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US00526.1779A
United States Patent [19] [11] Patent Number: 5,261,779
Goodrich [45] Date of Patent: Nov. 16, 1993
[54] DUAL HYDRAULIC, PARALLELOGRAM 723613 2/1955 United Kingdom ................ 414/557
ARM WHEELCHAIR LIFT
Primary Examiner—David A. Bucci
[75] Inventor: Ronald W. Goodrich, Logansport, Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Jacques M. Dulin; Thomas C.
Ind. Feix
[73] Assignee: The Braun Corporation, Winamac, [57] ABSTRACT
Ind.
An improved dual hydraulic, parallelogram arm wheel
[21] Appl. No.: 825,625 chair lift assembly for use in commercial vehicles, such
[22] Filed: Jan. 24, 1992 as vans or buses. The lift assembly includes a platform
connected at one end to a pair of parallelogram link
[51] Int. Cl* ................................................ B60P 1/44 ages, each of which is provided with a power-up, gravi
[52] U.S. Cl. .................................... 414/546; 414/917; ty-down hydraulic cylinder for pulling the parallelo
414/921 gram linkages and platform from a lowered loading
[58] Field of Search ............... 414/540, 545, 546, 554, position to an immediate transfer position, and thence to
414/556, 557, 786, 917, 921 a folded, generally upright stored position. The pulling
[56] References Cited action of the hydraulic cylinders with hydraulic fluid
working on the rod side reduces side loading on the
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS piston head and wear on pivot pins of the parallelogram
Re. 31,178 3/1983 Deacon ............................... 414/546 linkages. The hydraulic cylinders are self-bleeding of air
2,656,058 10/1953 Foote . during gravity down operation to reduce spongy and
2,774,494 12/1956 Malmström ......................... 414/546 jerky operation. The lift assembly has an improved base
3,666,122 5/1972 Youmans ....... . 414/917 X member employing an additional base support plate to
3,700,123 10/1972 Corley, Jr. ...................... 41.4/917 X form a box structure to increase strength and reduce
3,888,463 6/1975 O’Brien et al. ................. 41.4/921 X moment-induced bending of the mounting plate. Tie
3,984,014 10/1976 Pohl .......... 414/921 X downs are also provided to the side supports to assist in
4,015,725 4/1977 Ryan et al. 41.4/921 X reducing sway movement of the side supports. An im
4,111,317 9/1978 Robinson .. . 414/557 X proved, highly precise microswitch trigger assembly
4,534,450 8/1985 Savaria ............................... 187/9 R
4,664,584 5/1987 Braun et al. ......................... 41.4/541 mounted independent of arm pivot pins and large bear
4,711,613 12/1987 Fretwell .......................... 41.4/921 X ing surface fixed arm pivot pins are disclosed. The hy
4,808,056 2/1989 Oshima ........................... 414/921 X draulic cylinders are mounted base down and act at
4,930,973 6/1990 Robinson ......................., 414/917 X right angles to the conventional mounting scheme, with
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS full extension at lower load position and fully closed
(retracted) at the upper stowed position.
3627.476 2/1988 Fed. Rep. of Germany ...... 414/917
1-86541 1 1/1982 Japan … 41.4/921 22 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent Nov. 16, 1993 Sheet 1 of 5 5,261,779

Fig.1 (PRIOR ART)

#EE:Bas
U.S. Patent Nov. 16, 1993 Sheet 2 of 5 5,261,779

for 108 (45 180

Fig.5
U.S. Patent Nov. 16, 1993 Sheet 3 of 5 5,261,779
U.S. Patent Nov. 16, 1993 sheet 4 of s 5,261,779
U.S. Patent Nov. 16, 1993 Sheet 5 of 5 5,261,779

