Double Wide Independent Platform Parking Lift

Abstract

The double-wide independent platform vehicle lift has vehicle platforms engaged to the framework by guide members that engage guide tracks on the stanchions, and each platform has at least one corner with a guide member that engages a receptacle upon which the platform rests when raised to a selected height by operation of the respective linear actuator.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 381,481, filed October 28, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to vehicle lifts, and more particularly to double-wide independent platform parking lifts in which at least one corner of each platform is supported by cables over a portion of its range of vertical movement. [Background technology]

[0003] There are a variety of vehicle lifts available for raising a vehicle above ground level. These lifts are often used to allow access to the underside of a vehicle for service, maintenance, etc.

[0004] A specific segment of lifts, known as parking lifts, are configured to provide additional parking space by raising one vehicle to a height sufficient to allow a second vehicle to park beneath the first. Parking lifts can take a variety of forms, including pole-type lifts with one, two, four, or more vertical columns supporting one or more platforms on which one or more vehicles may be placed. Parking lifts can be components of mechanized or mechanical parking systems designed to minimize the total area required to park vehicles, typically using multi-level parking garages, automated parking systems, stacked parking, etc., driven by hydraulic or electric motors or actuators.

[0005] Parking lifts generally include a platform onto which a vehicle to be elevated is placed, as opposed to a maintenance lift (which typically includes one or more lifting arms rather than a platform so as not to obstruct access to the underside of the vehicle). Parking lifts may be installed in parking facilities and vehicle service facilities, and may be installed by vehicle enthusiasts to allow them to temporarily store multiple vehicles in a smaller space.

[0006] In a typical parking lift, a parking platform is guidably supported by a pair of front and rear columns. A cable is routed by pulleys from the platform through the columns to a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, which raises and lowers the platform as the actuator extends and retracts. Such parking structures and mechanisms form a single parking bay with lower and upper parking positions, as shown in FIG. 3 of U.S. Patent No. 7,143,869, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A similar second parking structure and mechanism may be provided adjacent to the first structure to form a two-bay or double-wide parking lift mechanism. A drawback of such structures is the presence of a center column assembly, which can obstruct access to vehicles parked on the lower level. Another option for eliminating the center column is to provide a wider frame with a double-wide parking platform so that two vehicles can be parked in an elevated position. However, this may require removing two vehicles parked in the lower positions to access one of the vehicles on the elevated platform.

[0007] There are various types of parking lifts in which the parking platform is supported only by cables that engage the corners of the platform, without engaging the support frame columns. This approach is typical of parking systems known as "puzzle" parking systems. The term puzzle parking refers to automated mechanical parking systems that employ a parking platform that is movable at least vertically, and in some applications both vertically and horizontally, to allow for the parking and retrieval of multiple vehicles. Such systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,106,210 and 8,812,148, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. A problem with parking platforms supported only by cables is that the platform may swing horizontally, potentially damaging structural components of the parking system or the vehicles supported thereon. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention provides an embodiment of a double-wide freestanding parking lift or vehicle lift apparatus having a vehicle lift platform in which at least one of the platform corners engages a guide structure only when the platform is raised toward its upper position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of a parking lift includes a vehicle lift frame including upright columns, each column having a guide track extending therealong; a vehicle lift platform supported by the frame and having a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced forward and rearward corners; a linear actuator operable to extend and retract; and a cable assembly routed to engage the actuator and the vehicle lift platform in a manner that, in response to extension and retraction of the actuator, lowers the platform to a lowered position to allow a first vehicle to be parked thereon and raises it to an elevated position to allow a second vehicle to be parked on a support surface below the elevated platform. At least a first corner of the platform has a first guide member projecting therefrom that engages the guide track of the associated column. A receptacle depending from the support structure is aligned with at least a second corner of the platform having a second guide member projecting therefrom. The second guide member cooperates with the receptacle such that when the platform is raised toward the raised position, the second guide member engages the receptacle at a selected raised height, thereby supporting the second corner.

[0010] In one embodiment of the lift device, the receptacle is elongated and depends from the upper member of the frame. The second guide member is an elongated riser upstanding from the second corner of the platform, and as the platform approaches the raised position, the riser is received in the receptacle, thereby guiding and supporting the second corner as the platform is raised toward the raised position. The riser and receptacle may include a second corner ratchet mechanism having ratchet components disposed on the riser and receptacle, which cooperatively engage when the riser is received in the receptacle to positively support the second corner as the platform approaches the raised position. The ratchet components are releasable to allow the platform to be lowered. Similarly, the guide track and first guide member may include a first corner ratchet mechanism including ratchet elements disposed on the guide track and first guide member that cooperatively engage to positively support the first corner when the platform is raised and release to allow the platform to be lowered.

