Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
:3LZ8732~
BACKI~;ROUND AND SUMM~RY OF THE: INVE:N'rION
The invention is an improved device for transporting
loads between various elevations and in particular -to transpor-
ting handicapped persons in wheelchairs. Speci~ically, it re-
lates to an improved device that serves a dual mission, firstas a regular stairway facility for ambulatory persons, and se-
cond as a ramp-like or ramp-type ~acility for wheeled vehicles
carryiny a person or persons, or a load of frieght or materials,
or other similar loads. The comhination stairway and ramp
facility being the means by which the aforementioned loads may
be moved from the level of one elevation ~o the level of another
elevation.
Such loads in wheeled vehicles might be handicapped per-
- sons in wheelchairs, groups of people in wheeled people carriers,
packaged freight or materials in wheeled truck means, or other
similar loads in suitable wheeled vehicles.
The movement of such loads from one elevation to
another elevation may be either an ascending movement or a
descending movement~
Devices for moving the aforementioned loads between
various elevations in the prior art usually consi.sted of ele-
; vators running verticall~ in a sha~t-like enclosure between
~ the various elevations or the equivalent of such vertical ele-
; vators running openly or within some restriction that might be
; 25 termed an inclined elevator means. The prior art elevators
running in vertical shaft-like enclosures are well known. r~x-
; cept fQr the ordinary escalator, or moving stairway, the prior
art inclined elevator means are not as well known.
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Some of the prior art inclinecl elevator means are:
an inclined elevator means mounted on and along the pro-truding
edges or nose of the treads of a stairway to one side of the
stairway wal]cing area, providing a seat or platform on which
a person sits or st~nds while heing moved; a const.ruction type
elevator having a framework set at an incline between a ground
level elevation and some higher elevation, such as a roof and
having a box~like corner for transporting a load from one
level to the other; and an inclined set of tracks on and to which
a horizontal platform is moveably affixed to ride along the tracks
as a load on the horizontal platform is moved from one ele-
vation to another by motive power means. None of these concepts
of the prior art provide the novel and unique structure of the
present invention for moving wheele~ loads from one elevation
: 15 to another
Other prior art devices for moving wheelchairs from
one elevation toanother elevation are described hereinafter,
usually described as stair-climbing wheelchairs.
Such stair-climhing wheelchairs consist of wheelchairs
having various means affixed thereto to propel the wheelchair
. up the series of steps, some of which are: a tri-set of wheels
rotatabl~ at the back o.~ the chair and a cro~s~type ~tructure
o:~ small rollers at the front o~ the wheelchair which toyether
drive the combination to climb -the stairway; a track-like device
affixed at the bottom of a wheelchair which crawls up the stalr-
way; a set of four wheels on vertically movable su~ports on
each side of a wheelchair with the four wheels on each side
operating to individually/ as a left and right pair, mount the
stairs in turn while maintaining the wheelchair level; a similar
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device to the latter with three pairs of driving wheels on eacl
side of the wheelchair; a track-type device which lays the
track on individual treads of a stairway one after the other;
and a plurality of wheels in a star-like configuration inside
of a track-means that crawls up a stairway step hy step.
None of the so-called stair-climbing wheelchairs of
the prior art provides the novel and unique structure of the
present inven~ion for safely moving a wheelchair or other type
of wheeled vehicle, as described hereinafter, from one elevation
: lO to another elevation.
The improved device of the present invention consists ~ -
of a plurality of stairway treads and a plurality of s-tai.rway ~ -
risers set in a first configuration of an ordinary stairway
which may be used by ambulatory persons. In a second confi-
guration the plurality of treads and the plurality of risers
are stretched out, as hereinafter described, to form a straight
ramp-like means up or down which wheeled vehicles, as herein-
before described, may be moved from one elevation to another
elevation.
The plurality of stairway treads and the plurality
of sta.irway risers are suitably hinged togetller so that they .
may be stretched out into the aforementioned ramp-l.ike rneans.
The plurality of hinge means are each locaked so as to hinge
the bottom or lower horizontal edge of each riser to the back
~5 or inside the hori.zontal edge of each riser; and the top or upper
hori20ntal edge of each riser to the front or nose of each tread;
thus providing the basic ramp~like surface when stretched ou-t.
- ., ,
The top horizontal edge of the uppermost riser is simi-
larly hinged to the horizontal front or nose of the upper
landing or platform of the stairway. The bottom horizontal
12151732(D
edye of the lowermost riser is arranged to feather-edge with
the lower landing or floor when stretched into the said ramp-
; like configuration.
