Patent ID: 7896134

Claim:
A wheelchair lift assembly, comprising: (a) a frame; (b) a platform; (c) a lift mechanism associated with the frame, the lift mechanism including: (i) at least one lift arm member having a first end opposite a second end, the first end being coupled to the platform, the at least one lift arm member including a lever pivot point disposed between the first and second ends and fixedly located relative to the frame, the first end pivoting and translating relative to the platform as the platform is reciprocated between raised and lowered positions; and (ii) a stabilizing arm; and (d) a drive assembly comprising: (i) a crankshaft rotatable about a first axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation having a fixed position relative to the frame; (ii) an actuator for selectively rotating the crankshaft; (iii) a yoke extending radially from the crankshaft; and (iv) a pushrod pivotally connected at a first end to the second end of the at least one lift arm member, a second end of the pushrod being pivotally coupled to the yoke about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation maintaining a fixed distance from the first axis of rotation, wherein rotation of the crankshaft moves the second end of the pushrod along an arcuate path around the first axis of rotation to provide a driving force to the lift mechanism.