Patent ID: 6109395
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: B66B,E04F

Abstract:
A convertible lift mechanism for lifting a person or an object from a first surface to a vertically displaced second surface, the convertible lift mechanism comprising:a) a source of motive force;b) a conversion stair having a first configuration and a second configuration, the conversion stair being substantially stationary and having a substantially horizontal surface that is positioned horizontally apart from the second surface and is positioned vertically between the first surface and the second surface when the conversion stair is in the first configuration, the conversion stair configured to move the substantially horizontal surface between a first position and a second position when the conversion stair is in the second configuration, the first position defined by a first horizontal position and a first vertical level, the first vertical level being approximately level with the first surface, and the second position defined by the first horizontal position and a second vertical level, the second vertical level being approximately level with the second surface;c) a scissor lift linkage operably coupled to the source of motive force and the conversion stair to cause the conversion stair to move between the first position and the second position responsive to motive force generated by the source of motive force.