located adjacent the opening 104. That is the axis 12 is spaced rearwardly and located adjacent the opening 104 with respect to the centre of the platform 108.

When the support 108 is to be moved from the position shown in Figure 6, that is located in the interior 107, to the position shown in Figure 11, the sequence of operations 5 is as follows. Firstly the support 108 is tilted from the generally horizontal (parallel to the floor 102) position shown in Figure 6 to the tilted position shown in Figure 7 so that the wheelchair and the occupants are backwardly tilted. This lowers the occupant's head. Thereafter the cylinder 10 is operated to move the support 108 angularly from the forward facing position (or rearwardly facing position) of Figure 7 to the transversely facing o position as shown in Figure 8. That is the support 108 projects through the door opening 104. Accordingly not only is the support 108 moved angularly but is also moved outwardly as the cylinder 10 is located adjacent the step 106 and adjacent a corner of the second sub-carriage 111 which in turn is adjacent the opening 104. When the position shown in Figure 8 is reached, the cylinder 10 is operated to lower the second sub-carriage s 111. Simultaneously the cylinder 119 is operated to cause movement of the second sub- carriage 110 along the rails 114. Accordingly, the second sub-carriage 111 moves along an inclined path extending downwardly at an acute angle to the horizontal. That part may be linear or curved. The path may also be stepped to follow a step adjacent the vehicle door opening. Accordingly, the cylinder 10 moves the support 108 through 90°. 0 When the support 108 reaches the ground surface 124, the cylinders 123 are operated to move the support 108 from the inclined position shown in Figure 10 to the generally horizontal ground engaging position shown in Figure 11.

When a wheelchair is to be moved from the ground surface 124 to the interior 107, the reverse sequence of operation occurs. That is, the support 108 is moved from the S horizontal orientation to the inclined position of Figure 10. Thereafter the cylinder 10 is operated to move the support 108 along an upwardly extending inclined path until it reaches the position shown in Figure 8. Thereafter the cylinder 10 is operated to move the support 108 angularly until the support 108 is located in the interior 107 as shown in Figure 6. 0 In Figures 12 to 16 of the accompanying drawings the pneumatic cylinder 10 is more fully shown. The cylinder 10 is operated by a liquid or a gas under pressure, such as air or hydraulic fluid. In the following example the cylinder 10 is operated by hydraulic fluid. The cylinder 10 includes a barrel 11 having a longitudinal axis 12 and an internal bore 13. The bore 13 is of a cylindrical configuration and slidably receives a piston 14. The piston 14 sealingly engages the bore 13 by means of a seal 15.

The bore 13 surrounds a chamber 16 that is divided into a first sub-chamber 17 and a second sub-chamber 18 by means of a piston 14.

The piston 14 has longitudinally extending generally cylindrical side surface 19 that is provided with a plurality of grooves or slots 20, the slots 20 being arcuate in transverse cross-section. The slots 20 extend longitudinally and angularly about the longitudinal axis 12. That is the slots 20 extend in a spiral manner about the axis 12. The barrel 11 is provided with a plurality of apertures 21, with a spherical element 22 located in each of the apertures 21. The elements 21 project into the slots 20.

Upon hydraulic pressure being delivered to the sub-chamber 18 through the port

23, the piston 14 is caused to move in the direction of the arrow 24. This longitudinal movement of the piston 14 also results in angular movement of the piston 14 about the axis 12 due to engagement of the elements 22 in the slots 20. The piston 14 is moved in the direction 24 until the sub-chamber 17 is at its minimum volume. When the piston 14 is moved in the opposite direction to the direction 24, that is, by the delivery of hydraulic fluid under pressure to the port 24, the piston 14 is moved longitudinally so that it moves angularly in the opposite direction. The slots 20 each provide a surface that extends angularly about and longitudinally of the axis 12 which surface is engaged by a corresponding surface of one of the elements 22.

Attached to the piston 14 is a piston rod 25. The piston rod 25 is fixed to the piston 14 by means of a cap 26. The cap 26 has a circular flange 27 fixed to the piston 14 and a cavity portion 28 that is longitudinally splined. The cavity portion 28 also has an annular recess 29.