/90
\
UNFOLD

DOWN VALVE

UP

Folt PUMP

/89 /29a /29c

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DUAL HYDRAULIC, PARALLELOGRAM ARM
cylinders, each of which powers one of the arm link
WHEELCHAIR LIFT
ages. If there is a differential amount of leakage, or air
gets in the fluid, as is almost inevitable, or there is differ
FIELD ential line loss (friction in the lines), then the two paral
lelogram linkages descend or lift unevenly. As a result,
This invention relates to wheelchair lifts, and more they do not arrive at the same angular (elevational)
particularly to lifts for transit vehicles, employing im position at the same time or at the same rate. This causes
proved dual hydraulic parallelogram arm type lift as a torsional twisting of the lift and places substantial side
semblies. piston loads on the arm and seal mechanisms of the
10 parallelogram linkages and the hydraulic cylinders.
BACKGROUND
This, of course, increases wear, induces binding and
Lifts for wheelchair bound handicapped persons causes elongation of the bushings associated with all the
evolved from truck-type tailgate lifts in the mid-60's to pivot points of the parallelogram linkages. When the
early 70's. A wide variety of lift types have been em 15 binding is suddenly released, the lift has a jerky motion.
ployed, including: chain drive parallelogram lifts of the This uneven and spongy cylinder operation promotes
Deacon U.S. Pat. No. Re. 31,178; chain driven slide parallelogram arm alignment problems which, in turn,
tube type lifts, such as The Braun Corporation Lift-A induces wear on all moving parts, including cylinder
Way (8) lift; rotary lifts such as The Braun Corporation seals and pivot pins. The uneven wear in turn further
Swing-A-Way (R) lift of Braun et al. U.S. Pat. No. compounds the problem of uneven and spongy push
4,664,584; and dual parallelogram arm hydraulic lifts, 20 type cylinder operation.
such as shown in the Savaria U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,450 Another aspect of these problems lies in the fact that
(original Savaria cafe-door style lift). the lifts must stop in various predetermined positions in
The advantage touted for the chain drive lift of the the cycle, for example, at the transfer level, that is,
Deacon lift as compared to the dual parallelogram arm where the platform stops at a level even with the van or
hydraulic lift of Savaria is that the chain drive provides 25 bus floor to permit ingress into or egress out from the
a more smooth and less jerky lift motion. Both of these vehicle. In the R2000 two positioning cams are fastened
lift types are offered by Ricon Corporation of Pacoima, to a hydraulic cylinder cross-pin so that the cams follow
Calif. as the R30 (Deacon style) and the R2000 (an the position of the hydraulic cylinder in the cycle.
extensively modified version of the Savaria lift but not These cams alternately engage and actuate several mi
covered by the Savaria patent as it has a single platform 30 croswitches associated with the various predetermined
and dual hydraulic rams). positions of the cycle. Since this hydraulic pivot pin is
The model R30 is directed for use in the retail market, under high stress and experiences excessive side loading
i.e., for individual owners of private vehicles, while the from the pushing action of the hydraulic cylinder asso
R2000 is designed for use in commercial applications, ciated
such as in public buses and vans. The reason for the 35 tends totherewith, the bushing surface of this pivot pin
particular use application for each style of lift is due in result in misalignment of theover
become elongated time. This, in turn, can
significant part to the materials and construction used in elongation in combination with platformcam.
positioning Pivot pin
drift signifi
each lift. In the R30, the arms of the parallelogram cantly upsets the microswitch operation of the position
linkages are constructed of solid, flat aluminum bars ing cams, thus requiring frequent field readjustments of
which are not well-suited for withstanding the continu
ous and varied use demands placed on a commercial lift. the with
positioning cams to restore proper lift operation
precise platform stop positions.
The R30 flat bar stock permits too much side sway for
use with hydraulics in a commercial environment. In hydraulic drives there
Accordingly, is a need in the art for improved
for parallelogram arm lifts which have
contrast the R2000 uses U-channel steel arms and links
which are better suited for operation in a commercial 45 drift,reduced asynchronous movement, jerkiness, platform
environment. positioning cam misalignment, and bearing elon
One disadvantage of the R2000 is that the hydraulic gation for easier field maintenance and capability of
cylinders of the lift are prone to spongy and uneven reliable operation in high frequency use transit vehicle
operation. This results in the dual problems of platform environments.
drift and misalignment of the parallelogram arms with 50 THE INVENTION
respect to each other. Drift occurs when the lift plat OBJECTS
form is left overnight in the vertical stowed position and
it begins to pop partly open under the force of a spring It is a principle object of the invention to provide an
which is provided to power the initial deployment of improved dual hydraulic parallelogram arm wheelchair
the lift downward from a near vertical or oververtical 55 lift assembly, which uses “pull” type hydraulic cylin
position. Drift is symptomatic of wear in the hydraulic ders for smoother lifting operation and improved syn
seals, which permits fluid to leak past the seals. When chronous parallelogram arm movement;
this occurs the lift partially descends due to the spring It is another object of the invention to provide an
bias and gravity effect. In some instances, this partial improved wheelchair lift assembly wherein the hydrau
opening drift can result in the lift becoming wedged lic cylinders are self-bleeding during gravity down op
against the inside of the door of the van in which it is eration;
mounted. In such a situation it must be first powered It is another object of the invention to provide an
closed before the van door can be opened. If the opera improved wheelchair lift assembly wherein the pulling
tor does not perceive that drift has occurred, the door action of the hydraulic cylinders minimizes side loading
and/or lift can be significantly damaged if the operator 65 on the piston head seals during lifting, promotes proper
attempts to open the door. alignment of the parallelogram linkages and thereby
Further, there is a serious and difficult problem in the minimizes binding of the moving parts and prevents
synchronization between the two push-type hydraulic premature wear of the pivot pins;
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It is another object of the invention to provide an a generally downward position to a stored vertically
improved pivot pin assembly for the cylinder and arm upward position by a pair of “pull” type hydraulic cyl
connections of parallelogram linkages whereby the inders, each of which connects the lower outboard
improved pivot pin assemblies have a greater bearing corner of each parallelogram linkage to the upper in
service area to resist elongation wear; 5 board corner of each parallelogram linkage. This diago
It is another object of the invention to provide a nal pull is opposite the prior art push configuration.
single cam switch operator to overcome the misalign The “pull” type hydraulic cylinders provide for
ment problems of two cams with respect to each other; smoother and more positive lift operation than conven
It is another object of the invention to provide an tional “push” type hydraulic cylinders, since pull-type
improved parallelogram style wheelchair lift assembly 10 cylinders are self-centering. That is, pull-type cylinders
having a strengthened box-shaped base configuration to find their true pulling centers during power lift opera
resist moment bending of the side and base supports tion, so that the alignment of each parallelogram linkage
during lifting; is properly maintained. Thus, binding and premature
Still other objects will become evident from the spec pivot pin wear of all the moving parts of the parallelo
ification drawings and claims. 15 gram linkages is significantly reduced. As binding is
DRAWINGS reduced, jerky motion is virtually eliminated.
The “pull” type hydraulic cylinders also are self air
The invention is described in greater detail by refer bleeding during gravity down operation since the cylin
ence to the drawings in which: ders are always oriented air side up such that their flow
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first prior art dual 20 compensators are adjacent the upper elevational end of
parallelogram arm hydraulic wheelchair lift of the type the confined volume of the cylinder. Any air trapped
using a single, side mounted, double-acting hydraulic within the confined volume is removed during gravity
cylinder; down operation, since during gravity down motion the
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a modified version cylinder contents are expressed through the flow com
of the prior art design of FIG. 1 using dual hydraulic 25 pensators to the pump reservoir which is vented off to
cylinders; the ambient atmosphere. Removal of air from the con
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the improved wheel fined volume significantly reduces spongy operation of
chair lift of the present invention; the hydraulic cylinders and permits synchronous paral
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary isometric view of lelogram linkage movement.
the base portion of the lift assembly of FIG. 3 showing 30 The “pull” type hydraulic cylinders also significantly
the detail of the bridgeplate and box base construction; reduce the amount of side loading placed on the seals of
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation view the piston head and pivot pin connectors of the parallel
in partial cross section of the base portion of the lift ogram linkages, thereby reducing the problems of drift
assembly taken along the line and in the direction of the (where hydraulic fluid seeps past the seals during stor
arrows 5–5 of FIG. 3, but when the lift of FIG. 3 has 35 age in the vertical position) and premature elongation
been raised to the fully upward (stowed) position; wear of the pivot pins.
FIGS. 6A-6B is a series view in side elevation of the The base assembly of the wheelchair lift is improved
wheelchair lift of FIG. 3 showing the three distinct by the addition of a box-type construction to provide
operating positions: lowered (FIG. 6A), transfer (FIG. additional strength to the base assembly to resist mo
6B), and stowed (FIG. 6G); 40 ment-induced bending of the base assembly and side-to
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary isometric view of side movement of the spaced-apart side supports. The
a load bearing arm and end link connector pin assembly; side supports are also anchored to corresponding vehi
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view cle post members disposed adjacent the vehicle opening
of the micro-switch trigger pin assembly; in which the wheelchair lift assembly is mounted to
FIG. 9 shows in fragmentary side elevation the oper- 45 further assist in reducing sway or movement of the side
ation of the trigger pin and microswitches; members of the base assembly.
FIG. 10 shows a front elevation of the mounting of The lift position sensing mechanism includes an ex
the microswitches on the stand-off and how the trigger tension finger and trip bolt assembly mounted on one of
pin contacts the wands; the lower arms. The trip bolt engages fingers of trip
FIG. 11 is a schematic electrical diagram of the mi- 50 switches adjustably mounted in arcuate slots in the base.
croswitch controls; and Thus, as compared to the prior art where two cams are
FIG. 12 is an elevation view, partly in section of the mounted on an active push-type cylinder cross-pin,
mounting of the load lock switch in the sliding shoe there is less bushing wear and elongation, minimizing
arm.
cam drift (rotational misalignment due to wear or active
• SUMMARY 55 cylinder movement) and lift level mispositioning.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of Detailed Description of the Best Mode
invention, the wheelchair lift is a significant improve The following detailed description illustrates the
ment over currently available dual hydraulic, parallelo invention by way of example, not by way of limitation
gram arm type wheelchair lifts. 60 of the principles of the invention. This description will
The wheelchair lift generally comprises a platform, a clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the
pair of parallelogram linkages, and a base assembly. invention, and describes several embodiments, adapta
Each parallelogram linkage further comprises a pair of tions, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention,
arms which are each connected at an inboard end at the including what I presently believe is the best mode of
base support to define a base link and are further con- 65 carrying out the invention.
nected at their outboard ends by an end link, which, in FIG. 3 shows an improved dual hydraulic, parallelo
turn, is pivotally connected at a bottom end underneath gram arm wheelchair lift constructed in accordance
one edge of the platform. The end links are moved from with one embodiment of the present invention mounted
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within side door access of a vehicle body 179 and gener pressurization and the side on which the hydraulic fluid
ally designated by the reference numeral 101. acts during lift.
The lift 101 generally comprises a platform 113, a pair As is best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6A-6C, each “pull”
of parallelogram linkage assemblies or linkages 114, type hydraulic cylinder 111/111'is pressurized by intro
114", a base assembly 116 including mounting plate 107 ducing hydraulic fluid through a flow compensator
for securing the lift 101 to the transit vehicle floor inside 121/121' which is disposed at the rod end of the cylin
the vehicle, and a pair of one way or single-acting hy der 111/111' while the piston rod is fully extended.
draulic cylinders 111, 111’ disposed within each paral Note, the confined “working” volume of the “pull”
lelogram linkage assembly 114, 114", respectively. The type cylinder includes the piston rod, that is, the hy
single-acting hydraulic cylinders 111, 111’ are of the 10 draulic fluid is working against a piston head surface
pull-type “power up” and “gravity down” type. That is, area that is annular rather than a solid circle (as is the
they are powered to move the parallelogram linkages case with “push” type cylinders). It should be noted
from a fully lowered position (as shown) to an interme that in view of the decrease in piston head surface area,
diate transfer position where the platform 113 is even a greater system fluid pressure is required for “pull”.
with the vehicle floor 180 (FIG. 6B), and finally to an 15 type hydraulic cylinders to achieve the same cylinder
upright storage position where the platform 113 is force rates as the “push” type hydraulic cylinders. This
folded generally vertically upward (FIG. 6G). They are is not a problem, since the lifting requirements placed
operated “gravity down” by the release of a standard on the cylinders in this system are never severe enough
valve member disposed adjacent the pump reservoir to 20 to make a significant difference.
permit the controlled release of fluid from the working When the platform 113 is in the lowered position (see
side of the cylinder thereby unfolding the platform and FIGS. 3 and 6A) the piston rod is at full extension from
lowering the linkages from the vertical stored position upper right rear to lower left front of the parallelogram.
to the lowered position. In the preferred embodiments When the platform 113 is in the folded stowed position
the pump reservoir is vented to the ambient atmosphere (see FIG. 6G) the rod is fully retracted within the cylin
25
der 111/111'. Pressurization on the rod side of the pis
so that any air contained within the hydraulic line is
expelled therefrom during gravity down operation. ton head moves the piston rod from its extended posi
Each parallelogram linkage assembly 114, 114' fur tion FIGS. 3 and 6A, into its retracted position within
ther comprises upper arm 117, 117' and lower arm 118, the cylinder FIG. 6G. Thus, each parallelogram linkage
118', an end link 119, 119' and a base-mounted bracket 114/114 is pulled by the rod at pin connections
member or side support assembly 140, 140' which serves 30 117/117,
127/127" and this pulling force is what swings the arms
118/118' into an upright position.
as a base link for arms 117, 117' and 118, 118'. A lower
portion of each end link 119 and 119 is provided with licIncylinder
contrast, as shown in FIG. 2 a “push” type hydrau
is pressurized at the bottom or closed end of
an articulated lever assembly 129, 129' having a pivot
ing elbow member 128, 128' which is caused to abut 35 the cylinder with the piston rod being fully retracted
against a bottom surface of lower arm 118, 118' at about within the cylinder in the lowered position so that the
the intermediate transfer position of the lifting cycle to pressurization pushes the rod into its extended position.
permit folding of the platform 113 into the storage posi In the case of a dual hydraulic, parallelogram arm lift,
tion upon the continuation of the upward movement of full piston rod extension corresponds to the vertically
the parallelogram linkages in accordance with known 40 upright stowed position of the lift.
power-up platform storage folding techniques. The as shown ain“pull”
Use of
the
type hydraulic cylinder in the manner
present invention eliminates many prob
platform 113 is pivotally connected to the end links 119, lems associated with “push” type cylinders and also
