US4236860A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for lifting a wheelchair onto the roof of an automoble
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-02-23
•
Granted: 1980-12-02
•
Expires: 1998-02-23
Abstract
Abstract A device for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance onto an automobile comprising support apparatus mountable onto the roof of the automobile; transfer apparatus, mounted onto the support apparatus for selectably transporting a mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization position adjacent to the automobile; and a cover member articulately mounted onto the support apparatus so as to assume a raised orientation during the transport of the mobility aid appliance between storage and utilization positions and a lowered orientation when the mobility aid appliance is stored therebelow.
Inventors
- 👤 David Gottlieb
- 👤 Eliezer Zer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 06:41
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61G; A61G3/00; A61G3/02; A61G3/0209; B; B60; B60R; B60R9/00; B60R9/04; B60R9/042; B60R9/0426
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A device for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance onto an automobile comprising: support apparatus mountable onto the roof of the automobile; transfer apparatus, mounted onto the support apparatus for selectably transporting a mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization adjacent to the automobile; and a cover member having a top and enclosed sides fixed thereto extending along the entire periphery thereof, articulately mounted onto the support apparatus so as to assume a raised orientation with one end tilted upwardly during the transport of the mobility aid appliance between storage and utilization positions and a lowered orientation when the mobility aid appliance is stored therebelow, said cover member being disposed exclusively above the automobile roof during storage and transport of said mobility aid appliance.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
128 words
A device for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance onto an automobile comprising: support apparatus mountable onto the roof of the automobile; transfer apparatus, mounted onto the support apparatus for selectably transporting a mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization adjacent to the automobile; and a cover member having a top and enclosed sides fixed thereto extending along the entire periphery thereof, articulately mounted onto the support apparatus so as to assume a raised orientation with one end tilted upwardly during the transport of the mobility aid appliance between storage and utilization positions and a lowered orientation when the mobility aid appliance is stored therebelow, said cover member being disposed exclusively above the automobile roof during storage and transport of said mobility aid appliance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
A device according to claim 1 and wherein said cover member is spring mounted onto the support apparatus and is urged into the raised orientation by the spring, whose action is opposed by the moving frame member which when disposed at a predetermined position overcomes the spring force and moves the cover member into the lowered orientation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 1 and also comprising means for positioning said mobility aid appliance in said utilization position in an upright unfolded position and in a desired orientation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 1 and also comprising means for positioning said mobility aid appliance in said utilization position in an upright folded position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 1 and wherein said cover member is arranged for movement along a curved cam path fixed with respect to said support apparatus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
A device according to claim 1 and further characterized in that the transfer apparatus comprises an extensible shaft supporting the mobility aid appliance, a moving frame member supporting the extensible shaft and in that the support apparatus defines a fixed cam path which determines the travel path of said moving frame member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 1 and wherein said transfer apparatus comprises an extensible shaft including first and second shaft members defining an angular separation therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 1 and wherein said transfer apparatus comprises a single extensible shaft.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
148 words
A device for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance onto an automobile comprising: support apparatus mountable onto the roof of the automobile; transfer apparatus, mounted onto the support apparatus for selectably transporting a mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization position adjacent to the automobile; and a cover member articulately mounted onto the support apparatus so as to assume a raised orientation during the transport of the mobility aid appliance between storage and utilization positions and a lowered orientation when the mobility aid appliance is stored therebelow; and wherein the transfer apparatus comprises an extensible shaft supporting the mobility aid appliance, a moving frame member supporting the extensible shaft, and an electric motor mounted on the moving frame member and wherein the support apparatus defines a fixed cam path which is engaged by a drive member coupled to the output of the electric motor.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
148 words
A device for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance onto an automobile comprising: support apparatus mountable onto the roof of the automobile; transfer apparatus, mounted onto the support apparatus for selectably transporting a mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization position adjacent to the automobile; and a cover member articulately mounted onto the support apparatus so as to assume a raised orientation during the transport of the mobility aid appliance between storage and utilization positions and a lowered orientation when the mobility aid appliance is stored therebelow; and wherein the transfer apparatus comprises an extensible shaft supporting the mobility aid appliance, a moving frame member supporting the extensible shaft, and an electric motor mounted on the moving frame member and wherein the support apparatus defines a fixed cam path which is engaged by a drive member coupled to the output of the electric motor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said extensible shaft comprises: first and second shaft members, said first shaft member being rotatably mounted onto said drive member; a movable chain coupled to said drive member; a mounting pin fixedly associated with said chain for motion together therewith; and means for attaching said second shaft member to said mounting pin for movement relative to said first shaft in response to motion of said drive member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said means for attaching provides a selectable angular separation between said first and second shafts.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 11 and wherein said means for attaching also provides a selectable change in angular separation between said first and second shafts during transport.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 and wherein said means for attaching provides a selectable change in angular separation between said first and second shafts during transport.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 9 and also comprising control means located interiorly of a motor vehicle for governing the operation of said motive means.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
132 words
A device for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance onto an automobile comprising: support apparatus mountable onto the roof of the automobile; transfer apparatus, mounted onto the support apparatus for selectably transporting a mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization position adjacent to the automobile; and a cover member articulately mounted onto the support apparatus so as to assume a raised orientation during the transport of the mobility aid appliance between storage and utilization positions and a lowered orientation when the mobility aid appliance is stored therebelow; and wherein said transfer means comprise a screw-drive associated with a lever whose fulcrum varies along the axis of the drive-screw so as to provide generally uniform and smooth travel of said wheelchair between said storage position and said utilization position.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