The piston rod 25 is longitudinally splined so as to matingly engage with the internal splines of the cavity portion 28, with a clip 30 engaged within the annular recess 29 fixing the piston rod 25 within the piston 14. Accordingly the rod 25 is fixed to the piston 14. When the piston 14 moves longitudinally and angularly, the piston rod 25 moves in unison therewith.

The cylinder 10 includes a second barrel 31. The second barrel 31 being fixed to the first barrel 11 so as to be coaxial with respect thereto. The barrel 31 has a bore 32 that slidably and sealingly engages a piston rod 33. The piston rod 33 has a tubular portion 34 that telescopically receives the piston rod 25. An extremity of the piston rod 33 has a head 35 with a cap 36.

The bore 32 surrounds a chamber 37 that is divided into a first sub-chamber 38 and a second sub-chamber 39 by the head 35 sealingly engaging the bore 32.

The head 35 and cap 36 provide an annular recess 46 that receives a plurality of spherical elements 40. The elements 40 are maintained in spaced angular positions about the axis 24 by the cap 38 having projections that operate as a cage retaining the elements 40 spaced as mentioned. The head 35 is slidably mounted on the tubular portion 33 so as to be movable longitudinally of the axis 12 relative to the tubular portion 33 between the position shown in Figure 1 and the position shown in Figure 2. In the position shown in Figure 1, the head 35 is located adjacent the port 23 while in the position shown in Figure 2, the head 35 is displaced from the port 23. The elements 40 are movable radially relative to the axis 24 so as to be movable between a radially outer position (Figure 12) maintaining the piston rod 33 in the retracted position, and a radially inner position permitting movement of the piston rod 33 to the position shown in Figure 13.

The head 35 is urged by a spring 41 toward the port 23. The spring 41 bears against an annular flange 42 fixed to the tubular portion 33.

The bore 31 provides an annular step 43 that is engaged by the elements 40 when adjacent the port 23.

In operation of the cylinder 10, when hydraulic fluid under pressure is delivered to the sub-chamber 18 via the port 23, the hydraulic fluid under pressure moves the head 35 away from the cap 36. This movement allows radially inward movement of the elements 40. The pressure applied to the head 35 causes movement of the head to move away from the port 23 thereby compressing the spring 41.

This movement of the head 35 provides for radially inward movement of the elements 40. Due to pressure applied to the head 35 and the piston rod 33, the piston rod 33 is urged to move in the direction of the arrow 44. By engagement with the cap 36, the elements 40 are moved radially inwardly thereby releasing the piston rod 33 for movement in the direction of the arrow 44. Accordingly the piston rod 33 moves to the position shown in Figure 2. Movement of the piston rod 33 relative to the piston 14 can be coordinated by preventing or permitting movement of hydraulic fluid through the ports 23 and 24. For example, once the piston rod 33 has reached the limit of its travel, such as in Figure 2, the port 24 can be opened. The hydraulic fluid delivered to the sub-chamber 18 will then

5 cause movement of the piston 14 in the direction of the arrow 24.

Attached to the tubular portion 13 is a splined bearing 45 that slidably engages the piston rod 25 so that angular movement of the piston rod 25 also causes angular movement of the piston rod 33 about the axis 12.

The delivery of hydraulic fluid to the chamber 46 through port 47 moves the o head 35 in the opposite direction to the arrow 44. hi Figures 17 to 25 is a hydraulic circuit 50 that operates the cylinders 10, 119 and 123 so that the above described sequence of operation in respect of the support 108 is followed.

The circuit 50 includes a hydraulic pump 51 that delivers hydraulic fluid under s pressure to a line 53 connected to an electrically operated valve 53. The valve 53 is connected to a line 54 extending to the cylinder 119. The cylinder 119 is connected to a further valve 55 via line 56. The valve 55 is also connected to the cylinder 10.

The valve 53 also communicates with a tank 57 and a valve 58, the valve 58 being connected to the valve 53 by a line 59. The valve 58 is connected to the tank 57 by 0 a line 58 with the valve 58 also connected to two further valves 59 and 60 by lines 61 and 62. The valves 60 and 59 are connected to the cylinder 10 while a branch line 63 extends from a valve 64 also connected to the tank 57. The line 63 extends from the valve 123 and also extends to a one-way valve 65. The one-way valve 65 is connected to the cylinder 10. s AU the valves, that is, the valves 53, 55, 58, 59, 60 and 64 are electrically operated valves such as electrically operated spool valves. More particularly these electrically operated valves would be controlled by a control (computer) 70 so that the correct sequence is obeyed and that operation of the valves is co-ordinated.