[0011] In one embodiment of the vehicle lift apparatus, each of the front corners and one of the rear corners of the platform has one of the first guide assemblies projecting therefrom for engaging a guide track on an associated support column, and one of the rear corners of the platform has a second guide projecting therefrom and aligned with a receptacle depending from the support structure. In another embodiment of the lift apparatus, each of the front and rear corners of one side of the platform has one of the first guide assemblies projecting therefrom for engaging a guide track on an associated support column, and each of the front and rear corners of the opposite side of the platform has one of the second guide assemblies projecting therefrom for engaging an associated receptacle depending from the support structure.

[0012] In another embodiment, a vehicle lift apparatus includes a vehicle lift frame; first and second lift platforms laterally spaced apart and supported by the frame, each platform having a plurality of sets of forward and rearward corners; first and second linear actuators associated with the first and second platforms, respectively, each linear actuator operable to extend and retract independently; and and a first and second cable assembly associated with the first and second linear actuators, respectively, each cable assembly being routed to engage the actuator and a respective one of the corners of the associated platform so as to independently lower the vehicle lift platform to a lowered position to park a first vehicle thereon and to a raised position to park a second vehicle on a support surface below the raised platform in response to extension and contraction of the associated actuator. At least a first corner of each platform has a first guide member protruding therefrom that engages a guide track of an associated support column. A respective receptacle is associated with each platform and depends from the support structure. Each receptacle is aligned with at least a second corner of an associated platform, the second corner of the associated platform having a second guide member protruding therefrom that cooperates with the associated receptacle to engage the receptacle at a selected elevated height, thereby supporting the second corner, when the associated platform is elevated toward the elevated position. The first and second platforms may be substantially mirror images of each other, and the frame components are configured to accommodate the platforms as configured.

[0013] In one embodiment of the lift device, each receptacle may be elongated and depending from an elevated frame member, and each second guide member may be an elongated riser upstanding from a second corner of the associated platform, each riser being received in the associated receptacle as the platform approaches the elevated position. The first guide member and associated support, riser, and receptacle have cooperating ratchet members that engage at a selected height and, upon release, allow the platform to be lowered. Each platform has forward and aft outer corners and forward and aft inner corners.

[0014] In one embodiment of the lift device, the front and rear outer corners and the rear inner corner are similar to the first corners and include a first guide member that engages the post, while the front rear corner is similar to the second corner and includes a second guide member, such as a riser, that engages the receptacle. In another embodiment of the lift device, the front and rear outer corners are similar to the first corners, while the front and rear inner corners are similar to the second corners.

[0015] Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which there is set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of the invention.

[0016] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double-wide independent platform parking lift system according to the present invention, showing the left parking platform in a raised position and the right parking platform in a lowered position.

[0018] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of the parking lift device.

[0019] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the parking lift device.

[0020] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the left platform, with its associated linear actuator shown in dashed lines.

[0021] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of the column guide assembly of the lifting device engaged with the column ratchet ladder plate.

[0022] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a further enlarged front elevational view of the column guide assembly with the guide support plate removed to show the ratchet pawl.

[0023] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a parking lift apparatus receptacle assembly showing a ratchet ladder plate within its riser receptacle member.

[0024] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the right platform riser of the lift device.

[0025] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged front elevation view of the right platform riser showing its ratchet pawl.

[0026] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of a double-wide independent parking lift apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmented, partially exploded perspective view of the platform corner guide assembly engaged with the ratchet ladder plate, with one side plate removed to show details of the ratchet pawl assembly.

[0028] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 with the opposite side plate removed to show details of the ratchet pawl assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Where necessary, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in substantially any suitable detailed structure.

[0030] Referring more particularly to the drawings, reference numeral 1 generally designates one embodiment of a double-wide independent platform vehicle lift apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Lift apparatus 1 generally includes a lift frame (framework) 3 having a left vehicle lift platform 5 and a right vehicle lift platform 7 engaged to the lift frame 3 to permit independent movement of the platforms 5 and 7 between a lowered position, as shown in FIG. 1, by the right platform 7, and a raised position, as shown by the left platform 5, by actuation of respective linear actuators 9 (shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4). In the lowered position, each of the platforms 5 and 7 can have a vehicle placed thereon and can be raised to a raised position to allow an additional vehicle to be parked beneath.