119 at pivot 135 preferably located below the surface of achieves many desirable results, including improved,
the platform 113 (FIG. 3). more positive cylinder operation, truer synchronous
The components of the parallelogram linkages 114, 45 arm action through improved alignment of the parallel
114 (arms 117/117, 118/118' and end links 119/119) ogram linkages, and a significant decrease in the prob
are preferably constructed of strong carbon steel chan lem of platform “drift”, wherein “drift” is defined as the
nels each having a U-shaped cross section. As in prior unfolding of the platform from the stowed position due
art designs, the side edges of the end link U-channels to hydraulic fluid seeping by the seals of the piston head
119, 119' and side supports 140, 140' (base links) are 50 during periods of inactivity. -
spaced a sufficient width apart to permit receiving The improvements which comprise the embodiment
(nesting) of the ends of the arms 117/117' and 118/118'.
The parts are secured with bushings as described in of the
FIGS. 3–8 are better understood by a comparison to
closest prior art dual parallelogram hydraulic
more detail below. The single-action hydraulic cylin wheelchair lifts.
ders 111/111’ are pin connected diagonally to opposed 55 FIGS. 1–2 show examples of prior art dual arm paral
corners of the parallelogram linkages 114 114", and are lelogram hydraulic wheelchair lifts. The lift 1 of FIG. 1
oriented with the base end of each cylinders 111, 111’ is described in the Savaria patent No. 4,534,450 and
connected via pins 126 in the base 116 (FIG. 6A) and generally comprises a platform 13, a pair of parallelo
the rod end of each cylinder connected at pins 127/127" gram linkages 14 each including arms 17, 18, end links
through apertures in end links 119. 19 and base link 16, a mounting plate 7, and a single
An important improvement of the invention over side-mounted, double-acting hydraulic cylinder 11.
prior-art designs is the use of “pull” type single-acting The double-acting, power-up/power-down hydrau
hydraulic cylinders 111/111’ rather than the “push” lic cylinder 11 is pivotally connected to a separate
type, single-acting, hydraulic cylinders typically used in bracket plate 12 at its upper base end and to a radial
both truck and wheelchair hydraulic lift designs. A 65 lever arm 10 at its other, rod end. The radial lever arm
“pull” type hydraulic cylinder is distinguishable from a 10 is linked to a transverse shaft 6 which, by means of an
“push” type hydraulic cylinder by the positioning of the articulated linkage 20, imparts the up and down lifting
piston rod with respect to the cylinder body during motion to the parallelogram linkages 14. The lower
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portion of each end link 19 is also provided with a com hydraulic cylinders is improved alignment of the com
plicated spring-biased articulated assembly 29 which ponent parts of the parallelogram linkages. The pulling
cooperates with a stop member 28 disposed along the action of the piston rod of each hydraulic cylinder 111,
underside of each lower arm 18 to upwardly fold the 111' of the present invention finds a true center with
platform 13 in the storage position upon a continuation respect to the pivot points of the parallelogram linkages
of linkage movement from an intermediate transfer 119. The side loading on the pivot pin bushings is signif
position to the stored position of the lift. The hydraulic icantly reduced as compared to a pushing action. An
cylinder does not rotate to a base down position during analogy here is helpful in explaining this principle.
elevation and stowage of the lift. Imagine that the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder
FIG. 2 shows a second generation design of the 10 111 is a rope. A rope under tension (pull) quickly finds
wheelchair lift 1 of FIG. 1 wherein the single, double its true center, while a rope in compression will buckle,
acting hydraulic cylinder 11 of FIG. 1 is replaced by a or if sufficiently rigid, will tend to veer from its center
pair of single-acting hydraulic cylinders 11', each of line. Thus, as can be seen in both FIGS. 1 and 2 the
which is disposed internally within the channel mem pushing action of the hydraulic cylinders 11 and 11’
bers of each parallelogram linkage 14. For ease of un 15 exert unnecessary side loads on the pivot pins 24–26 of
derstanding, the reference numerals designating similar the parallelogram linkages 19.
structural elements in FIGS. 1 and 2 remain the same It has been found that the bushings in association with
and different elements are so indicated by a prime sym the pivot pins of these prior art wheelchair lift designs
bol. The lifts shown in FIGS. 1–2 each include a bridge prematurely wear and become elongated (oval), thus
plate 39, 39' and an arm rest 40 having a control unit 20 requiring frequent replacement. The bushing replace
placed along an outboard end thereof. ment is labor intensive as the pin connectors are nor
The lift 1" of FIG. 2 is representative of a currently mally welded in place. Need for this type of repair is
commercially available wheelchair lift design called the significantly reduced by using “pull” type hydraulic
Model R2000 manufactured by the Ricon Corporation cylinders which are held in place by threaded bolts.
of Pacoima, CA. Each single-acting hydraulic cylinder 25 Another benefit of using “pull” type hydraulic cylin
11' is a base-down “push” type cylinder with the fluid ders 111 in combination with the dual hydraulic, paral
acting on the piston side. The lift 1" is shown in the lelogram arm wheelchair lifts is the self air-bleeding
intermediate transfer position where the rod is partially feature of the cylinders. As is best seen in FIG. 6G, the
extended outward from the cylinder 11’ and the plat flow compensator 121 is at the upper-most elevation of
form 13 is substantially horizontally aligned with the 30 the confined volume of the cylinder 111. As is standard
vehicle floor 15. Note that the “push” type hydraulic for gravity down operation of a single-action hydraulic
cylinder 11’ is further defined as forming the connection cylinder, a relief or check valve (not shown) is released
of the pins (24, 25) corresponding to the short diagonal adjacent the pump reservoir (concealed within housing
of the parallelogram (i.e., rod is retracted) when the lift 175). This permits the weight of the wheelchair lift to
is in the fully lowered position and as forming the con 35 express the hydraulic fluid contained within the con
nection of the long diagonal of the parallelogram (i.e., fined volume of the hydraulic cylinder through its flow
rod is extended) when the lift is in the upright, stored compensator element 121 (gravity effect). Any air
position. trapped at the upper end (flow-compensator end)
As noted above, a principle concern of handicapped within the confined volume of the hydraulic cylinder
persons is a smooth, predictable, and non-jerky opera 111 will accumulate at the highest elevational point
tion of the wheelchair lift. A common problem of dual within the cylinder volume since air is lighter than the
arm, parallelogram, dual hydraulic wheelchair lifts is hydraulic fluid. Thus, when the wheelchair lift 101 is
the uneven and jerky movement of the lift when the moved by gravity down operation from the upright
linkages operate out of sync. For example, in the prior stored position to the lowered position, the piston head
art lift of FIG. 2, the spaced-apart parallelogram arm 45 forces all the air trapped at the top of the cylinder
linkage assemblies 14 become misaligned with respect through the flow compensator 121 into the fluid reser
to one another in their parallel transverse planes of voir which is then vented off to the atmosphere.
arc-like movement when air leaks into the confined The hydraulic system is now free of air which permits
volume of the two different cylinders. Asynchronous or more positive cylinder operation. This is a significant
non-uniform movement of the parallelogram linkages 50 improvement over the “spongy” or jerky cylinder oper
causes binding to occur and this results in the jerky lift ation commonly associated with “push” type hydraulic
operation. Since the handicap user is on a rolling chair cylinders since air remains trapped against the piston
as a suspended and moveable weight on the platform, and above the flow compensator in the “push” type
the jerks can cause movement of the chair and fear and cylinders during gravity down operation. ..Gravity
confusion in the user. Alignment and binding problems 55 down operation of this invention is smoother and results
only worsen over numerous cycling of the lift arms. in the platform 113 being lowered evenly until it
Eventually, the microswitch operation is adversely contacts the ground 150 (see FIG. 6A). Thus, every
affected and the precise control of the stop locations of time the lift is lowered to take on a handicapped wheel
the platform for the load, transfer and fold up positions chair user, the cylinder is purged of any accumulated