Beginning from a position in which the support 108 is located in the interior 107 0 and is forward facing, the valves 53 and 55 are operated so that hydraulic fluid under pressure from the pump 51 is delivered to the cylinder 119 so that the piston rod 67 thereof moves to the fully retracted position so that fluid under pressure from the end 66 of the cylinder 119 is delivered via the valve 55 to the port 47 of cylinder 10. The piston rod 34 moves to force hydraulic fluid under pressure via the valve 65 to the cylinders 123 to cause the cylinders 123 to tilt the support 108. It should be noted valves 59, 60 and 64 are closed (Figure 18). Once the support 108 is correctly tilted, valve 53 is operated so as to close line 54 and deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure to line 59. The hydraulic fluid under pressure from line 59 via valve 58 is delivered to valve 59 and then cylinder 10. In this respect it should be noted 55 is closed. Accordingly, piston 14 is caused to move both longitudinally and angularly so as to move the support 108 from the forward facing position to the transverse facing position facing away from the vehicle. Return fluid is delivered by valve 60 to the tank 57 through valve 58 (Figure 19).

Once the support 108 is facing transversely of the vehicle 101, hydraulic fluid under pressure is again delivered to the cylinder 10 via valves 53, 58 and 69, with valves 60 and 64 being closed with pressure being maintained in the cylinders 123 so that the support 108 remains tilted. In this instance the cylinder 10 is operated so that the piston rod 33 extends. Fluid from the cylinder 10 is delivered via port 47 and valve 55 to cylinder 119 so that the piston rod thereof 67 extend simultaneously with the piston rod 53. Fluid is returned from the cylinder 119 to tank 57 via valve 53. Due to the simultaneous operation of the cylinders 10 and 119, the support 108 moves down the previously mentioned inclined path (Figure 20). Thereafter valves 55, 59 and 60 are closed and valve 64 opened. Accordingly fluid is drained to tank 57 allowing the cylinders 123 to operate so that under the influence of gravity, the support 108 returns to a horizontal orientation resting on the ground surface (Figure 21).

When the support 108 is to be raised from the ground engaging position externally of the vehicle, valves 53 and 55 are operated so that hydraulic fluid under pressure is delivered to the cylinders 119 and 10. Valves 59 and 60 are closed together with valve 64 so that hydraulic fluid under pressure is delivered to the cylinders 123 to tilt the support 108 (Figure 22). Thereafter valves 53, 55 and 59 together with valve 58 are operated so that hydraulic fluid under pressure is again delivered to the cylinders 10 (via port 47) and 119 to cause movement of the piston rods 34 and 67 to move the support 108 up the inclined path as previously described. In that respect it should be appreciated that the cylinders 123 are also receiving hydraulic fluid under pressure so that the support 108 is maintained in the tilted position. Return fluid is delivered to the tank 57 by valve 58 (Figure 23).

Once the support 108 has reached the top of the inclined path, valve 55 is closed and valves 53, 58, 59 and 60 are operated so that the piston 14 again travels longitudinally to move angularly and therefore move the piston rod 34 angularly to pivot the support 108 to the forward facing position (Figure 24). Thereafter valves 59, 60 and 55 are closed and valve 64 opened to allow fluid to drain to the tank 57. Accordingly cylinders 123 are allowed to drain to tank lowering the support 108 to a generally horizontal position that is, resting on the vehicle floor (Figure 25). In Figures 26 to 40 there is schematically depicted a vehicle 200 having a side wall 201 with an opening 202 closed by means of a sliding door 203. Adjacent the opening 202 is a wheelchair platform assembly 204 that has the object of facilitating movement of a wheelchair 205 and its occupant 206 between a position located on the interior 207 of the vehicle 200, and a position on the exterior of the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 includes a forward driver's compartment 208 and a floor 209. hi this respect the normal forward direction of travel of the vehicle is in the direction of the arrow 210. The driver's compartment 208 has a driver's seat 211 and a front passenger's seat 212. The rear compartment 213 has a row of forwardly facing rear seats 214. In that regard the compartment 213 also includes the assembly 204. The assembly 204 is very similar to the assembly 100 however in this embodiment the base 113 includes a track having a pair of rails 114 and a plate 221. The rails 114 extend parallel to the floor 209 and generally transverse of the vehicle, that is transverse of the forward direction 210. The sub-carriage 110 slidably engages the rails 114 by means of track followers 223 so as to be guided thereby in linear movement transverse of the vehicle. Carriage 110 includes a motor 217 that drives a belt 218. The belt 218 drives a threaded collar 219 threadably engaged with a stationary threaded shaft 220. Operation of the motor 217 causes rotation of the collar 219 in a desired direction to cause movement of the first sub-carriage 110 transversely of the vehicle as guided by the rails 114. The rails 114 are fixed to the plate 221, with the plate 221 having track followers 222 that slidably engage a track in the form of rails 216. The rails 216 extend generally longitudinally to the vehicle, that is generally normal to the rails 114 and guide the base 113 in linear movement longitudinally of the vehicle. A linear motor 224, having one end attached to the floor 209, and another end attached to the base 113 is operated to cause longitudinal movement of the sub-carriage 110 longitudinally of the vehicle 200 by movement of the base 113 longitudinally of the rails 216.