[0031] The illustrated vehicle lift framework 3 includes a plurality of columns 12 upstanding from a support surface 18 (FIG. 2), including laterally spaced outer left and right rear columns 14 and 16. For purposes of this specification, the forward or entry end of the lift apparatus 1 is considered to be the end of the lift apparatus 1 at which a vehicle enters the lift apparatus 1, and the opposite end of the apparatus 1 is referred to as the rear end. A rear center column assembly 20 is disposed between the outer rear columns 14 and 16 and upstanding from the support surface 18. The center column assembly 20 is formed by back-to-back joined inner rear columns 22 and 24. The framework 3 further includes laterally spaced outer left and right front columns 26 and 28 that upstanding from the support surface 18, preferably in alignment with the outer rear columns 14 and 16. Each of the columns 12, including columns 14, 16, 22, 24, 26, and 28, has a respective base plate 30 secured thereto, which is held in place by bolts 32 embedded in the material forming the support surface 18, such as reinforced concrete. The upper ends of the forward columns 26 and 28 are joined or connected by an elongated horizontal structural member or assembly or support structure 34. The illustrated member 34 is formed by elongated left and right beams or structural members 36 and 38, which are connected at their inner ends by elongated front and rear connecting plates 40. It is envisioned that the upper ends of the rear columns 14 and 16 and the center column assembly 20 may be connected by one or more horizontal members (not shown).

[0032] 1 and 4, each of vehicle lift platforms 5 and 7 is formed by a pair of elongated parking rails or tracks 45, including an outer parking track 47 and an inner parking track 49, which are connected in parallel by rear and front platform cross-members 51 and 53, respectively. The space between tracks 47 and 49 may be closed by a solid deck plate or deck 55 to prevent oil, grease, and other liquids from vehicles parked on one of platforms 5 or 7 from dripping onto vehicles parked on the support surface 18 below. Each of platforms 5 and 7 has a linear actuator 9, such as a hydraulic actuator, horizontally disposed within the structure of one of tracks 45 and below its upper surface. Each of actuators 9 (see FIG. 4) has connected thereto one or more cable assemblies or cables 57 (FIG. 1) which are also connected to platforms 5 and 7 to raise and lower the platform in response to extension and retraction of the associated actuator 9. The routing of cables 57 to pulleys (not shown) extending between horizontally oriented actuators 9 and platforms 5 and 7 can be configured in any of a number of ways, such as that disclosed in PCT Publication WO / 2020 / 224837, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Each of tracks 45 may include an approach ramp 59 at its forward or approach end to facilitate vehicle ingress onto vehicle lift platform 5 or 7.

[0033] To prevent vehicles from unintentionally rolling forward off the platforms 5 and 7, wheel chocks 61 may be provided on each rail 45. The illustrated wheel chocks 61 have front and rear faces oriented at an angle to allow vehicles to be driven over them, but are tall enough to provide some resistance to an uncontrolled rolling vehicle. To prevent vehicles from rolling off or over the rear ends of the platforms 5 and 7, each track 45 may be provided with a tire chock plate 63 at its rear end. The tire chock plate 63 has a steep angle and height to provide strong resistance to a vehicle's tires attempting to roll over the plate 63.

[0034] Each of the platforms 5 and 7 has outer and inner rear corner regions or corners 65 and 66, respectively, and outer and inner front corner regions or corners 68 and 69 (see FIG. 4). The rear corners 65 and 66 of the platforms 5 and 7 are formed by the outer and inner ends, respectively, of the rear cross member 51. Similarly, the front corners 68 and 69 of the platforms are formed by the outer and inner ends, respectively, of the front cross member 53. In general, the left and right vehicle platforms 5 and 7 are substantially similar and, as further described below, are substantially mirror images of each other.

[0035] Each of the columns 12 forms a guide structure or guide track 73 for vertical movement of the vehicle lift platforms 5 and 7 between lowered and upper positions. Each of the illustrated columns 12 has an elongated vertical guide slot 75 formed in its inwardly facing surface that forms front and rear retention edges along the guide slot 75. With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the outer and inner rear corners 65 and 66 and the outer front corner 68 of each platform 5 and 7 of the apparatus 1 have corner guide assemblies 78 that move vertically within the guide slots 75 of their associated columns 9.

[0036] 5 and 6, each of the illustrated guide assemblies 78 includes a pair of spaced apart guide support plates or guide plates 80 supported by an inner member (not shown). The guide plates 80 support an upper and lower pair of slide bearings 82 or guides having inner notches 84 that ride along the outer sides of elongated, vertically oriented column guide plates or ladders 86, forming guide tracks for the columns 12. The ladders 86, together with the guide slots 75, form the guide tracks 73 for each column 12.

[0037] Each guide ladder 86 has a series of vertically spaced, aligned ratchet openings 88 formed therethrough. The ratchet openings 88 receive ratchet pawl or pawl assemblies 90 resiliently mounted within the guide assembly 78 for periodically engaging the ratchet openings 88 as the guide assembly 78 is raised along the ladder 86, thereby providing positive vertical support for the associated platform 5 or 7, even in the event of a failure of the actuator 9 or cable 57. However, the mechanism of the pawl assemblies 90 is configured to prevent the pawls 90 from engaging the ratchet openings 88 during downward movement of the guide assembly 78 along the ladder 86. For example, each ratchet pawl 90 may include a ratchet actuator operable to retract the pawl 90, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, as described in more detail below. Furthermore, while the guide ladder 86 shown in FIG. 5 has a series of ratchet openings near its upper end, it is envisioned that ratchet openings may be provided along the entire length of the ladder 86.

