Lift platform and pit cover

Abstract

A service lift assembly for use in a vehicle service location having a pit with a pit opening in a service floor and a pit floor below the service floor. The lift assembly includes a vertically movable lift platform operatively connected to a lift mechanism, such as a scissor assembly, mounted to the pit floor. The lift mechanism is configured to raise the lift platform to at least three positions: a retracted position below the service floor, a coplanar position aligned with the service floor to enclose the pit opening, and an elevated position above the service floor to lift a vehicle. The platform may also be positioned at an intermediate height within the pit to serve as an adjustable standing surface for a technician.

Description

LIFT PLATFORM AND PIT COVERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS|0001 ] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Application No. 63 / 569,513 filed March 25, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a lifting device and platform for use in a service pit for vehicles.BACKGROUND(00031 At vehicle service locations, a pit is a specialized feature to allow for easy and efficient maintenance on vehicles. The pit is typically located beneath the service bays and provides technicians with easy access to the underside of vehicles, allowing for tasks such as oil changes, inspections, and repairs to be performed with greater ease and precision. Inside the pit, there is typically an elevated platform for technicians to stand on to reach the underside of the vehicle.

[0004] To cover the pit openings when not in use, roll-out tarps or metal covers are commonly used to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries from the exposed pit opening.SUMMARY

[0005] In at least one embodiment, a lift platform and pit cover is provided. A lift mechanism is mounted to a pit floor at a first end and has a generally planar platform attached to a second end of the lift mechanism. In at least one retracted position, the lift mechanism is positioned a working distance below the service floor within the pit. The lift mechanism extends a first distance to raise the planar platform to be generally coplanar with a service floor. The lift mechanism extends a second distance to raise the planar platform above the service floor.

[0006] One embodiment of the present application includes a service lift assembly for use in a vehicle service location having a pit with a pit opening in a service floor and the pit having a pit floor below the service floor. The service lift assembly also includes a lift platform being generally planar. The assembly also includes a lift mechanism configured to be mounted to the pit floor at a first end and attached at a second end to the lift platform. In at least one retracted position, the lift mechanism is positioned a working distance below the service floor within the pit. The lift mechanism extends a first distance to raise the lift platform to be generally coplanar with a service floor, and the lift mechanism extends a second distance to raise the lift platform above the service floor.

[0007] In another embodiment, the service lift assembly and the lift mechanism may include a scissor assembly configured to move substantially vertically between the retracted position and the second distance. The scissor assembly may include: a lower pair of support arms pivotally connected at a first scissor point to define a lower scissor link, and an upper pair of support arms pivotally connected at a second scissor point forming an upper scissor link, where the lower and upper scissor links are pivotally connected vertically in series and operate in coordination to vertically raise and lower the lift platform relative to the pit floor. Each of the lower and upper scissor links includes two pairs of support arms spaced apart in a width dimension generally corresponding to a width of the lift platform.

[0008] In another embodiment, the actuator applies a force that causes the scissor assembly to expand or contract in the vertical direction. The actuator may include at least one hydraulic cylinder. The actuator is operatively coupled to the upper and lower scissor links at locations offset from the first and second central pivot points, such that the hydraulic cylinder actuates the upper and lower scissor links to raise and lower the lift platform. The actuator may include two hydraulic cylinders, where a first end of each of the two hydraulic cylinders is connected to the lower scissor link and the second end of each of the two hydraulic cylinder is connected to the upper scissor link.

[0009] In another embodiment, the service lift assembly may include a controller in communication with the actuator to control the actuator to adjust the elevation of the lift platform. The service lift assembly may include at least one safety sensor positioned adjacent the liftplatform. The service lift assembly may include a handheld input device in communication with the controller and configured to transmit operational commands for raising and lowering the lift platform. The service lift assembly may include: at least one pair of guide rails extending between a base positioned on the pit floor, and the service floor; and at least one pair of guide features attached to the lift platform that engage the guide rails to help maintain lateral stability and ensure linear vertical movement of the lift platform during operation. The service lift assembly may include a lift accessory extending from an upper surface of the lift platform to contact support a vehicle as the lift platform extends above the service floor. The lift accessory may include a support arm extending across the width of the platform. The support arms include lifting pads configured to contact with the vehicle's frame or lifting point. The lift accessory includes wheels that roll along a top surface of the lifting platform so the lift accessory is adjustable along a length of the lift platform to be positioned under the vehicle for lifting, where when the lift platform is lifted to above the service floor and the vehicle is lifted, the wheels compress and the load is transferred to the lift platform.

