Patent ID: 7416055
Filing Date: 2008-08-26
Classification: B66B

Abstract:
1. A platform lift apparatus for use in moving objects between floors of a structure, comprising: a frame having internal and external mounting surfaces, the external mounting surfaces being adapted to be secured to a framed opening between the floors; a drive mechanism substantially disposed within said frame and coupled to said internal mounting surfaces, said drive mechanism including a plurality of rotatable, parallel shafts with each shaft further including at least one lift drum having an associated lift tether at least partially wound thereon and having an end hanging therefrom; and a platform, the hanging ends of said lift tethers cooperating to suspend the platform from said frame, said platform being selectively movable by operation of said drive mechanism in a vertical direction between raised and lowered positions; wherein each one of said plurality of parallel shafts further comprises at least one drive pulley, said drive mechanism further comprising a drive belt coupled to respective drive pulleys of each of said plurality of parallel shafts, said plurality of shafts being driven to rotation by operation of said drive mechanism; wherein said drive belt further comprises a continuous loop, said plurality of shafts being driven to synchronous rotation by operation of said drive mechanism.