[0038] 1 and 7-9, the illustrated inner front corner 69 of the vehicle lift platforms 5 and 7 is supported and guided differently than the other corners 65, 66, and 68. The inner end 69 of the front cross member 53 of each of the platforms 5 and 7 has riser assemblies or risers 100 and 102 upstanding therefrom. The horizontal support structure 34 has a riser receptacle assembly 106 depending therefrom at a central location laterally aligned with the aft center column assembly 20. The receptacle assembly 106 is formed by short receptacle columns 108 and 110, similar in cross section to column 12, joined back to back. Each of the receptacle columns or receptacles 108 and 110 has a guide slot 114 formed in its outwardly facing wall that defines forward and rearward retention edges along the guide slot. Each of the receptacles 108 and 110 has a ratchet ladder plate or ladder 116 ( FIG. 7 ) secured thereto, the ladder plate 116 having a plurality of ratchet openings 118 spaced vertically along the ladder plate 116. The ladder plate 116 may include mounting slots 120 to allow fine adjustment of the vertical relationship of the ladder plate 116 to the receptacles 108 and 110. The riser receptacle assembly 106 may be coupled, such as with fasteners (not shown) or welding, to the lower walls of the horizontal members 36 and 38 that form the horizontal member 34 by a central top plate 122 and forward and aft gusset plates 124. It is envisioned that the riser receptacle assembly 106 may be supported by other structural supports, including structural supports not connected to the forward columns 26 and 28, or may be connected to and hang from, for example, the ceiling of the building or room in which the lift framework 3 is located.

[0039] The risers 100 and 102 are substantially similar, and the description of the components of the right riser 102 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is also applicable to the left riser 102. The illustrated riser assembly 102 includes an elongated riser body 128, which may be formed from a single length of rectangular tubing. The riser body 128 has a lower gusseted connector structure 129 extending from its outer side 130 for upright fastening to the inner end 69 of the forward platform cross member 53. At the upper end of each riser body 128, riser slide bearing members or bearings 132 are disposed on the forward and aft sides 134 of the riser body 128. The slide bearings 132 extend a short distance from the surface of the inner side 136 of the riser body 128. An opening 138 through the inner side 136 of the riser body 128 has a ratchet pawl or pawl assembly 140 extending outward therefrom. Ratchet pawl 140 has a structure and function similar to ratchet pawl assembly 90 in corner guide assembly 78. When riser 102 is inserted a sufficient distance into associated receptacle 110, ratchet pawl 140 cooperates with ratchet openings in ladder plate 116 to positively support a portion of the weight of the associated platform 7 and the vehicle thereon. Slide bearings 132 engage the inner surfaces of the walls of receptacle posts 108 and 110. The lower ends of posts 108 and 110 may have deflector members 142 that are flared or angled downward and outward to correct for any initial misalignment of slide bearing 132 relative to receptacle assembly 106.

[0040] Each of the risers 100 and 102 and the receptacle posts 108 and 110 is routed with a portion of a cable 57 extending therethrough, which cooperates with an actuator 9 to raise and lower the platforms 5 and 7. The actuators 9 associated with the platforms 5 and 7 may be independently actuated. When either the platform 5 or 7 is raised to a selected height above the support surface 18, a ratchet pawl 90 in the associated corner guide assembly engages the bottom ratchet opening 88. Similarly, a ratchet pawl 140 on the risers 100 and 102 engages the bottom ratchet opening 118 in the ladder plate 116 of the receptacle posts 108 and 110. The apparatus 1 may include a sensor, such as a limit switch (not shown), to detect when the ratchet pawls 90 and 140 engage the top ratchet openings 88 and 118, respectively. At that height, the actuator 9 is deactivated. Preferably, ratchet pawls 140 have a mechanism for retracting them before or during lowering of platforms 5 or 7, similar to that described in U.S. Published Application No. 2020 / 0232238, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferably, the lower ends of receptacle posts 108 and 110 are high enough to avoid creating a bump hazard for most people. Similarly, the height of the undersides of platforms 5 and 7 when in the raised position is high enough to prevent a bump hazard for most people. When both platforms 5 and 7 are in their raised positions, there is no central post to obstruct access to vehicles parked below the raised platforms.