132 words
A device for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance onto an automobile comprising: support apparatus mountable onto the roof of the automobile; transfer apparatus, mounted onto the support apparatus for selectably transporting a mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization position adjacent to the automobile; and a cover member articulately mounted onto the support apparatus so as to assume a raised orientation during the transport of the mobility aid appliance between storage and utilization positions and a lowered orientation when the mobility aid appliance is stored therebelow; and wherein said transfer means comprise a screw-drive associated with a lever whose fulcrum varies along the axis of the drive-screw so as to provide generally uniform and smooth travel of said wheelchair between said storage position and said utilization position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus in association with an automobile for selectively positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance comprising: support means attached to an automotive vehicle, and transfer means associated with said support means for selectably transporting said mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization position adjacent to said automotive vehicle, said transfer means including means for automatically positioning said mobility aid appliance in said utilization position in an upright unfolded position and in a desired orientation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus in association with an automobile for selectively positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance comprising: support means attached to an automotive vehicle, and transfer means associated with said support means for selectably transporting said mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization position adjacent to said automotive vehicle, said transfer means including means for automatically positioning said mobility aid appliance in said utilization position in an upright unfolded position and in a desired orientation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said transfer means comprise a cam defining a curved travel path associated with a support arm travelling therealong.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 17 and wherein said transfer means also comprises an extensible shaft supporting the mobility aid appliance, mounted on said support arm.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 18 and wherein said extensible shaft comprises first and second shaft members defining an angular separation therebetween.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
76 words
A device according to claim 18 and wherein said extensible shaft comprises: first and second shaft members; said first shaft member being rotatably mounted onto a drive member; a movable chain coupled to said drive member; a mounting pin fixedly associated with said chain for motion together therewith; and means for attaching said second shaft member to said mounting pin for movement relative to said first shaft member in response to motion of said drive member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
112 words
Apparatus in association with an automobile for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance comprising: support means attached to an automotive vehicle; transfer means associated with said support means for selectably transporting said mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization position adjacent to said automotive vehicle, and means for positioning said mobility aid appliance in said utilization position in an upright unfolded position and in a desired orientation; and wherein said transfer means comprise a screw-drive associated with a lever whose fulcrum varies along the axis of the drive-screw so as to provide generally uniform and smooth travel of said wheelchair between said storage position and said utilization position.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
112 words
Apparatus in association with an automobile for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance comprising: support means attached to an automotive vehicle; transfer means associated with said support means for selectably transporting said mobility aid appliance between a storage position and a utilization position adjacent to said automotive vehicle, and means for positioning said mobility aid appliance in said utilization position in an upright unfolded position and in a desired orientation; and wherein said transfer means comprise a screw-drive associated with a lever whose fulcrum varies along the axis of the drive-screw so as to provide generally uniform and smooth travel of said wheelchair between said storage position and said utilization position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 21 and also comprising control means located interiorly of a motor vehicle for governing the operation of said motive means.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
144 words
A device for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance onto an automobile comprising: support apparatus mountable onto the roof of the automobile and defining a fixed track curved in the vertical plane; transfer apparatus including a frame member rotatably engaging said track for driving movement therealong and defining a rotation axis about which it rotates as it moves along said track and shaft means rotatably mounted on the frame member for rotatability about said rotation axis relative to said frame member and supporting the mobility aid appliance and comprising at least one rigid elongate member rotatably mounted onto said frame member; and a cover member articulately mounted onto the support apparatus so as to assume a raised orientation during the transport of the mobility aid appliance between storage and utilization positions and a lowered orientation when the mobility aid appliance is stored therebelow.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
144 words
A device for selectably positioning an invalid's mobility aid appliance onto an automobile comprising: support apparatus mountable onto the roof of the automobile and defining a fixed track curved in the vertical plane; transfer apparatus including a frame member rotatably engaging said track for driving movement therealong and defining a rotation axis about which it rotates as it moves along said track and shaft means rotatably mounted on the frame member for rotatability about said rotation axis relative to said frame member and supporting the mobility aid appliance and comprising at least one rigid elongate member rotatably mounted onto said frame member; and a cover member articulately mounted onto the support apparatus so as to assume a raised orientation during the transport of the mobility aid appliance between storage and utilization positions and a lowered orientation when the mobility aid appliance is stored therebelow.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
57 words
A device according to claim 23 and wherein said cover member is spring mounted onto the support apparatus and is urged into the raised orientation by the spring, whose action is opposed by the moving frame member when when disposed at a predetermined position overcomes the spring force and moves the cover member into the lowered orientation.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 23 and wherein said cover member is arranged for movement along a curved cam path fixed with respect to said support apparatus.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
99 words
A device according to claim 23 wherein said shaft means comprises an extensible shaft including said at least one rigid elongate member, and wherein said extensible shaft includes: first and second rigid elongated shaft members, said first shaft member being rotatable mounted onto a drive member forming part of said frame member a movable chain coupled to said drive member; a mounting pin fixedly associated with said chain for motion together therewith; and means for attaching said second shaft member to said mounting pin for movement relative to said first shaft in response to motion of said drive member.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 23 wherein said shaft means comprises an extensible shaft including said at least one rigid elongate member, and wherein said extensible shaft comprises first and second shafts.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-12-02 | 1984-06-02 | 1984-12-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-02 | 1988-06-02 | 1988-12-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-02 | 1992-06-02 | 1992-12-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |