Patent ID: 6601677
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: B66B,Y10S

Abstract:
A convertible lift mechanism for moving an object from a lower surface to a vertically displaced upper surface, said lower surface and said upper surface having a vertical wall interposed therebetween, said convertible lift mechanism comprising:a lift platform which is movable between (i) a lowered platform position in which said lift platform is positioned approximately level with the lower surface, and (ii) a raised platform position in which said lift platform is positioned approximately level with said upper surface; a gate member pivotally secured to said lift platform, said gate member being positionable between (i) an extended gate position in which said gate member is orientated substantially parallel to said lift platform so as to form a bridging surface between said lower surface and said lift platform, and (ii) a retracted gate position in which said gate member is orientated substantially perpendicular to said lift platform so as to form a retaining surface for retaining said object on said lift platform; and a number of retractable stairs, wherein (i) each of said number of retractable stairs includes a substantially horizontal stepping surface, and (ii) each of said number of retractable stairs is horizontally movable between (a) a retracted stair position in which said stepping surface is received into an opening defined in said vertical wall, and (b) an extended stair position in which said stepping surface extends out of said opening defined in said vertical wall.