A further modification is the support 108. hi this embodiment, the support 108 includes a forward portion 225 pivotally attached to a rear portion 226 for pivoting movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal (that is generally parallel to the floor 209) axis 227. The rear portion 226 is fixed to the second sub-carriage 111. A linear motor 228 extends between the portions 225 and 226 and is operable to cause pivoting movement of the portion 225 about the axis 227 to move the portion 225 between a generally horizontal (generally parallel to the floor 209) orientation as seen in Figures 26 and 32, and an inclined orientation as shown in Figure 31. In the inclined configuration the portion 225 slopes downwardly to the portion 226 so as to aid in retaining the wheelchair 205 and its occupant 206 on the support 108 when the support 208 is in transit between an interior and exterior position with respect to the vehicle 200.

The motor 217 drives a shaft 229, that in turn drives the belt 218 and therefore the collar 219. hi that regard it should be appreciated the motor 217 and collar 219 are fixed to the sub-carriage 110. Accordingly rotation of the collar 219 causes movement of the carriage 110 longitudinally of the threaded shaft 220, due to the threaded engagement of the shaft 220 with the collar 219.

The sub-carriage 110 together with the motor 217, belt 218 and collar 219 are located in a housing 230. The housing 230 has an end portion 231 that is upwardly extending to contain the cylinder 10.

Typically the motors 224 and 228 are hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, hi operation of the above described assembly 204, the support 108 with wheelchair 205 mounted thereon is generally located as seen in Figure 26 during normal transport. That is the support 108 is resting on or is adjacent the floor 209. When the wheelchair occupant 206 wishes to leave the vehicle, the support 108 is moved angularly as best seen in Figure 27 while the sub-carriage 110 is maintained in the position as shown in Figure 27, that is a position remote from the opening 202. The support 108 and wheelchair 205 are moved from a forward facing position (with respect to the normal direction of travel 210) to a transverse facing position as shown in Figure 28. During this movement the sub-carriage 110 is moved longitudinally forward in the direction 210 so as to be located in the position shown in Figure 28. To locate the support 108 and wheelchair 205 in the position shown in Figure 28, the cylinder 10 is operated to cause the angular movement about the vertical axis 12 while the linear forward movement along the rails 216 is caused by operation of the motor 224. However before any movement of the support 108 takes place, the support 108 is raised slightly as best seen in comparing Figures 36 and 37. The support 108 is raised above the floor 209 to enable the angular and longitudinal movement of the support 108. The upward movement and angular movement of the support 108 is provided by operation of the cylinder 10. When the support 108 is located in the position shown in Figure 28, that is adjacent the opening 202 and facing transverse with respect to the vehicle 100, the motor 217 is operated to move the support 108 to the exterior of the vehicle. However this transverse movement is intermittent together with intermittent operation of the cylinder 10 so that the support 108 is first located above the step 232. Thereafter the transverse movement is haltered and cylinder 10 operated to lower the support 108 toward the step 232 as shown in Figure 4. When the support 108 is adjacent the step 232, the downward movement is haltered and the motor 217 again operated to move the support 108 transversely out the opening 202 to the position as shown in Figure 35 so that the support 108 is clear of the step 232. Thereafter the cylinder 10 is again operated to lower the support 108 to ground engaging level as seen in Figure 32. Accordingly the support 108 is moved in a stepwise manner.

