Compact lift for van

Abstract

An electrically-operated lift platform is provided for insulation at the side or rear door of a van-type passenger/cargo automobile body. The platform is long enough to accommodate a wheel chair. The platform sides are connected to two linkage mechanisms, secured to the body inside the van at the top and sides of the door opening. The lift, in operation, moves between a position flat on the ground outside the door to a position level with the van floor, keeping horizontal during travel between these positions. The lift also can be moved from the floor position to a storage position in which the lift platform is vertical and entirely within the van, so that the van doors can be closed, when the lift is entirely concealed from outside view. In a first embodiment the lift is operated electrically, and in a second, hydraulically.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In an automobile having a van-type body, including body door openings provided with doors, a lift installed therein comprising: a pair of linkage mechanisms secured to said body at one said door opening, each one of said pair of linkage mechanisms including:   a suspension arm hingingly secured to said body at one end and depending therefrom in a substantially vertical direction;   similar upper and lower pivot arms, each pivoted at one end to the lower end of said suspension arm at points spaced by a selected distance;   a vertical support connected by pivots at two points to the other ends of said pivot arms, said two points being spaced by said selected distance, whereby said upper and lower pivot arms, and a portion of said suspension arm and of said vertical support constitute a pantograph;   a guide arm pivoted at one end in one of said pivot arms and at the other end in the van structure; said lift also comprising:   a platform pivoted to and carried by said linkage mechanism;   means for powering said lift;   a cable connected to said platform and to said means for powering; and   a minor linkage connected to one of said pivot arms and to said cable whereby said platform can be raised and lowered and moved between horizontal and vertical positions.   
     
     
       2. A lift in accordance with claim 1 in which said minor linkage comprises: an extension of one of said pivot arms and adjacent to said vertical support;   a swing arm pivoted at one end in said pivot arm extension;   a cable attachment arm pivoted at one end to the other end of said swing arm; and   means securing the other end of said cable attachment arm to said cable.   
     
     
       3. A lift in accordance with claim 2 in which the link proportions in said linkage mechanism are as shown in the following table:   ______________________________________                                    
Link              Proportional                                            
Designations      Number                                                  
______________________________________                                    
a                 1                                                       
b                 5.65                                                    
c                 11.3                                                    
d                 10                                                      
e                 4.3                                                     
f                 2.67                                                    
g                 2.33                                                    
h                 1.75                                                    
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       4. In an automobile having a van-type body, including at least one body door opening having two jambs and .[.providing.]. .Iadd.provided .Iaddend.with a door, a lift installed in said door opening comprising: a pair of linkage mechanisms which are identical mirror images of each other, each linkage mechanism being pivotally anchored to said body at two places inside the outer surface of the body, one of said mechanisms being positioned on one side of the door opening and the other on the other side thereof, each said linkage mechanism including:   a first link comprising a bar positioned approximately vertically;   a pivot anchoring the top end of said first link to said van body .[.above said door opening adjacent one jamb thereof.].;   a second link comprising a bar;   a pivot connection between one end of said second link and the bottom end of said first link;   a third link comprising a bar;   a pivot connection of one end of said third link to said one jamb;   a pivot connection of the other end of said third link to a point on said second link intermediate the ends thereof, said point being at a distance f from said one end of the second link;   a fourth link comprising a bar, said fourth link connecting the other end of said second link to said platform; said lift also comprising:   a platform secured to and carried by said pair of linkage mechanisms;   means connected to said fourth link for raising and lowering the link and said connected platform;   means for powering said lift; and   means connected to said means for powering for raising and lowering said platform and for moving it between horizontal and vertical positions.   
     
     
       5. A lift in accordance with claim 4 in which: said means for powering is electro-hydraulic;   said means connected to said fourth link for raising and lowering comprises a hydraulic cylinder and piston rod, said piston rod being rigidly connected to said fourth link; and   said means connected to said means for powering for controlling the attitude of the platform comprises a first rod having its lower end connected to the rear of the platform and its upper end ending in a right-angled piece surrounding said piston rod, whereby raising of the piston rod produces downward thrust on the first rod in turn changing the platform to a vertical attitude.