[0010] One embodiment of the present application includes a service lift assembly for use in a vehicle service location having a pit with a pit opening in a service floor and a pit floor below the service floor. The service lift assembly also includes a lift platform vertically movable within the pit. The assembly also includes a lift mechanism positioned on the pit floor and operatively connected to the lift platform, where the lift mechanism may include a scissor assembly configured to move the lift platform between a retracted position below the service floor and one or more raised positions, where in the raised position, the lift platform is generally coplanar with the service floor and configured to substantially enclose the pit opening to allow a vehicle to be driven over or positioned above the lift platform. The assembly also includes an actuator operatively connected to the lift mechanism for moving the lift mechanism between the retracted position and the one or more raised positions. The assembly also includes a controller in communication with the actuator and programmed to: receive a first operator input to position the lift platform is also at a first height within the pit configured for a technician to access the underside of a vehicle positioned above the pit; send a command to the actuator to move the lift platform to the first height; receive a second operator input to extend the lift platform to a second height above the service floor, such that avehicle supported on the platform may be elevated for service; send a command to the actuator to move the lift platform to the second height.

[0011] In another embodiment, the service lift assembly may include a first safety control feature in communication with the controller, where the controller is programmed to send a command to the actuator to limit raising of the lift platform based on one or more conditions of the first safety control feature. Second control features include at least one of a pressure sensor, presence sensor, and operator input devices to verify safe raising conditions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle service location with a pit with a service lift assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of pit opening in FIG. 1 where the platform is in elevated position to form a pit cover according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of pit opening in FIG. 1 where the platform is in a retracted position in the pit and below the service floor.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of pit opening in FIG. 1 where the platform is in a second retracted position in the pit and below the service floor.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates the service lift assembly shown within a service pit in a lower retracted position and a technician accessing the assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates the service lift assembly of FIG. 5 as it is being raised with the technician and performing service on the underside of the vehicle through the pit opening.

[0018] FIGS. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of the service bay and pit in FIG. 1 with the service lift assembly in a raised position.

[0019] FIG 8. illustrates the of FIG. 1 where the service lift assembly is being raised to extend through the pit opening and extending above the service floor.

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the service lift assembly in a raised position according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the service lift assembly of FIG. 9 in a retracted position.1 022] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the service lift assembly in FIG. 9 where the service lift assembly is in a raised position.

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a side section view through section A-A of FIG. 11 where the service lift assembly is in a raised position.

[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a detailed view of the top surface of the platform in the service bay of FIG. 1 shown with a vehicle lift accessory according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates the vehicle lift accessory of FIG. 13 removed from the lift assembly.

[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates a control system for controlling the service lift assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle service location 10 having a pit 30 with a service lift assembly 20. The service lift assembly 20 has a lift mechanism 22 and a platform 24 sized to form a pit cover according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The service lift assembly 20 is shown installed and mounted to the pit floor 32. The lift mechanism 22 may be a scissor assembly 50, or other suitable lift assembly. As illustrated in the drawings, the lift mechanism 22 may be covered with a protective bellows 26 to conceal the lift mechanism 22 and cover any pinch-points to prevent users from injury.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of pit opening 12 where the platform 24 is in an elevated position that is generally coplanar with the floor 14 of the service bay 10. The service pit 30 is a recessed area located beneath the service bay floor of a vehicle maintenance facility, specifically designed to enable efficient access to the undersides of vehicles. The service pit 30 generally includes a rectangular service pit 30 opening sized to accommodate a variety of vehicle sizes, allowing vehicles to be positioned above it for maintenance tasks such as inspections, oil changes, and repairs. The service pit 30 itself comprises vertical sidewalls 16 defining a rectangular perimeter. A pit floor 32 is positioned below the service floor 14, thereby creating adequate working space beneath vehicles. As shown in FIG. 2, the platform 24 is sized to generally enclose the entire pit opening 12. For example, the platform 24 may be 36 inches to 48 inches wide and have a length of 10 feet to 20 feet long or longer. However, the platform 24 may be any suitable size to fit in the pit opening 12.

[0030] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a top perspective view of the pit opening 12 and lift assembly 20 at various height positions, while FIGS. 5-6 illustrate the lift assembly 20 from a side view from within the pit 30.

[0031] FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 show the platform 24 in an intermediate retracted position in the service pit 30 and below the service floor 14. In the intermediate configuration, the lift platform 24 is positioned at a working height within the service pit 30, elevated from the pit floor 32 to facilitate convenient access to the underside of vehicles during maintenance procedures such as oil changes, inspections, or repairs. Typically, this intermediate height is selected based on ergonomic considerations, placing the platform 24 approximately 2 feet to 6 feet below the service floor 14, allowing technicians to comfortably stand or sit beneath a vehicle without undue physical strain.At this intermediate position, mechanics and service personnel can comfortably access the underside of vehicles to perform routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, inspections, and minor repairs. A significant advantage of the adjustable- height feature is its flexibility to accommodate technicians of varying heights, allowing each individual to set the platform 24 to a preferred working height that reduces physical strain and fatigue. Additionally, the adjustable- height capability enables positioning the platform 24 optimally for different tasks, ensuring proper clearance and accessibility for various vehicle types and maintenance procedures. This flexibility in height adjustment enhances workplace ergonomics, improves safety, and contributes to increased productivity in vehicle servicing operations.