During all movement of the support 108, the forward portion 225 of the support 108 is inclined so as to aid in retaining the wheelchair 105 on the support 108, by operation of the motor 228. Inclination of the portion 225 also lowers the head of the occupant 206. However when the support 108 is stationary in the vehicle 100 and in the position shown in Figure 26, the portions 225 and 226 are generally planar and resting on the floor 209. When the support 108 is located externally of the vehicle and resting on a ground surface again the portions 225 and 226 are generally planar and resting on the ground surface to provide for easy movement of the wheelchair 205 to and from the support 108.

When the support 108 is to be returned from the exterior to the interior of the vehicle, the above sequence is reversed.

It should be appreciated that during normal transport, the support 108 is located adjacent the side of the vehicle most remote from the opening 202 to provide access to at least one of the seats 214. If there is no wheelchair within the vehicle 200, the support 108 can be moved forward along the rails 216 by operation of the motor 214 to provide access to all three seats 214.

If the vehicle 200 is not being employed to transport a wheelchair 205, the support 108 can be moved forward toward the seats 212 on the rails 216, and a further row of rearwardly facing seats 233 placed immediately behind the seats 211. Accordingly without the wheelchair 205, the vehicle 200 can carry a driver and seven passengers. If a wheelchair is to be employed, the row of seats 233 immediately behind the seats 212 can be removed to provide for movement of the support 108 and the wheelchair 205 supported thereon. hi Figure 41 there is schematically depicted a modification of the hydraulic circuit 50 previously described. In this embodiment, assuming the support 108 is in the normal travel position, that is always in the wheelchair forwardly, hydraulic fluid is delivered from the pump 51 via operation of the valves 58 and 60 to the cylinder 10 through a throttle valve 234. The cylinder 10 extends to raise the platform above the floor 209. This initial movement of the piston 35 exposes the throttle valve 235 and one-way valve 236, as well as throttle valve 237 and one-way valve 238. Hydraulic fluid passing through the valve 235 is delivered to the tank 57 while the hydraulic fluid passing through the valve 238 is delivered to the cylinder 228 to cause tilting of the portion 225. The rate of tilting is determined by the valve 237. The process continues until the support 108 has been lifted and moved angularly as previously described. Fluid is returned to the tank 57 from the other end of the cylinder 10 through a throttle valve 239 and operation of valve 55 and the valve 53. As long as hydraulic fluid under pressure is delivered through the valve 60 to the cylinder 10, the cylinder 228 will retain the portion 225 inclined. When the support 108 is to be lowered, the valves 60 and 58 are operated to communicate with the tank 57. Hydraulic fluid is then delivered by the pump 51 to the cylinder 10 through operation of the valves 53 and 55. This lowers the platform 108 and permits lowering of the portion 225 from the inclined position when pressure no longer exists in the cylinder 228. The rate of which the support 108 is lowered is governed by the throttle valve 239. The valves 53, 55, 58 and 60 are operated in a similar sequence to the valves 53, 58 and 60 as previously described with reference to Figures 17 to 25. Essentially the cylinder 228 is a replacement for the cylinders 123, with the cylinder 228 returning hydraulic fluid due to pressure being applied to the portion 225.

Hydraulic circuit of Figure 42 is a modification of the circuit 41. hi this arrangement a second pump 51 is provided to meet demand for increased flow, for example when the cylinder 10 is in operation. Located between the pumps 51 is a pressure relief valve 240 that bleeds hydraulic pressure to tank 57 should pressure in the line joining the pumps 51 exceed 800PSI. They are also associated with each of the pumps 51 a one-way valve 241 to isolate the associated pump 51, when the other pump 51 is in operation.

The other modifications include the provision of a hand operated pump 242 associated with a hand operated three-way valve 243. Should the pumps 51 fail to operate, then an operator can use the valve 243 and pump 242 to operate the cylinder 10 to raise and lower the platform 108. An electrically operated valve 244 is also provided and urged to a position of preventing flow thereby, should the pumps 51 fail. That is, the hand operated pump 242 is prevented from pumping hydraulic fluid to the tank 57. When the circuit 50 is correctly operating, the valve 244 provides for flow therethrough.

A further modification includes the pressure relief valve 245 that delivers air to tank 57 should pressure exceed 800PSI. hi respect of the above embodiment, the assembly to support the wheelchair can be arranged so that the occupant can face forward or rearward during normal travel of the vehicle.

It should be appreciated that horizontal is intended to mean generally horizontal when the vehicle is located so that the vehicle floor is horizontal. Vertical is intended to refer to instances when again the floor is generally horizontal.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A platform assembly to move a wheelchair with respect to a vehicle having a door opening and a floor, said assembly including: a support upon which the wheelchair is to rest; a base to be attached to the vehicle adjacent said opening; a carriage assembly supporting the support and being attached to the base for relative movement thereto along a generally linear first path, to extend generally parallel to the floor, so that in use the carriage is movable between a retracted position substantially locating the support within the vehicle and an extended position enabling the support to be positioned exterior of the vehicle by movement through the opening; a first motor, the first motor extending between the carriage assembly and base to cause movement of the carriage assembly between the extended and retracted positions thereof; a second motor, the second motor being operatively associated with the carriage assembly and support and operable to raise and lower the support; and a control operatively associated with the motors so that at least a period of simultaneous operation thereof causes the support to pass along a downwardly inclined second path.

2. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein said first path is to extend transverse of the vehicle.

3. The platform assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein said support is pivotally attached to said carriage for angular movement about a generally upright axis.

4. The platform assembly of claim 3, wherein said upright axis is arranged relative to said base so that pivoting of said support moves the support through said opening.

5. The platform assembly of claim 4, wherein said second motor is operable to cause the angular movement of said support.

6. The platform assembly of claim 5, wherein said second motor causes angular movement of said support through approximately 90°.

7. The platform assembly to move a wheelchair with respect to a vehicle having a door opening and a floor, said assembly including: a support upon which the wheelchair is to rest; a base to be attached to the vehicle adjacent the opening; a carriage assembly attached to the support and attached to the base but movable relative to the base along a generally linear path to extend generally parallel to the floor so that in use the carriage assembly is movable between a retracted position to locate the support substantial within the vehicle, and an extended position to locate support exterior of the vehicle by movement through the opening; and wherein at least part of said support is attached to said carriage assembly for angular movement so that said part is movable between a generally horizontal first orientation and an inclined second orientation at which the part is inclined to the first orientation by an acute angle to aid in retaining the wheelchair on the support and to lower a wheelchair occupants head.

8. A platform assembly according to claim 7, wherein said part is pivotable about a generally horizontal axis between the first and second orientations.

9. The platform assembly of claim 7 or 8, wherein said support includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being pivotably attached to the second portion, with the first position providing said part, with said part being downwardly inclined when in said inclined orientation.

10. A platform assembly to move a wheelchair with respect to a vehicle having a floor and a side door opening, said assembly including: a track to extend longitudinally of the vehicle; a base operatively associated with the track so as to be guided thereby in moving longitudinally of the track, the base providing a transverse track and a carriage assembly operatively associated with the transverse track so as to be guided thereby in movement along the transverse track; a wheelchair support operatively associated with the carriage assembly so as to be moved longitudinally and transversely thereby, with said carriage assembly also providing for angular movement of the support about a generally upright axis between a longitudinally facing position and a transverse facing position; and at least one motor operatively associated with the base and carriage assembly to cause the support to move longitudinally, transversely and angularly, to move the platform from a transport position facing longitudinally of the vehicle and an external position to be located externally of the vehicle with the platform facing transversely away from the vehicle.

11. A platform assembly of claim 10, wherein said carriage assembly includes a first sub-carriage operatively associated with the base and to be moved longitudinally and transverse of the vehicle, and a second sub-carriage supported on the firs sub-carriage for the angular movement about said generally upright axis through an acute angle to provide for angular movement of the support between a generally forward or backward facing position and a transverse facing position.

12. The platform assembly of claim 10 or 11, wherein said support includes a first position and a second portion, with said first portion being pivotally attached to said second portion for angular movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal axis so that the first portion is moved angularly between a first position generally co- planar with the rear portion, and an inclined position sloping downwardly to the second portion to aid in retaining a wheelchair on the support and to lower a wheelchair occupants head.

13. The platform assembly of claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein said second sub- carriage is moved through 90° between a forward or rearward facing position and a transverse facing position to facing away from the vehicle.

14. The platform assembly of claim 11, further including a first motor, said first motor causing longitudinal movement of the carriage assembly longitudinally of the vehicle, and said platform assembly further includes a second motor, said second motor being operatively associated with the first sub-carriage to cause transverse movement of the first sub-carriage with respect to the vehicle, and a third motor, said third motor being operatively associated with the first and second sub-carriages to cause the angular movement of the second sub-carriage relative to the first sub-carriage.

15. The platform assembly of claim 14, wherein said third motor is operable to cause upward and downward movement of the second sub-carriage relative to the first sub-carriage.

16. The platform assembly of claim 14 or 15, further including a control operatively associated with the motors to co-ordinate operation thereof, with said second motor and third motor being sequentially operated so that said support is moved through a series of steps between a raised and lowered position.

17. The platform assembly of claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein said support is generally square or rectangular in plan, and said third motor is located adjacent a corner of said support, said corner being a rear corner and located adjacent said opening when said support is forward facing.

18. The platform assembly of any one of claims 14 to 17, further including a fourth motor, said fourth motor being operatively associated with said first portion and said second portion and operable to cause angular movement of said first portion relative to said second portion, said fourth motor being operatively associated with said control so as to be operated in co-ordination with the first, second and third motors.

19. The platform assembly of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said 5 control is configured to operate said third motor to cause upward movement of the support relative to the floor prior to movement of the support from the transport position to the external position.

20. A platform assembly to move a wheelchair with respect to a vehicle intended to move in a forward direction, the vehicle having a floor and a side door Q opening, with said floor having a step adjacent said opening to facilitate movement to and from the vehicle, said assembly including: a support upon which the wheelchair is to rest; a base to be attached to the vehicle adjacent the opening; a carriage assembly supporting the support and being attached to the base but s movable relative; at least one motor to move the support relative to the base; and a control operatively associated with the motor to cause operation thereof to move the support in a stop wise manner to follow the step in the vehicle floor.

21. The platform assembly of claim 19, wherein the motor is a first motor, 0 and said platform assembly includes a second motor, with said second motor when operated by the control causes up and down movement of the support, and operation of said first motor by said control causes the transverse movement relative to said direction of said support, with the control coordinating the first and second motors to move the support in a step wise manner. ₅

22. The platform assembly of claim 19 or 20, wherein said platform is mounted on the carriage assembly for angular movement about a generally upright axis between a first position at which the platform faces either forward or rearward, and a second position at which the platform faces transversely away from the vehicle, said first position also being intended to be a position within the vehicle and said second position Q intended to be a position external of the vehicle with the platform located adjacent a surface upon which the vehicle is resting to provide for movement of the wheelchair to and from the support.

23. The platform assembly of claim 20, wherein said second motor also causes angular movement of the platform about said upright axis.

24. A method of moving a wheelchair support platform relative to a vehicle between a vehicle interior transport position and a loading position exterior of the vehicle adjacent the surface of upon which the vehicle is resting, said vehicle having a floor and a side door opening, said method including the steps of: moving the platform from the transport position transversely of the vehicle toward the opening; moving the platform angularly about a generally upright axis adjacent said opening to a transverse facing orientation; moving said platform downwardly to said loading position; moving said platform upwardly to adjacent said floor; moving said platform angularly about said axis to a longitudinally facing orientation; and moving said platform transversely to said transport position.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said transverse orientation is an orientation with the platform facing away from the vehicle.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein the angular movement causes movement of the platform through about 90° between the exterior and interior of the vehicle.

27. The method of claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein the upward and downward movement is long and inclined path.

28. The method of claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein said upward and downward movement is in a step wise manner.

29. The method of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein prior to movement of the platform transversely with respect to the vehicle from said transport position, said platform is first moved forwardly relative to the vehicle, while after transverse movement of the platform toward the transport position, said platform is moved rearwardly relative to the vehicle to the transport position.

30. The method of any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the platform is raised from the floor when initially moving from the transport position, and lowered to the floor to be positioned at said transport position.