Patent ID: 8292031
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: B66B

Abstract:
1. A platform lift apparatus, comprising: a rectangular main body having external vertical mounting surfaces defining an outer periphery thereof, the main body having an open region that extends entirely vertically through the main body and is located inward laterally from the external vertical mounting surfaces, the main body remaining in a fixed position during operation of the apparatus; a drive mechanism disposed entirely within the main body and adjacent to the open region, the drive mechanism including a motor and at least one rotatable shaft driven by the motor, the shaft having a plurality of lift drums coupled thereto; a plurality of lift cables with each one being coupled at a first end thereof to a respective one of the plurality of lift drums, the plurality of lift cables being adapted to be wound onto respective ones of the plurality of lift drums and payed out from respective ones of the plurality of lift drums by selective operation of the drive mechanism; a lift platform coupled to second ends of each of said lift cables, the lift platform being thereby suspended by the lift cables, the lift platform being vertically movable by selective operation of the drive mechanism between a stowed position and a deployed position, the lift platform having a shape permitting nesting within the open region of the main body; and a plurality of pulleys oriented within the main body in substantial horizontal alignment with corresponding ones of the lift drums, the plurality of pulleys being in engagement with respective ones of the plurality of lift cables intermediate the plurality of lift drums and the lift platform; wherein when the lift platform is in the stowed position, the lift platform substantially nests within the open region of the main body adjacent the drive mechanism to permit loading and unloading of the lift platform from above the main body, and when the lift platform is in said deployed position, the lift platform is deployed vertically below the main body by a distance determined by the selective paying out of the plurality of lift cables.