At each side of each hinge of the plurality of hinges
a hinge pin-like extension protrudes beyond the sides oE each
riser and tread hinged combination. These hinge pin-like ex-
tensions slidably fit into slots, described hereinafter, for
support of the risers and treads and for control of the
movement of the combination of hinged risersalld treads when
changing from a stairway configuration to a ramp-like con-
figuration or when reversing that movement.
A plurality of slots ateach side of the s-tairway
are provided in the stairway side enclosure means. The
hinge pin-like extensions extend into and slidably fit in the
respective slots at each hinge pin-like extension location.
The aforementioned slots provide the control of move-
ment of the hinge pin-like extensions when the stairway con-
figuration is changed to a ramp-like configuration or a reverse
: movement is made. The control of movement includes controlling
the direction of movement as described hereinafter.
The aforementioned slots are so located and coneigured
so that as the hinge pin-like extensions slidably rnove -therein,
the risers and treads are brought into the ramp-like configuPation.
~,
The slot for each hinge pin-like extension at the
nose of cach trcad is straiyht and horizontal, thus the nose
of the trearl moves Eorward in a straight line~ The slot Eor each
hinge pin-like extension at the bottom of each ris~?r rises
in a gëntle forward arc-like curve upwardly.
Thus, when moving into a ramp-like configuration, the
nose ol each tread, vlth the top o~ the adjacent riser
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hinged to it, moves horizontally strai~ht outwardly to a point
where the hinged joint will lie in the plane of -~he ramp-
like surface.
C'oncurrently, the bottom of each riser, with -the rear
edc3e of the adjacent tread hinged to it, moves in the gentle
arc oE the slot to a point where this hinged joint will also
lie in the plane of ~he ramp-like surface.
When the movement is reversed the hinye pin-like ex-
tensions follow the control slots to their original position
to return the ram-like configuration to that of a stairway.
At the lower elevation of the dual use device, as a
stairway configuration and as a ramp-like configuration, a con-
tact member is provided which is temporarily and removably
affixed to the load vehicle to be elevated. The contact
member is suitably hinged at one end thereof so that it can
~ be raised to provide access to the stairway of the stairway
; configuration when a person desires to walk up or down the stairs.
' ' .
Two power means and associated mechanisms are pro-
vided as part of the atructure of the invention. A first
i 20 power means is connected to a mechanism that changes the stair-
way conEiguration to a ramp-like configuration, and to reverse
the operation. A second power m~ans operates the contact member,
after it is temporarily and removably affixed to the load
vehicle, so as to push the load vehicle up the ramp-like sur-
face from the lower elevation to the upper elevation; thecontact member when reversed will lead the load vellicle or per-
mit th~ load vehicle to move down the ramp-like surface by gravity.
: ' ' .
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to pro-
vide a device to move wheeled vehicles from one elevation to
another elevation.
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It i9 another object of this invention to provide
a device to move wheeled vehicles from one elevation to another
elevation that may be operated in a stairway configuration or
in a ramp-like configuration.
It is also an object of this invention to provide
a device to move wheeled vehicles from one elevation to another
elevation wherein the wheeled vehicle is a wheelchair.
It is still another ob~ect of this invention to pro-
; vide a device to move wheeled vehicles from one elevation to
another elevation wherein the wheeled vehicle is a people
carrier.
It is yet another object of this inven-tion to provide
a device to move wheeled vehicles from one elevation to another
elevation wherein the wheeled vehicle is a cargo carrier.
It i5 yet a further object of this invention to provide
a device to move wheeled vehicles from one elevation to another
elevation that will move the wheeled vehicles loaded or un-
loaded in an ascending or descending mode between elevations.
Further ob~ects and advantages of the invention will be-
come more apparent in light of the following description of
the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TH~: DRAWINGS
'; : --
Fig. 1 is a partial cross section of a plan view of
a device for transportincJ loads between various elevations,
shown in a stairway configuration;
i. . .
E'ig. 2 is a partial cross-section of the device of
Fig. 1, shown in a ramp-like elevation;
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Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on
line 3-3 of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on
line 4-4 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5~5
of Fig. l;
Fiy. 6 is an enlaryed partial cross-sectional view
showing a second embodiment of a portion of Fig. l;
Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a third
embodiment of Fig. 2; and
; Fig. 8 is a mechanism for converting the device for
transporting loads in Fig. 1 to the device for transporting
loads in Fig. 2 and vice versa.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawinys and particularl~ to
Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a device for transporting loads between
various elevations is shown at 10.