[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates a modified embodiment of a double-wide independent platform vehicle lift apparatus 150 in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus 150 includes a lift framework or frame 153 that supports left and right vehicle lift platforms 155 and 157 for independent lifting and lowering. Platforms 155 and 157 are substantially similar to platforms 5 and 7, except for the differences described below. The illustrated frame 153 includes left and right rear columns 160 and 162 and left and right front columns 164 and 166 that upstand from a support surface, such as support surface 18 (FIG. 3). The left and right rear columns 160 and 162 and the left and right front columns 164 and 166 have substantially similar structure and function to the left and right rear columns 14 and 16 and the left and right front columns 26 and 28, respectively, of apparatus 1. A rear cross member assembly or member 168 extends between the upper ends of the left and right rear columns 160 and 162. A forward cross assembly or member 170 extends between the upper ends of the left and right forward struts 164 and 166. The aft cross member 168 has an aft riser receptacle assembly 172 depending therefrom. The aft riser receptacle 172 includes left and right aft receptacle struts 174 and 176. Similarly, the forward cross member 170 has a forward riser receptacle assembly 178 depending therefrom and is formed by left and right forward receptacle struts 180 and 182. The aft riser receptacle assembly 172 and the forward riser receptacle assembly 178 are substantially similar to the riser receptacle assembly 106 of the apparatus 1.

[0042] Left and right rear outer corners 186 and 188 and left and right front outer corners 190 and 192 of platforms 155 and 157, respectively, engage and are supported and guided by corner guide assemblies 194 that engage posts 160, 162, 164, and 166, similar to corner guide assemblies 87 of apparatus 1. Corner guide assemblies 194 have ratchet components (not shown) similar to corresponding components of guide assembly 78 and interact with complementary components of posts 160, 162, 164, and 166. Left and right rear inner corners 196 and 198 of platforms 155 and 157, respectively, have left and right rear riser assemblies or risers 204 and 206, respectively, upstanding therefrom. Similarly, left and right forward inner corners 200 and 202 of each of platforms 155 and 157 have left and right forward riser assemblies or risers 208 and 210, respectively, upstanding therefrom. Each of risers 204, 206, 208, and 210 is substantially identical to risers 100 and 102 of apparatus 1. Left and right aft risers 204 and 206 are vertically aligned with left and right aft receptacle posts 174 and 176, respectively. Similarly, left and right forward risers 208 and 210 are vertically aligned with left and right receptacle posts 180 and 182, respectively. Risers 204, 206, 208, and 210 nest into and engage their respective receptacle posts 174, 176, 180, and 182 when the respective platform 155 or 157 is raised to a selected vertical height. The risers and receptacle posts have cooperating ratchet elements so that engagement of the risers with their respective receptacle posts provides positive vertical support for platforms 155 and 157.

[0043] 10, the aft and forward risers 206 and 210 of platform 157 and their respective receptacle posts 176 and 182 are each routed to receive a portion of a cable assembly or cable 214 therethrough which cooperates with a linear actuator (not shown) to raise and lower platform 157. Similarly, the risers 204 and 208 and receptacles 174 and 180 of platform 155 are routed to receive a cable (not shown) similar to cable 214 which is actuated in a similar manner to cable 214.

[0044] When both platforms 155 and 157 are in their raised positions, there is no central support to prevent access to vehicles parked below the raised platforms, although the rear side of device 150 may be blocked by a wall (not shown).

[0045] 11 and 12, in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the illustrated corner guide assemblies 78 includes side plates 80 secured in spaced relation by upper and lower spacer assemblies 230. The guide assemblies 78 slidably engage one of vertically oriented ratchet ladder plates 86 by pairs of spaced upper and lower notched slide bearing members 82 secured to the exterior surfaces of the side plates 80. The illustrated pawl assembly 90 includes a primary ratchet pawl 92 (FIG. 11) and a backup or secondary ratchet pawl 94 (FIG. 12), which are axially spaced and pivotally supported on pawl shafts 232 secured between the guide support plates 80.

[0046] The primary pawl 92 has a primary lever arm or lever 234 extending radially therefrom, and the backup pawl 94 has a backup lever arm or lever 236 extending radially therefrom. The illustrated backup lever 236 is longer than the primary lever 234 and has a cable roller 238 (described below) pivotally mounted at its outer end. A primary tension spring 240 is engaged between the primary lever 234 and a spring anchor peg 242 that extends between the side plates 80. Similarly, a backup tension spring 244 is engaged between the backup lever 236 and the anchor peg 242. The springs 238 and 242 urge the pawls 92 and 94, respectively, toward the ladder plate 86. Pawl catch blocks or stop members 246 are secured between the side plates 80 and limit the pivotal movement of the pawls 92 and 94 such that engagement of the pawls between the ladder plate 86 and the catch blocks 246 causes either pawl to support the weight of the associated corner of the vehicle lift platform 5 or 7 when the pawl engages the lower edge of an opening 88 in the ladder plate 86. Once the platform 5 or 7 is raised to its uppermost elevation, the platform 5 or 7 is normally maintained vertically stationary by closure of a valve (not shown) in the associated lifting actuator 9 ( FIG. 4 ). However, in the platform's upper position, the primary pawl 92 is positioned within the horizontally aligned opening 88 in the ladder plate 86, so that in the event of a leak or failure of the actuator 9, engagement of the primary pawl 92 with the opening 88 provides positive mechanical support for the associated platform 5 or 7.

