Patent ID: 7306422

Claim:
A wheelchair lift comprising: a platform for carrying a passenger; a lifting mechanism secured at one end to a vehicle and at the other end to the platform adjacent to an inboard end of the platform for moving the platform between a ground level position, a transfer level position and a vertically-stowed position, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a vertical arm secured adjacent to the inboard end of the platform, the platform pivotable about an axis on the vertical arm; a plate pivotally connected to the inboard end of the platform and moveable between a raised barrier position and a lowered bridging position; a first linkage extending between a location on the vertical arm of the lifting mechanism and the platform for moving the platform from the transfer level position to the vertically stowed position; and a second linkage extending between the plate and a location on the first linkage for moving the plate between the raised barrier position and the lowered bridging position, wherein the lifting mechanism is movable to transfer force from the lifting mechanism to the platform to pivot the platform.