The device for transporting loads 10 between various
elevations is shown in a stairway configuration in Figs. 1 and
3 and in a ramp-like configuration in Figs. 2 and 4.
The stairway confiyuration in Figs. 1 and 3, descrihed
in detail hereinaEter, provide a means for ambulatory persons
individua]ly, or carrying light loads, to ascent the stairway
configuration from a lower elevation 12 to an upper elevation
14, or to descend from an upper elevation 14 to a lower
elevation 12.
- The ramp-like configuration in Figs. 2 and 4, des-
cribed in detail hereinafter, provide a means for transporting
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- loads in wheeled vehicles over the ramp-like configuration
from a lower elevation 12 to an upper elevation 14, or from
an upper elevation 14 to a lower elevation 12.
The lower elevation 12 and the upper elevation 13 may
be of such structure as the floors in a building.
~; The device for transporting loads 10 between various
elevations is suitably enclosed at the sides 16 and 18. Such
; enclosure sides 16 and 18 may be walls of the general structure
in which the device for transporting loads 10 between the afore-
mentioned elevations.
Where the enclosed sides 16 and 18 are walls of the
; general structure, the mechanisms, descirbed in detail herein-
after, are suitably located within such walls. Where the
enclosed sides 16 and 18 are mechanism enclosures of the de-
15 vice for transporting loads 10, the enclosured sides 16 and ~8
~ serve a safety purpose to prevent persons or loads falling
i from the sides. In the latter case the enclosured sides 16 and
18 may be con~igured similar to low banister walls such as
enclose free-standing or open stairways.
A partition or exterior wall 20 is shown at elevALion
14 for illustration. However, it is to be understood that the
locatlon of the device for transporting loads 10 will determine
the relative relationship of other walls or objects. The
upper ed~e 22 o the device or transporting loads 10 should
have adequate clearance from any wall 20 so that loads on wheeled
vehicles, described hereinbefore and further described herein-
after, ma~ have sufficient space in which to maneuver upon
arriving at the upper level 14, or for maneuvering prior to
descending to the lower level 12. Thus the upper edge 22
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should be adequately spaced from any wall 22 or
other similar object of the general structure.
; Eigs. ]. and 3 show the device for transporting loads
10 in a stairway configuration. The stairway configuration 24
has a plurality of treads 26 and a plurality of risers 28.
Figs. 2 and 4 show the device for transporting loads
10 in a ramp-llke configura-tion 30. The plurality of treads
26 and the plurality of risers 28 of the stairway configuration
24 are now in line in the plane of the surface of the ramp-
; 10 like configuration 30. Thus, the treads 26 and the risers 28
alternate in the plane of ramp-like surface 30.
In Fig. 3 showing the stairway configuration 24, the
ramp-like configuration 30 is shown in phantom lines for treads
26 and risers 28.
In Fig. 4 showing the ramp-like configuration 30, the
stairway configuration 24 is shown in phantom lines for treads
26 and risers 28~
The manner in which the plurality of treads 26 and the
` plurallty of risers 28 is moved from the stairway configuration
~ 20 24 to the ramp-like configuration 30 is described hereinafter.
; However, it will be noted in Fig. 4 that at the bottom of
the ramp-like configuration 30 at the elevation 12 that the l)ol:torr
orlowest riser 28 of the stairway conEic~uration 24 :is ~-:Laced
in a position 32. rr~-is requires a filler treacl 34 to complete
the ramp-like configuration 30. I'he filler tre~ad 34 is shown
in the stairway configuration 24 in Figs. 3.
rrO prevent the leading edge or nose 36 o~ the fiLler
tread 34 from presenting a safety hazard, the leading edge or
nose 36 may he tapered or provided with a feather edge.
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~L287320
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; However, a preferred second embodiment is to suitably affix
the leading edge or nose 36 to a plurality of narrow slat-like
members 3R which has a top surface that is in the same plane
as the elevation 12. The arrangement and operation of these ~.
narrow slat-like members 38 is described hereinafter and is shown
in Fig. 6.
When the filler tread 34 with the ta~ered or feathered
edge 36 is used, provision must be made for a depressed area
40, within the area of the lower elevation 12, within which the
filler tread 34 moves when the airway conficJuration 24 is ex-
tended into a ramp-like configuration 30.