[0047] The illustrated pawls 92 and 94 are retracted away from the ladder plate 86 during lowering of the vehicle platform 5 or 7 by operation of an actuator 248 connected between one of the spacer assemblies 230 and the levers 234 and 236. The actuator 248 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, or may be a solenoid. Extension of the actuator 248 neutralizes the tension in the springs 240 and 244, causing the pawls 92 and 94 to pivot away from the ladder plate 86. It is envisioned that by using a normally resiliently retracted actuator 248, the primary spring 240 may be eliminated.

[0048] The cable pulley 254 is pivotally mounted between the side plates 80 and functions to route one of the cables 57 from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. The cable 57 engages the pulley 254 along its underside and is routed on the side of the pulley 254 adjacent to the ladder plate 86. The cable 57 also engages a cable roller 238 at the end of the backup lever 236 on the side of the roller 238 facing away from the ladder plate 86. When the platform 5 or 7 is raised or lowered and stationary, the cable 57 is normally in a taut state. As long as the cable 57 remains taut, the engagement of the cable 57 with the roller 238 continues to pivot the backup pawl 94 away from the ladder plate 86. However, in the event of failure of cable 57 or lifting actuator 9, releasing tension on cable 57 causes backup spring 244 to pivot backup pawl 94 toward ladder plate 86, thereby engaging one of openings 88 and thereby providing positive mechanical support for the associated platform 5 or 7. The combination of both pawls 92 and 94 provides a reliable safety measure for apparatus 1 and may also be included in apparatus 150.

[0049] Pawls 92 and 94 may be referred to herein as ratchet components located on guide assembly 73 or a riser, such as risers 100 and 102, and ratchet opening 88 in ladder plate 86 may be referred to as a ratchet component located or positioned in guide track 73 within guide slot 75. Ratchet opening 118 in ladder plate 116 may be referred to as a ratchet component located or positioned in guide slot 114 of receptacles 108 and 110.

[0050] Although specific forms of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated.

Claims

1. A vehicle lift device, comprising: (a) a vehicle lift frame including upright columns, each column having a guide track extending therealong; (b) a vehicle lift platform supported by said vehicle lift frame and having a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced forward and rearward corners; (c) a linear actuator operable to extend and retract; (d) a cable assembly routed to engage the linear actuator and the vehicle lift platform in a manner that, in response to extension and contraction of the linear actuator, lowers the vehicle lift platform to a lowered position to allow a first vehicle to be parked on the vehicle lift platform and raises the vehicle lift platform to a raised position to allow a second vehicle to be parked on a support surface below the vehicle lift platform in the raised position; and (e) a first corner, at least one of the pairs of laterally spaced forward and rearward corners of the vehicle lift platform, having a first guide member protruding from the first corner, the first guide member engaging the guide track of the associated support column; (f) a receptacle depending from the support structure and aligned with a second corner of the vehicle lift platform, the second corner being one of the pairs of laterally spaced forward and rearward corners; 1. A vehicle lift apparatus comprising: (g) the second corner portion has a second guide member protruding from the second corner portion; (h) the second guide member cooperates with the receptacle such that when the vehicle lift platform is raised toward the raised position, the second guide member engages the receptacle at a selected raised height, thereby supporting the second corner portion.

2. (a) the receptacle is elongated and depends from an upper member of the vehicle lift frame; (b) the second guide member is an elongated riser upstanding from the second corner of the vehicle lift platform; 2. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 1, wherein (c) the elongated riser is received in the receptacle as the vehicle lift platform approaches the raised position, thereby guiding and supporting the second corner portion as the vehicle lift platform is raised toward the raised position.

3. 3. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: (a) a second corner ratchet mechanism having a first ratchet component in the elongated riser and a second ratchet component in the receptacle, the first and second ratchet components cooperatively engaging when the elongated riser is received in the receptacle to positively support the second corner as the vehicle lift platform approaches the elevated position, and releasing the first and second ratchet components to allow lowering of the vehicle lift platform.

4. 2. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: (a) a first corner ratchet mechanism including a first ratchet component on the guide track and a second ratchet component on the first guide member, wherein the first and second ratchet components of the first corner ratchet mechanism cooperatively engage to positively support the first corner when the vehicle lift platform is raised, and when the first and second ratchet components are released, the vehicle lift platform can be lowered.

5. (a) each of the rear corners and one of the front corners of the vehicle lift platform has a first guide member projecting therefrom and engaging the guide track of an associated upright column; 2. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 1, wherein (b) another one of the front corners of the vehicle lift platform is a second corner having the second guide member protruding from the second corner and aligned with the receptacle depending from the support structure.