deteriorates or is lost. 60 al?.
In the prior art wheelchair lift design of FIG. 1 fur To assist in the lowering operation and insure a mini
ther alignment and binding problems of the linkages 19 mum on-ramp transition hump, the platform is held in a
are attributed in part by the torque induced angular slight downward tilt on the order of 1°–3°during grav
displacement experienced by the transverse shaft 6 ity down operation movement so that the outboard end
when subjected to rotational movement through use of 65 portion 113a of the platform 113 contacts the ground
the side-mounted single hydraulic cylinder 11. before the inboard end portion 113b. As shown in
A principle advantage of using “pull” type hydraulic FIGS. 3 and 6A, the angle 6 represents the 1° to 3°
cylinders of this invention, as opposed to “push” type downward tilt of the platform 113. This downward tilt
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is the result of a slight offset incorporated into the open internal routing of hydraulic lines 111a. The support
or outboard ends of the arms 117/117' and 118/118'. plate 108 may be securely attached to the mounting
That is, the arms are not in true parallel relationship but plate 107 by any number of known securing methods,
are rather offset by 1° to 3° at their outboard ends. This and is preferably provided with a number of tangs along
offset from parallel results in the desired downward tilt its leading edge, which cooperate with matching re
of the platform. It results in the arm 119 being non-verti lieved grooves or holes disposed in the top surface of
cal, canted inwardly (toward the vehicle) at the base as the mounting plate 107 and are welded in place. The
best seen in FIG. 6A. bridgeplate 139 is pivotally connected at each side to
Since the seals of the piston head within the hydraulic the inner housing 141 at pivots 145. A horizontally
cylinder 111 are not subjected to excessive side loading 10 adjustable stop nut & bolt 146a in slot 146b is also pro
due to true center pulling action of the “pull” type vided to limit the backward travel of the stored upward
cylinders, the seals have a longer life expectancy and pivot motion of the bridgeplate 139 as the platform 113
thus perform better in preventing air and hydraulic fluid is moved to the upright stored position.
from seeping past the seals. This reduces the problems As is seen in FIG. 5, the stop may be adjusted to
associated with platform drift. An additional benefit of 15 provide a spring bias to the bridgeplate 139 (arcuate
this arrangement is that the piston rod is fully retracted deformity of the bridgeplate is shown in phantom as
inside the cylinder during non-use (i.e., the stowed posi 139') so that upon gravity down operation, the bridge
tion). The hydraulic fluid provides a lubricating effect plate acts as a wide leaf spring to bias the platform to
for the rod and thus inhibits corrosion. In contrast to a unfold (see Arrow A in FIG. 5). The adjustable stop
“push” type cylinder, the rod is not exposed or sub 20 also provides a way of retaining the bridgeplate 139
jected to the corrosive effects of weather during non against the platform 113 (during storage) without hav
use and thus fewer contaminants are permitted to enter ing to provide a catch or latch on the platform face 113a
into the confined volume of the hydraulic cylinder 111, which could interfere with the wheels of the wheelchair
thus ensuring the integrity of the sealing members. when rolled onto and off the platform 113, or interfere
Another improvement of the present invention lies in 25 with loading boxes via the platform.
the design of the strengthened base assembly 116. This Referring to the series view shown in FIGS. 6A-6C,
is best seen in FIGS. 3-5. The base assembly 116 com the operation of the wheelchair lift will now be de
prises a mounting plate 107, a support plate 108, a pivot scribed. While the lift is in the ground load position of
able bridgeplate 139, and a pair of upstanding, spaced FIG. 6A, the wheelchair user rolls onto the platform
apart side supports 140/140°. Each side support 30 113 at the outboard end 113a by overcoming spring
140/140' further comprises an inner housing plate 141 biased inward pivoting safety stop 112 see arrow C).
and an outer housing plate 142 spaced therefrom, which While only the right side parallelogram linkage 114' is
together serve as the base link for arms 117, 117' and visible in the series of side elevation views in FIGS.
118, 118' of each parallelogram linkage 114 and 114'. 6A-6C, reference to coordinate elements of left side
A problem with prior art wheelchair lift designs hav 35 parallelogram linkage 114 is included for completeness
ing an open mounting structure (wherein an “open in the following description. Each end link 119/119', is
mounting structure” is defined as a frame lacking a top provided with an arm rest 120/120', which are utilized
structural cross member linking the spaced-apart side by the wheelchair user for auxiliary support during
supports; contrast this open structure to a “closed struc lifting. The arm rests 120/120', are pivotally connected
ture” such as top cross member 50 in Deacon U.S. Pat. 40 to the end links 119/119, at pivots 119a/119a, and are
No. Re. 31,178) was the tendency of the side supports further coupled with the articulated lever assembly
(i.e., the side supports 140 of the present invention) to 129/129", so that as the platform is caused to tilt upward
bend toward the platform and sway from side-to-side during folding, the arm rests 120/120' pivot to close as
when the platform 113 was loaded. As best seen in FIG. shown by the direction of arrow B. The closed position
4, this problem is overcome in part by the provision of 45 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6C. FIGS. 6A-6C also show an
tie down members 143, 143' which connect a top flange alternate embodiment for the arm rest 120' as seen by
portion 144, 144' of each side support 140, 140' to a extension 120a' shown in phantom.
corresponding vehicle post or structural member 152, Note that in the lift of this type, the inboard end 1136
152 of the vehicle door opening (not shown) at the (see FIG. 6B) of lift platform 113, does not approach
outboard end 150/150'. The tie down members 143, 143' 50 closely to the floor lip 181 or outboard edge 183 of the
limit the outboard-to-inboard sway movement and re baseplate 107 due to the limiting geometry of the paral
duce the side-to-side movement of the side supports 140, lelogram where the base link assembly 116 has the piv
140' when the platform 113 is under load. ots 124, 126 elevated above the floor level 180. Thus, a
Another improvement of the base assembly 116 is the substantial bridgeplate to cover the 8–10" or more gap
addition of the reverse ramp support plate 108 to the 55 between platform end 1136 and inboard vehicle edge(s)
mounting plate 107. As is best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the 181, 183 is required. In this invention the bridgeplate
support plate 108 includes a lip 108a at its outboard end serves the dual function of a self storable bridgeplate as
(hence, the term reverse ramp, the plate sloping down well as providing the spring bias gravity down assist.
ward from outboard to inboard, not vice versa). This Note that since the bridgeplate 139 is pivoted on
provides a box construction to the base assembly 116 opposed upstanding rearward inboard side flanges 184,
which yields at least a two-fold strength increase over a 184' (FIG. 4), a sufficient gap 185 (see FIG. 5) is created
standard flat mounting base assembly and substantially when the lift is raised so that any dirt or stones are
reduces moment-induced bending. The lip 108a is pref self-clearing. This gap also permits easy sweeping of the
erably on the order of #" in height so that it conforms to interior of the vehicle. In prior art lifts the inboard edge
suggested platform stepover guidelines for wheelchair 65 186 (FIG. 4) of the bridgeplate is hinged to the mount
access, such as those proposed by the Society of Auto ing plate 107 (there is no box girder-forming support
motive Engineers (SAE). The vertical rise of the sup plate 108) which permits dirt and stones to become
port plate 108 also permits convenient out-of-the-way wedged between the bridgeplate and the mounting
 11
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plate. The outboard edge 117 in that prior art construc FIGS. 6A and 8–10 show one embodiment for a mi
tion may no longer rest on the platform and the hinge croswitch trigger assembly that does not rely on the
can become sprung. Then the cams must be readjusted usual cams, which cams are prone to misalignment and
to raise the transfer level above the floor level, or else a floating as the pins on which they ride wear in view of
physical barrier to wheelchair entry is created. In the their association with the hydraulic cylinder base. The
present invention, pivoting the bridgeplate above the inboard ends of lower arms 118/118' are pivotally con
