SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED WHEELCHAIR LIFT

• US 20140023470A1
• Filed: 02/20/2013
• Published: 01/23/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 07/20/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mobility Lift Accessories, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Tyrone Soklaski
• Inventors: Soklaski, Tyrone
• Granted Patent: US 9,039,341 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 414/539
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 1/4464 Warning signals, e.g. accoustic or visual
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 1/4485 Attaching the complete loading platform unit to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/006 using a distance sensor
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/007 providing information about the distance to an obstacle, e.g. varying sound
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/008 for anti-collision purposes

Abstract

A wheelchair lift mounted on the rear of an automobile for transporting a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility device includes two or more sets of sensors. A first set of sensors is located at the distal ends of the wheelchair lift platform for use when the platform is horizontal. A 2nd set of sensors is located on the base of the wheelchair lift for use when the platform is folded vertically. The sensors alert a driver to the presence of objects in close proximity to the rear of the vehicle when driven in reverse. They switch automatically activates the base sensors when the platform is folded and the platform sensors when the platform is horizontal.

Claims

1. A wheelchair lift comprising:

a hitch mount;

an elevator connected to the hitch mount;

a base at the bottom of the elevator;

a platform pivotally attached to the base and capable of translating between a horizontal and a vertical position;

one or more platform sensors located on a distal end of the platform;

one or more base sensors located on a distal end of the base;

a visual display or a speaker; and

a switch.