: The end 42 of the depressed area 40 is spaced from the
tapered or ~eathered edge 36 when the device for transporting
loads 10 is in the stairway configuration 24, as shown in Fig.
1. When the device for transporting loads 10 is in the ramp-
- like configuration 30 the tapered or feather edge 36 interfaces
; with and coincides with the end 42 of the depressed area 40 as
shown in Fig. 2.
It is to be noted that the depressed area 40 is within
the confines of the enclosed sides 16 and 18. This provides
a measure of safety where end 42 of the depressed area 40 must
also be tapered or given a feathered edge to prevent exposure
to a safety hazard when the device for transporting loads 10
is in either the stairway configuration 24 or the ramp-li.ke
con~iguration 30.
; In the secon~ embodiment for t:he lower en(l o the ra~
like configuration 3~, using the plurali-ty of narrow slat-li.ke
members 3~, shown in F'ig. 6, the narrow slnt-like memhers 3R are
situated within the depressed area 40 so that the top surface ol
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the filler tread 3~, the top surface of the plurality of narrow
slat-like members 38, and the top surface of elevation 12 are
substantially in the same horizontal plane.
A transition plate 44 with feathered edges provides
the means whereby the narrow slat-like members 38 are moved
away as the nose 36 of the filler tread 34 moves into its
bottom position as part of the ramp-like configuration 30. It
is to be noted that in this second embodiment the nose 36 shown
in Fig. 6 is not tapered or feathered as in the first emhodi-
ment shown in Fig. 1, but is so constructed so that the top
surface of the filler tread 34 is flush with, and ad~acent
; to, the top surface of the first of the narrow slat-like mem-
bers 38.
When the stairway configuratlon 24 is moved and con-
verted into a ramp-like conEiguration 30, the plurality of ~
narrow slat-like members 38, hingedly 46 affixed to each other `
and hingedly 46 affixed to the leading edge or nose 36 of the
filler tread 34, all move toward the end 42 of the depressed
area 40. The narrow slat-like members 38 each, in turn, pass
; 20 under the transition plate 44 and then downwardly. I'he narrow
slat-like members 38 may be stored temporarily in numerous
ways aEter passing under the transition plate 44 and then
downwardly, all of which are within the scope and intent of
this invention.
The narrow slat-like members 38, after passing un(ler
the transition plate 44, move over a drum like roller 48 arl(l
then downwardly. The plurality of narrow slat-like members 38
. .
may be-permitted to hang straight downwardly within a slot at
enclosure 50, as shown in phantom lines 52, or the distal end
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3L2Ei732(~
narrow slot-like member 54 may be affixed to a reel-l.ik~
device 56. Other means of -temporarily storing the plurality
of narrow slat-like members 38 may be used and such vari-
ations are within the scope and intent of this invention.
It is to be understood that to have the lowermost
transverse edge of the bottom riser 28 move straight outwardly
i.n a horizontal direction to the lowermos-t point of the ramp-
like configuration 30, thus establishing a slightly steeper ramp
configuration 30, and eliminating the filler tread 34, is with-
in the scope and intent of this invention. In such a structure
the narrow slat-like members 38 are hingedly affixed to the
lowermost transverse edge of the bottom riser 28 in a manner
similar to the manner in which the slat-like members 38 were .
hingedly affixed to the leading edge or nose 36 of the filler
tread 34 as shown in Fig. 7.
It is also to be understood that as a further variation,
the lowermost transverse edge of the bottom riser 28 may be
moved horizontally paralled with the plane of the elevation
12 without resort to the use of a depressed area 40 and the
narrow slat-like members 38. In this latter arrangement, the
lowermost transverse edge of the bottom riser 28 is tapered to .
a feather edge on theso called inside oL the riser 28 so as
to provide an easy transition from the elevation 12 to the ramp-
like confi~uration 30.
It i8 to be noted that in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, ~ive~
risers 28 and four treads 26, exclusive of the filler tread 34
and upper landing of elevation 14, are shown for illustration
.
of the device for transporting loads 10. It is to be under-
stood that the range of the plurality of treads 26 and risers
28 is unlimited in order to match and facili-tate di~ferencc :n
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elevations between the lower elevation 12 and the upper
elevation 14. 5uch an unlimi-ted range in the plurality of
treads 26 and risers 28 is within scope and intent of this
invention.