6. (a) each of the front and rear corners on one side of the vehicle lift platform has a first guide member projecting therefrom and engaging the guide track of an associated upright column; 2. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 1, wherein (b) each of the front and rear corners on opposite sides of the vehicle lift platform has a second guide member protruding therefrom and aligned with an associated receptacle depending from the support structure.

7. A vehicle lift device, comprising: (a) a vehicle lift frame including upright columns, each column having a guide track extending therealong; (b) a first vehicle lift platform and a second vehicle lift platform supported by said vehicle lift frame in a laterally spaced relationship, each of said first and second vehicle lift platforms having a plurality of sets of forward and rearward corners; (c) a first linear actuator and a second linear actuator associated with the first and second vehicle lift platforms, respectively, each of the first and second linear actuators operable to extend and retract independently; (d) a first cable assembly and a second cable assembly associated with the first and second linear actuators, respectively, each of the first and second cable assemblies routed to engage the first and second actuators and the front or rear corners of the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms, such that independent actuation of the first and second linear actuators causes the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms to independently lower to a lowered position to allow a first vehicle to be parked on the first and second vehicle lift platforms, and to independently raise to a raised position to allow a second vehicle to be parked on a support surface below the first and second vehicle lift platforms in the raised position; (e) at least a first corner of each of the first and second vehicle lift platforms has a first guide member protruding from the first corner, the first guide member engaging the guide track of the associated upright column; (f) first and second receptacles associated with each of the first and second vehicle lift platforms and depending from a support structure, the first and second receptacles being aligned with second corners of the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms; 1. A vehicle lift apparatus comprising: (g) the second corners of the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms have second guide members protruding from the second corners; (h) the second guide members protruding from the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms cooperate with the first and second receptacles, respectively, such that when the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms are raised toward the raised position, the second guide members engage the first and second receptacles, respectively, at a selected raised height, thereby supporting the second corner portions.

8. (a) each of the first and second receptacles is elongated and depends from an upper member of the vehicle lift frame; (b) the second guide member of each of the first and second vehicle lift platforms is an elongated riser upstanding from the second corner of the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms; 8. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 7, wherein (c) each of the elongated risers is received in the first and second receptacles, respectively, as the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms approach the raised position, thereby guiding and supporting the second corner portions as the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms are raised toward the raised position.

9. (a) each of the first corners includes a first corner ratchet mechanism having a first ratchet component in the associated upright column and a second ratchet component in the associated first guide member, the first ratchet component and the second ratchet component cooperatively engage to positively support the first corner when the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms are raised, and when the first and second ratchet components are released, the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms can be lowered; 10. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 8, wherein (b) each of the second corners has a second corner ratchet mechanism having a first ratchet component in the associated elongated riser and a second ratchet component provided in the first and second receptacles, the first ratchet component and the second ratchet component of the second corner ratchet mechanism cooperatively engaging when the elongated riser is received in the associated first and second receptacles to positively support the associated second corner as the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms approach the raised position, and the first and second ratchet components of the second corner ratchet mechanism of the second corner being released to allow lowering of the associated first and second vehicle lift platforms.

10. (a) each of the first and second vehicle lift platforms having front and rear outer corners and front and rear inner corners; (b) each of the front and rear outer corners and the rear inner corner of each of the first and second vehicle lift platforms is a first corner; 8. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 7, wherein (c) said front inside corner of each of said first and second vehicle lift platforms is said second corner.

11. (a) each of the first and second vehicle lift platforms having front and rear outer corners and front and rear inner corners; (b) each of the front and rear outer corners of each of the first and second vehicle lift platforms is the first corner; 8. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 7, wherein (c) each of said front and rear inside corners of each of said first and second vehicle lift platforms is said second corner.

12. A vehicle lift device, comprising: (a) a vehicle lift platform having a first forward corner and a first rearward corner on a first side of the vehicle lift platform and a second forward corner and a second rearward corner on a second side of the vehicle lift platform, the first forward corner and the first rearward corner being laterally spaced apart from the second forward corner and the second rearward corner; (b) a first front track extending vertically and proximate the first front corner of the vehicle lift platform; and a first rear track extending vertically and proximate the first rear corner of the vehicle lift platform. (c) a first front guide protruding from the vehicle lift platform and proximate the first front corner, the first front guide engaging the first front track as the vehicle lift platform moves between a lowered position and a raised position; and a first rear guide protruding from the vehicle lift platform and proximate the first rear corner, the first rear guide engaging the first rear track as the vehicle lift platform moves between the lowered position and the raised position, wherein in the raised position the vehicle lift platform is supported on the first front track and the first rear track by the first front guide and the first rear guide, respectively, at a height higher than the height of a vehicle to be parked under the vehicle lift platform; (d) a second front guide protruding from the vehicle lift platform and adjacent the second front corner; (e) a receptacle depending from the support structure and having a lower end extending above and spaced from said second front guide; (f) a linear actuator operable to extend and retract; (g) a cable assembly routed to engage the linear actuator and the vehicle lift platform so as to move the vehicle lift platform between the lowered position and the raised position in response to extension and contraction of the linear actuator; 1. A vehicle lift apparatus comprising: (h) when the vehicle lift platform is moved toward the raised position, the second front guide engages the receptacle at a selected raised height, thereby supporting the second front corner of the vehicle lift platform.