mounting plate and providing the downward bend 188 nected between the upstanding inner and outer housing
(FIGS. 4 and 5) permits the plate to rest on the top walls 141/141', 142/142" of the base assembly 116 (see
surface 113a of the lift and to follow it arcuately FIGS. 3 and 4). The pin connector 164 for this lower
through a portion of its upward/downward motion so 10 arm inboard pivot is similar to the parallelogram linkage
that vertical adjustment of the platform surface 113a pivot pins 127 (FIG. 7) with the pin 164 inserted within
with respect to the vehicle floor 180 is less critical. This holes 167a and 167b of lower arm sidewalls 118q and
is a very significant advantage. 118b, respectively, in a manner similar to the above
As is clearly seen in FIGS. 6A-6B, access to the flow described pin assembly shown in FIG. 7 so that flats 165
compensator 121 of the hydraulic cylinders 111 is unob 15 of extended end 166 extend therethrough and engage a
structed during all positions of the wheelchair lift. This flat sided hole (like 132b in FIG. 7) inside plate 142' (see
permits the flow compensators 121/121' to be easily FIG. 9). Spring 168 has one end restrained by the base
serviced. This is also an added benefit particular to 169 of the lower arm channel 118'; and the other end
“pull” type hydraulic cylinders. For comparison of the restrained by a second stop 170 associated with housing
relative inaccessibility of the flow compensators 21’ 20 wall of the right side support 140 (see FIG. 10). Once
associated with “push” type hydraulic cylinders 11', see the arm 118' has been inserted within inner and outer
the prior art example of FIG. 2. housings 141', 142 of the right side support 140' and the
FIG. 7 shows an exploded isometric view of a pre ends of the pin 164 have been inserted within corre
ferred pin coupling assembly for pivot pins 124 through 25 sponding holes 167a and 167b of arm 118', the threaded
127. For reasons of brevity, only the pivot pin 127 nut 153 and washer 154 are secured to the extended end
which connects the lower arm 118 to the end link 119 166 of the pin 164 thus fixing arm 118' within inner and
will be explained in detail. To construct the pivot pin (housingouter housing plates 141', 142 of side support 140'
assembly of FIG. 7, the rod end portion 115 is first 141', 142' and side support 140' are omitted in
inserted within the side walls of U-channel lower arm 30 FIG. 8 for clarity, but are shown in FIG. 10).
118, having its transverse bore hole 130 (including a beEither left or right lower pivot arm 118 or 118' may
designated as the trigger pin, but preferably neither is
bushing) axially aligned with holes 131a and 132a, pro associated
vided in the vertical side walls of arm 118. The pin 127 microswitchwith a hydraulic cylinder pivot pin. The
is then inserted through coaligned holes 131a and 131b, extension 161 of the assembly
trigger
outside
160 comprises a fingerlike
upstanding wall of the arm
bore 130 and holes 132a and 132b with the flats 133 of
projection 134 engaging corresponding flat portions of 35 118'. As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, trigger bolt 163 is
hole 132b. A threaded bolt 127a is then screwed in and
tightened within the corresponding threaded bore hole of secured by a threaded nut 162 adjacent the inboard end
135. extension 161. This bolt extends through arcuate slot
171 in outboard wall 142' where it contacts the lever
This pivot pin arrangement provides for an improved arms 172a, 272a of microswitches 172, 272 which are
bearing surface area over prior art pivot pin designs adjustably mounted side by side along a slotted arcuate
used in dual hydraulic, parallelogram arm wheelchair stand-off 174 by appropriate nut and bolt assemblies
lifts, since the total bearing surface area is increased 176.
significantly. In the prior art pivot pin designs, prema Adjustment of the two side by side mounted micro
ture wear and elongation of the pivot pin bushings was 45 switches 172, 272 and the third bottom microswitch 173
common since the pins 24, 25 were fixed with respect to is easily accomplished by loosening the nuts 176 and
the cylinder 11, 11’ and the bearing surface was limited adjusting the microswitch position along the arc, and
to the surface area of each circular hole provided in the angle of the inclination from the horizontal, such
opposing vertical side walls of the arm channels 18. that when the bolt surface strikes the microswitch lever
That is, the pin rotated in the arm channel holes. In this 50 arms 172a, 272a, the corresponding microswitch but
invention, since pin 127 cannot turn in holes 131, 132 by tons 172b, 272b and 173b are tripped at the proper orien
virtue of flats 133, the bearing surface is the full length tation of the lift. The nuts 176 are then retightened. It is
of the pin in the rod end transverse bearing member evident that precise positional control is achieved by
115a. the length of the lever arm extension magnifying the
Since bushing elongation is also due in part to the side 55 arcuate travel of the lift. This is an important feature as
loading on the pivot pin, use of “pull” type hydraulic it permits easy field service simply by removing outer
cylinders in combination with the improved pivot pin housing plate 175 to access the microswitches. Note the
assembly of FIG. 7 results in a significant reduction in
binding and insures proper alignment of the parallelo microswitch wands or lever arms are generally tangen
tial to the travel arc of the trigger bolt. This provides
gram linkages. This, in turn, provides for smoother more vertical reciprocation action on the microswitch
operation of the wheelchair lift. It is understood that, buttons, thus lessening wear and false triggering. As is
while the pivot pin assembly described above is directed seen in FIG. 6G, an additional housing 175 is provided
to the connection of a rod end portion 115 of the hy to enclose the microswitch assembly as well as the hy
draulic cylinder to a pivot point, the assembly is similar draulic pump and fluid reservoir (not shown).
for a base end portion 122 (shown in phantom) of the 65 Additionally, a load sensing “disable” switch can be
hydraulic cylinder 111. Also, the improved pivot pins provided in one of the articulated lever assemblies 129
may also be used for the non-load-bearing pins 124 and so that the platform cannot fold closed (stowed) if there
125. is more than a given weight (say 30–80 lbs) on the plat
 13
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14
form. FIG. 12 discloses an example of a load interlock to N.O. by the weight and the “fold” rocker switch is
switch 189 disposed within a first fore arm portion 129a disabled until the load is safely removed (see discussion
of one of the articulated lever assemblies 129. The plat of FIG. 12 above).
form end is to the right in FIG. 12, but is not shown. The state table below summarizes the operation of the
The load interlock switch is shown in its normally 5 lift and the state changes for the microswitches 172,173
closed (N.C.) position and is mounted on flex arm 137 and 272 during movement of the lift from the stowed,
which is pinned (e.g., bolted as at 129f) to a second fore vertically upright position to the intermediate transfer
arm portion 129c. A bridge plate 136 connects the two level (vehicle floor level) to the ground level, and back.
fore arm portions 129a and 129c together. When a load
STATE TABLE
- MICRO- MICRO- MICRO
CONDITION SWITCH SWITCH SWITCH
(lift position) 173 272 172 COMMENTS
1. Lift initially in fully stowed position N.O. N.O. N.O. All microswtiches set to N.O. state
(folded vertically upright). (This is shown in FIG. 11)
2. At stowed position: Unfold button 190a is N.O. N.O. N.O. Down solenoid valve is activated, Microswitch
depressed to begin unfolding lift to ! ! 173 changes state to N.C. within about the
intermediate transfer level. N.C. ! first inch of platform travel; Microswitch 272
N.C. changes state at transfer level.
3. At transfer level: Down button 1903 is N.C. N.C. N.O. Microswitch 172 becomes active
depressed to lower platform horizontally ! (chgs, state to N.C. within about the first
to ground level. N.C. inch of platform travel downward; This arms
the “up” movement for future use. The
“down” solenoid valve is not affected.
4. At ground level: Up button 1903 N.C. N.C. N.C. Up solenoid is activated to operate the pump
depressed to raise lift horizontally to ! to begin lifting. Microswitch 172 changes state
transfer level. ! to N.O. when lift reaches transfer level; up
N.O. solenoid deactivated.
5. At transfer level Fold button 190b N.C. N.C. N.O. Microswitch 272 changes state to N.O. within
depressed to fold lift to fully ! ! first inch of platform travel; Microswitch 173
stowed vertically upright position. ! N.O. changes state to N.O. at stowed, vertically
N.O. upright position; This shuts off the circuit.
6. Lift in fully stowed vertically N.O. N.O. N.O. Lift is now ready for unfold operation.
upright position.

of sufficient weight is present on the lift, flex arm 137

moved relative to arm portion 129a in the direction of
Arrow W, thus increasing pressure of wand 189a trip-
ing button 189b of the load interlockswitch to the N.O. 35
position. This causes a discontinuity in the pump sole-
noid circuit which interrupts platform operation.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, it is preferred to use
dual microswitches 172, 272, i.e., two side-by-side mi-
croswitches, each having a simple wand 172a, 272a and 40
buttons, 172b, 272b, one normally open (N.O.) and one
normally closed (N.C.) to accommodate the fact that
the lift is reversible in its up-down cycle. FIG. 11 shows
a schematic diagram of the microswitch wiring to the
umbilical control box 190 via cable 191 (FIG. 6A) and 45
the 12V power source, with the switch contacts shown
when the lift is in the upper stowed position. As the
rocker switch box is toggled to the “unfold” position
(i.e., button 190a is depressed or “rocked” one way), the
hydraulic valve solenoid is released and the pressure of 50
the platform bridge plate 139, arm spring 168 and
springs associated with pivot pins 124, 127 and 129e (not
shown) pop the lift open past vertical dead center and
the lift descends to the transfer level by gravity. As the
trigger pin 163 moves arcuately upward it releases, in 55
turn, first the wand of microswitch 173 and then both
wands of microswitches 172, 272. The contacts on the
upper inner and outer microswitches 172, 272 are spring
biased by release of the wand to N.C. Now, the
“Down” rocker switch can be activated (i.e., depression
of down button 190c), permitting the lift to descend to
ground level by gravity for loading. Upon loading, the
switching is reversed, with power “up” (up button 190d
depressed to activate the pump solenoid), followed by
power “fold” (fold button 190b depressed) after unload 65
ing at the transfer level, if the load interlock switch 189
remains N.C., indicating no load is on the lift. If there is
a load on the lift the load interlock switch 189 is opened
It should be understood that various modifications
within the scope of this invention can be made by one of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the
spirit thereof. For example, the lift of this invention is
shown as attendant controlled via box 190 (having up/
down fold/unfold dip switches) on umbilical cable 191.
This is the preferred configuration for a transit vehicle.
However, appropriate controls may be located on arm
120, on housing 175, adjacent the vehicle driving con
trols or in a lockable panel on the exterior of the vehicle
as needed or desired. I therefore wish my invention to
be defined by the scope of the appended claims in view
of the specification as broadly as the prior art will per
mit.
I claim:
1. In a wheelchair lift having a dual, parallelogram
type arm lifting assembly, a platform connected to said
lifting assembly moveable thereby from a first lowered
level to an intermediate higher transfer level and thence
rotatable to a generally vertical stowed position, and
back, at least one hydraulic cylinder assembly actuating
each said lifting assembly, and a base assembly for
mounting said lifting assembly to a vehicle floor, the
improvements comprising in operative combination
therewith:
a) each said hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a
single-acting hydraulic cylinder having an extend
able piston rod, each said hydraulic cylinder being
oriented substantially parallel to a diagonal axis
across the parallelogram of said lifting assembly,
said axis being a long axis when the lift is in its first
lowered level and a short axis when the lift is in its
stowed position;
b) said hydraulic cylinders are connected with a fluid
power source to pull while lifting said platform
 15
5,261,779
upwardly from said lowered position by fluid pres
sure on a rod side of each hydraulic cylinder, and
to operate gravity down;
c) each said hydraulic cylinder is oriented in the plat
form stowed position with the rod retracted into 5
the cylinder;
d) each said hydraulic cylinder has a hydraulic fluid
inlet-outlet located adjacent a rod inlet end thereof
to provide purging of accumulating air inside said
cylinder upon each gravity down portion of an 10
operational cycle;
e) said orientation and linkage of said hydraulic cylin
ders improves synchronization, reduces drift and
/or spongy operation, and reduces arm misalign
ment binding, side loading and parallelogram arm 15
pivot pin bushing elongation;
f) each of said parallelogram arm assemblies includes
a base member, an end link, and a pair of arms, each
of which arm pairs is pivotally connected to said
base member and said end link at opposing ends of 20
each of said arms, said arms forming with said end
link and said base member generally a parallelo
gram;
g) each pair of arms and end link of said parallelo
gram include U-channel members having spaced
side walls sized for receiving a hydraulic cylinder
disposed nestable therewithin;
h) at least one of said arms forming said parallelogram
includes a microswitch trigger assembly provided
to an inboard end thereof;
i) said microswitch trigger assembly follows the lift
ing movement of said parallelogram linkages and
engages a plurality of microswitches at predeter
mined platform positions during said lifting and
stowage movements; and
j) said microswitch trigger assembly includes means
for positioning adjustment of said microswitches
both along an arcuate path and their angle of incli
nation with respect to horizontal adjustment set
tings for said microswitches.
2. An improved lift as in claim 1 wherein:
a) said base members of said parallelogram assemblies
include:
i) tie members for attachment to vehicle structural
posts disposed adjacent the opening of a vehicle in
which said wheelchair lift is mounted;
ii) said arms are secured to said base members
above the floor level to which said lift is to be
secured; and
iii) said arms are open by about from 1° to 3°.
3. An improved lift as in claim 2 wherein:
a) each of said tie members are pivotally connected
adjacent a top end portion of each of said base
members.
4. An improved.lift as in claim 1 wherein:
a) said base assembly includes box construction
means for resisting moment-induced bending.
5. An improved lift as in claim 4 wherein:
a) said box construction means includes a pair of
spaced, generally horizontal support plates, said 60
plate pair including a lower plate securable to the
upper surface of a vehicle floor; and - spaced base members, a base plate to which said base
b) said support plate pair includes an upper plate
having at least one vertically downward lip mem
ber disposed along an outboard edge thereof to rest 65
on said lower plate in a reverse ramp to provide
said plate spacing for said box construction of said
base assembly.
16
6. An improved lift as in claim 5 wherein:
a) said upper support plate includes at least one hole
disposed along an upper surface thereof to permit
convenient, out of the way routing of hydraulic
fluid lines associated with said at least one hydrau
