Patent ID: 6595738
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: A61G,B60P,Y10S

Abstract:
A lifting apparatus adapted for use in an associated vehicle having a floor and one upright wall having an opening therein, the lifting apparatus being operable between a stored mode position and a deployed mode position, said lifting apparatus comprising:a platform having a generally planar loading surface, said platform adapted for movement between a folded position and an open position; elevator means for selectively moving said platform between an upper level and a lower level; first pivot means for pivoting said elevator means and said platform while said platform is in said folded position, said first pivot means including a first pivot member having a first axis, said first pivot member being adapted for substantially vertical alignment relative to said floor of said associated vehicle; and, second pivot means for selectively pivoting said platform between said folded position and said open position, said second pivot means including a second pivot member having a second axis perpendicular to said first axis; first switching means being functional to activate said elevator means for selectively moving said platform between said upper level and said lower level, said first switching means maintaining a fixed position during said selective moving of said platform; second switching means being functional to alternately activate said elevator means for selectively moving said platform between said upper level and said lower level, said second switching means being selectively vertically moveable with said platform; wherein said first axis and said second axis are coplanar; and, wherein said deployed mode position is rotationally removed approximately 90Â° from said stored mode position.