The treads 26 and risers 28 are hingedly 5~ affixed
to each other. The uppermost riser 28 is similarly hingedly
58 affixed to the elevation 14 landing at the upper edge 22
of the device for transporting loads 10, ancl to the filler
tread 34 or to the narrow slat-like members 38 when so
structured.
The hinges 46 and 58 may be piano-type hinges or
other similar hinges providing a positive in-line hinged
joint that parallel each other in the plurality of hinged
joints for positive movement.
The hinges 46 and 58 have ex-tended hinge pins 60 that
fit into, are controlled and guided by, an~ are suppor-ted by
ancl within slots 62 and 64. Slots 62 are ~or the extended hinc~e
pins 60 of and to guide, control, and support the treads 26
when moving from a stairway configuration 24 to a ramp-like
20 configuration 30. Slots 64 are for the extended hinge pi.ns 60 of
and ko guide, control, and support the risers 28. The extended
h.inge pins 60 are intec3ral and monolithic wi.th the hin~e pin
por-tions within the hinges 46 and 58 and extend outwardly on
both sicles of the hinges 46 and 58.
The slots 62 are horizontally straight ancl level i.n or-
der to guide the nose 66 of each treacl to its position in the
plane .of the ramp-like configuration 30. The slo~s 64 are in
an upturned arc-like configuration whi.ch follows the path taken
by the extended hinge pins 60 of the risers 28 as they e~;Lellcl
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`~ and rise concurren-tly in order to bring the juncture of the
lowermost point of each riser 28 with thc rearmost point o~
each tread to its position in the plane of the ramp-like
configuration 30.
Note that the upper edge 22 of the device for -trans-
porting loads 10 is essentially the nose o:E the landing or
upper level 14 and is similar to the nose 66 of each tread 26,
but the upper edge 22 is stationary.
At the bottom of the ramp-like configuration 30 at the
10 elevation 12, the extende~ hinge pin 60 of the h.inge 46 at the
forward en~ of the filler tread 34 follows a similar horizontally
straight and level slot 62. This is also the case when the
narrow slat-like members 38 are part of the embodiment. If
the alternative embodiment is used the lowermost transverse ed~e
of the lowermost or bottom riser 28 is moved horizontally with
the plane of the elevation 12, without resort to the use of
a depressed area 40 and the slat-like members 38, the lowermost
transverse edge of the bottom riser 38 moves in a horizontally
straight slot 62, instead of an upturned slot 64. This latter
embodiment variation then gives all the other slots 62 and
6~ a slightly shorter length as -the plane of the ramp-like
configura-tion 30 is at a slightly steeper angle with -the
elevation 12.
The movement oE the extended hinge pins 60 in the re-
spect.ive slots fi2 and 64 .is by a ~)ower ~eans 6B as shown in~ig. 8. The power means 68 transfers or transmits motion ~o
the respective extended hinge pins 60 by a plurality o~ push-
pull r4.ds 70. Note that the length of slots 62 and 64 are
each progressively longer in length from the top of the stair-
way configuration 24, or ramp-like configuration 30, at elevation 14,
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to the bottom of the stairway configuration 24, or ramp-like
- conEiguration 30. Note, also, -that the slots 62 and 64 are
on each side of the device for transporting loads 10.
The plurality of push-pull rods 70 are progressive-
ly longer to match the progressively longer distances thatthe extended hinge pins 60 must move in the progressively
longer slots 62 and 64, respectively, from top to bottom
as hereinbefore described, when converting from a stairway
configuration 29 to a ramp-like configuration 30, reversing
the movement. The p].urality of push-pull rods 70 are suitahly
connected to a co~non motion lever 71 which in -term is suit-
ably connected by a power transmission means 69 to the power means 68.
To assure an even movement in the aforementioned
conversion from the stairway configuration 24 to the ramp-
like configuration 30, the plurality push-pull rods 70 are
provided on both sides of the device for transporting loads
10. It is to be understood, however, that to provide the
plurality of push-pull rods 70 on one side only, or by a connec-
tion means at the center point, transversely, of each tread 26
and riser 28 in the vicinity of the transverse center point
of the hinyes 58, is within the scope and intent of t'nis invention.
It is also to be unders-tood, that alternative means
for moving the exten-led hinye pins 60 in the slots 62 and 64,
respectively, such as by a solid side plate, pair of side
plates, or a center plate, is within the scope and in-tent oE
this invention.
