Collapsible, powered platform for lifting wheelchair

摘要

An apparatus for moving an object, such as a wheelchair, between an upper position and a lower position. The upper position is typically adjacent to the floor surface of a vehicle while the lower position is typically at ground level. The apparatus preferably includes a platform including at least three pivotally connected sections. The sections are selectively moveable between an unfolded orientation in which the sections are substantially co-planar and a folded orientation in which the sections form a compact configuration. The apparatus also preferably includes a folding assembly for selectively moving the sections of the platform between the folded orientation and the unfolded orientation, a deployment assembly for selectively deploying and stowing the platform and a lift assembly for selectively moving the platform vertically between the upper position and the lower position. The platform includes a control assembly with at least one switch for controlling the movement phases of the platform, where a switch must be activated for each subsequent movement phase.