lic cylinder.
7. A lift as in claim 1 wherein:
a) said platform has an outboard end and an inboard
end;
b) said base members are oriented vertically and
mounted spaced apart on a base plate;
c) the geometry of said parallelogram arm assemblies
is oriented to provide a substantial gap between
said inboard end of said lift and said lift base plate
when said lift is raised to the transfer level; and
d) said lift includes a bridgeplate spanning said gap;
i) said bridgeplate has an inboard edge and an out
board edge;
ii) said bridgeplate is pivotally secured adjacent its
inboard end to each of said base members, so that
it pivots upwards with the motion of said lift
platform upon stowage.
8. In a dual-arm parallelogram wheelchair lift, having
a platform connected to spaced, dual parallelogram arm
25 lifting assemblies pivotably mounted to speed base
members, a base plate to which base members carrying
said arm assemblies are attached, and a generally rectan
gular bridgeplate for spanning a gap between an in
board end of the lift platform and an outboard edge of
30 said base plate, said lifting assemblies moving said plat
form from a first lowered level to an intermediate
higher transfer level, and thence rotating said platform
to a generally vertical stowed position, and back, the
improvement which comprises in operative combina
35 tion therewith;
a) said base plate is generally rectangular, and has an
outboard edge, an inboard edge and two side
edges;
b) said bridgeplate includes means for pivotally at
taching said bridgeplate to said base members adja
cent said inboard edge above said base plate so that
said base plate pivots upwardly upon the stowage
motion of said platform; and
c) said pivotal attachment is disposed so that upon
45 said bridgeplate pivoting upwardly a gap is pro
vided between the now-raised inboard edge of said
bridgeplate and said base plate so that debris is
easily clearable from the area between the bridge
plate and the base plate.
50 9. An improved lift as in claim 8 wherein:
a) said base members include stop means which en
gage said bridge plate to limit its upward rotation
before said platform is in its completely stowed
position so that said bridge plate acts as a leaf
55 spring to bias said platform open from a stowed
position upon release of hydraulic pressure which
closes said lift into the stowed position from the
transfer position.
10. In a dual-arm hydraulic parallelogram wheelchair
lift, having a platform connected to spaced, dual paral
lelogram arm lifting assemblies pivotally connected to
members carrying said arm assemblies are attached, and
which includes at least one hydraulic cylinder oriented
diagonally across said parallelogram arm assemblies,
said lifting assemblies moving said platform from a first
lowered level to an intermediate higher transfer level,
and thence rotating said platform to a generally vertical
 5,261,779
19 20
a) at least one hydraulic cylinder assembly for actuat its first lowered level and a short axis when the lift
ing said lifting assemblies. is in its stowed position;
20. An improved lift as in claim 19 wherein: d) each said hydraulic cylinder assembly is connected
a) each of said parallelogram arm assemblies includes with a fluid power source to pull while lifting said
a hydraulic cylinder; 5 platform upwardly from said lowered position by
b) each pair of arms and end link of said parallelo fluid pressure on a rod side of the hydraulic cylin
gram comprise U-channel members having spaced der, and to operate gravity down;
side walls; and e) said hydraulic cylinder is oriented in the platform
c) said hydraulic cylinder is disposed between planes stowed position with the rod retracted into the
defined by said side walls, so that said hydraulic 10 cylinder and the cylinder is oriented base-end
cylinder is nestable within said parallelogram arms. down;
21. In a wheelchair lift having a dual, parallelogram f) a hydraulic fluid inlet-outlet of said cylinder is
type arm lifting assembly, a platform connected to said located adjacent an upper rod inlet end of said
hydraulic cylinder assembly to provide purging of
lifting assembly moveable thereby from a first lowered 15 air accumulating inside said cylinder upon each
level to an intermediate higher transfer level and thence gravity down portion of an operational cycle;
rotatable to a generally vertical stowed position, and g) said pivotal connections of said parallelogram arm
back, at least one hydraulic cylinder assembly actuating lifting assemblies include fixed pin and sleeve
each said lifting assembly for movement between said means for reducing elongation of pivot bushings
first lowered level, said intermediate transfer level and 20 associated with said pivotal connections;
said vertically stowed position, and a base assembly for h) said fixed pin and sleeve means are removably
mounting said lifting assembly to a vehicle floor to secured within the various components of said
which is mounted said lifting assembly by pivotal con parallelogram assemblies to permit convenient re
nections, the improvements comprising in operative placement of said pivot bushings; and
combination therewith: 25 i) said orientation and linkage of said hydraulic cylin
a) each of said parallelogram assemblies includes a der improves synchronization, reduces drift and/or
base member, an end link, and a pair of arms, each spongy operation, and reduces arm misalignment
of which arm pairs is pivotally connected to said binding, side loading and parallelogram arm pivot
base member and said end link at opposing ends of pin bushing elongation.
each of said arms, said arms forming with said end 22. An improved lift as in claim 21 wherein:
link and said base member generally a parallelo a) said cylinder base end and said rod end each have
gram; a transverse bearing sleeve, each of which sleeves
b) each pair of arms and end link of said parallelo has a central aperture therein for engaging a fixed
gram comprise U-channel members having spaced 35 pin so that said rod end and cylinder base end piv
side walls sized for receiving a hydraulic cylinder ots on said pins;
nestable therewithin; b) a pair of pin members mounted in association with
c) said hydraulic cylinder assembly comprises a cylin each parallelogram arm assembly, each pin mem
ber receivingly engaged in said bearing sleeves at
der having a base end mounted to an upper, in the external end of said rod and at said cylinder
board pivot connection of said parallelogram and a 40 base end respectively, said pins being non-rotatably
rod end mounted to a diagonally opposite lower, fixed with respect to the arms of said parallelogram
outboard pivot connection of said parallelogram, assembly to which they are mounted; and
and said cylinder assembly is single-acting and is c) said fixed pin providing extended bearing surface
oriented substantially parallel to a diagonal axis to said bearing sleeve to reduce channel hole elon
across the parallelogram of at least one lifting as- 45 gation from extended use under load.
sembly, said axis being a long axis when the lift is in * * * * *

50

55

65