13. A vehicle lift device, comprising: (a) a left lift platform having a forward inner corner, an aft inner corner, a forward outer corner, and an aft outer corner, the forward outer corner and the aft outer corner being spaced laterally outward from the forward inner corner and the aft inner corner, respectively; (b) a right lift platform having a forward inner corner, an aft inner corner, a forward outer corner, and an aft outer corner, the forward outer corner and the aft outer corner being spaced laterally outward from the forward inner corner and the aft inner corner, respectively; (c) a left front outer track extending vertically adjacent the front outer corner of the left lift platform, a left rear outer track extending vertically adjacent the rear outer corner of the left lift platform, a right front outer track extending vertically adjacent the front outer corner of the right lift platform, and a right rear outer track extending vertically adjacent the rear outer corner of the right lift platform; (d) a left front outer guide protruding from the left lift platform and adjacent the front outer corner of the left lift platform, the left front outer guide engaging the left front outer track when the left lift platform is moved between its lowered and raised positions; (e) a left rear outer guide protruding from the left lift platform and adjacent the rear outer corner of the left lift platform, the left rear outer guide engaging the left rear outer track when the left lift platform is moved between the lowered position and the raised position; (f) a right front outer guide protruding from the right lift platform and adjacent the front outer corner of the right lift platform, the right front outer guide engaging the right front outer track when the right lift platform is moved between the lowered position and the raised position; (g) a right rear outer guide protruding from the right lift platform and adjacent the rear outer corner of the right lift platform, the right rear outer guide engaging the right rear outer track when the right lift platform is moved between the lowered position and the raised position; (h) a front support structure extending between the left front outer track and the right front outer track, the front support structure interconnecting the left front outer track and the right front outer track near an upper end of the front support structure; (i) a left forward receptacle depending from the forward support structure and having a lower end extending in spaced relation above the left forward inner guide of the left lift platform; (j) a right forward receptacle depending from said forward support structure and having a lower end extending in spaced relation above a right forward inner guide of said right lift platform; (k) a left linear actuator operable to extend and retract, and a right linear actuator operable to extend and retract; (l) a left cable assembly routed to engage the left linear actuator and the left lift platform so as to move the left lift platform between the lowered position and the raised position in response to extension and contraction of the left linear actuator; (m) a right cable assembly routed to engage the right linear actuator and the right lift platform to move the right lift platform between the lowered position and the raised position in response to extension and contraction of the right linear actuator; 1. A vehicle lift apparatus comprising: (n) when the left lift platform is moved toward the raised position, the left front inner guide engages the left front receptacle at a selected raised height, thereby supporting a left front inner corner of the left lift platform; (o) when the right lift platform is moved toward the raised position, the right front inner guide engages the right front receptacle at a selected raised height, thereby supporting a right front inner corner of the right lift platform; (p) a vehicle lift device, wherein in the raised position, the left lift platform and the right lift platform are supported at a height higher than the height of a vehicle to be parked beneath the left lift platform and the right lift platform, respectively.

14. (a) a left rear inner track extending vertically and adjacent the rear inner corner of the left lift platform; and a right rear inner track extending vertically and adjacent the rear inner corner of the right lift platform; (b) a left rear inner guide protruding from the left lift platform and adjacent the rear inner corner of the left lift platform, the left rear inner guide engaging the left rear inner track when the left lift platform is moved between the lowered position and the raised position; (c) a right rear inner guide protruding from the right lift platform and adjacent the rear inner corner of the right lift platform, the right rear inner guide engaging the right rear inner track when the right lift platform is moved between the lowered position and the raised position; 14. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

15. (a) a rear support structure extending between the left rear outer track and the right rear outer track, the rear support structure interconnecting the left rear outer track and the right rear outer track near an upper end of the rear support structure; (b) a left aft receptacle depending from said aft support structure and having a lower end extending above and spaced from said left aft inner guide of said left lift platform; (c) a right rear receptacle depending from said rear support structure and having a lower end extending above and spaced from said right rear inner guide of said right lift platform; further comprising (d) when the left lift platform is moved toward the raised position, the left rear inner guide engages the left rear receptacle at a selected raised height, thereby supporting a left rear inner corner of the left lift platform; 14. The vehicle lift apparatus of claim 13, wherein (e) when the right lift platform is moved toward the raised position, the right rear inner guide engages the right rear receptacle at a selected raised height, thereby supporting a right rear inner corner of the right lift platform.

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