Likewise, it is also to be understood that other
alternative means for moving the extended hinge pins 60 in
the slots 62 and 64, respectively, such as by a train of gears,
; 30 a plurality of racks and pinions, or by other similar or
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or equivalent means, so as to move the extended hinge pins 60
witllin their respective slots 62 and 64, in both timed and
dimensional movement, in converting the device for transporting
loads from one mode to another mode of configuration, is within
the scope and intent of this invention.
In that regard, it is also within the scope and intent
of this invention to provide a plurality of power means, instead
of a single power means, to provide a synchronized timed and
; dimentional movement for each tread 26 and riser 28 in connec-
ting the device for transporting loads 10 to -the several modes
described hereinbefore.
The various alternative power means~ described herein-
before, for converting the device for transporting loads 10 from
one mode to another mode are somewhat optional, the primary
portion of the invention lying in the mechanism of the detalled
~; description of the stairway configuration 24 and the ramp-
like configuration 30, and in the means for moving the aforemen-
tioned wheeled loads up the ramp-like configuration 30 as will
be described hereinafter.
One simulation of the alternat~ve power means for
the conversions is shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5 a power source
72 is mechanically transmitted or connected 74 to the alter-
native mechanism 76 which is shown schematically.
Regarding the stairway configuration 24 anA the ramp-
like configuration 30, there are three variations or emhodiments.
Fig. 1 and 2 show the first embodiment, Fig. 6 shows the seconcl
embodimen~ which modifies the structure oE the first embodi-
. . .
ment at the elevation 12 level, and Fig. 7, shows the thirdembodiment which modifies the structure of the first embodiment
at the elevation 12 level and also modifies the angle of the
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r~like con;~igura,tion 30 in relation to the elevations 12 a,nd 14.
The manner in which a wheeled load is moved up or
down the ramp-like confiyuration 30 is by mean of a load
push bar 78. The load movement bar 78 removably in-terfaces
with a suitable contact means on the wheeled load and upon
operation of the power means 80 pushes the wheeled load up
the ramp of the ramp-like configuration 30. In reverse, the
movement bar 78 serves as a restraining means to lead the
wheeled vehicle down the ramp of the ramp-like configuration
30, the wheeled vehicle actually descendiny the ramp by gravity.
l~hen the wheeled vehicle is a wheelchair 92, ~he wheel-
chair 92 is moved upon down the ramp with the person in the
wheelchair facing down the ramp as the preferred method.
However, it is to be understoo~ that the wheelchair 92 may
15 be moved up or down the ramp with -the person in the wheelchair ~'
faciny up the ramp, and such a variation is within the scope
and in-tent of the invention.
The wheeled vehicles may be temporarily latched to the
wheeled vehicle at the contact means thereon. Such a varia-
20~ tion is also within the scope and intent of the invention,
~he movement bar 78 is lock-hincJed 82 at the side where
, afEixeA to the mechanism 89 of the power means 80. '~'he
lock-hinye 82 permits release and raising tlle movement bar 78
at the lower level elevation 12 -to permit movement o~ a wheele(3
vehicle into po5ition for movement ~lp tlle ramp, or ~'or move-
ment of a wheeled vehicle away ~rom -the ramp which has descen-
ded the ramp; and at the upper level elevation 14 it permits
release and raising the movement bar 78 when the stairway
configuration 24 is to be used by ambulatory persons. I'he
lock hinge 82 provides a desirable safety factor.
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The movement bar 78, suitably affi~ed to the mechanism
- 84 inside the enclosed side 16, moves in a slotlike openiny 86
in the enclosed side 16. The slot-like opening 86 paral~els
the plane of the ramp.
Controls 88 for operation of -the power means 68 are
located at the elevations 12 and 14. The controls are located
conveniently for the person moving the wheeled vehicle or for
the person in the wheelchair.
Regarding the power means 80 and the mechanism 84
associa-ted with it, it is to be understood that the mechanism
84 may be belt driven, chain driven, or by any other similar
or equivalent means, and that these variations are within the
; scope and intent of the invention.
As can be readily understood from the foregQing des-
cription of the invention, the present structure can be con-
figured in different modes to providethe ability to change a
stairway configuration into a ramp like con~iguration for moving
wheeled vehicles up or down the ramp hetween several elevations.
Accordingly, modifications and variations to which the
invention is susceptible may be practiced without departin~J
from the scope and intent of the appended claims.
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