[0032] FIGS. 4-5 show the platform 24 in a second retracted position being fully lowered in the pit 30 below the service floor 14. In the fully retracted position, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, the lift platform 24 is lowered closest to the pit floor 32, and in some embodiments may be resting only slightly above the pit floor 32. This fully lowered configuration enables technicians to step onto the platform easily and safely 24 from the pit floor 32 or from short stairs positioned within the service pit 30, simplifying entry and exit without climbing or extensive movement. Positioning the platform 24 at this lowermost level provides several practical advantages, including easier loading or unloading of equipment, improved accessibility for servicing lower vehicle components, and convenient positioning for initial inspections or preparations before raising the vehicle. Additionally, fully lowering the platform 24 allows for unobstructed use of the service pit 30 when certain maintenance tasks require maximum vertical space, significantly enhancing overall workspace flexibility and safety within the service area. FIG. 5 shows a technician can easily access the platform 24 from the floor or with the help of short stairs. FIG. 6 shows the service lift assembly 20 as it is being raised with the technician so that the technician can service the underside of the vehicle through the pit opening 12. The service lift assembly 20 and platform 24 may be infinitely adjustable to provide for various heights of technicians or various vehicles.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, when the lift assembly 20 is in a raised position, the platform 24 of the service lift assembly 20 is generally parallel with the service floor 14 and the vehicle can safely drive into a service position, as directed by the technician and the vehicle is being positioned over the service lift assembly 20. In this raised configuration, the platform 24 fully encloses the pit opening 12, providing a continuous surface that substantially improvesworkplace safety by eliminating hazards typically associated with an exposed pit, such as accidental falls or injuries. Traditionally, separate pit covers — such as roll-out tarps, removable metal plates, or grates — are used to cover open pits when not in use. However, utilizing the lift platform 24 itself as an integrated pit cover removes the need for these additional covers, significantly simplifying pit operation, reducing time and labor spent on handling and storage, and decreasing maintenance requirements. This combined functionality enhances both safety and efficiency within the service area.

[0034] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the lift mechanism 22 is capable of extending the lift platform 24 vertically to two distinct operational positions. In the first position, the platform 24 is raised to be generally coplanar with the service floor 14, fully enclosing the pit opening 12, enabling safe and convenient vehicle positioning. In the second, higher position, the platform 24 is further extended above the level of the service floor 14, allowing the vehicle to be lifted completely off the ground. This elevated position is particularly advantageous as it enables technicians to efficiently perform tasks such as tire changes / rotations, brake services, or suspension inspections in addition to routine procedures like oil changes. Combining these functionalities within a single lift assembly 20 significantly reduces overall service time, increases productivity, and decreases operational costs by eliminating the need for separate lifting equipment or additional setup processes.

[0035] The lifting assembly 20 may raise and lower the platform 24 with a lift mechanism 22. In FIGS. 9-12, the lift assembly 20 is illustrated with the bellows 26 being transparent so that the lift mechanism 22 can be shown in more detail. As shown in in the embodiment in FIGS. 9-12, the lift mechanism 22 is a scissor assembly 50 that extends between a base 52 positioned on the pit floor 32 and the lower side 54 of the platform 24. Alternative lift assemblies that may be substituted for the scissor assembly include hydraulic post lifts, screw-driven lift mechanisms, cable and pulleys, or parallelogram-type lifts using pivoting arms could also be used to achieve vertical positioning of the lift platform 24.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, the scissor assembly 50 includes two scissor links 60, 70 arranged vertically in series. Each scissor link forms an “X” pattern with elongated scissor arms. A lower pair of elongated scissor arms 62 are pivotally connected at a lower pivot point 64 to forma lower scissor link 60. Similarly, an upper pair of scissor arms 72 are pivotally connected at an upper pivot point 74 to create an upper scissor link 70. These lower and upper scissor links 60, 70 are pivotally interconnected end-to-end, allowing them to expand and contract in the vertical direction. The coordinated movement of the lower and upper scissor links 60, 70 enables controlled vertical raising and lowering of the lift platform 24 relative to the pit floor 32, providing stable and precise positioning for vehicle maintenance and servicing tasks. Additional scissor links may also be incorporated into the assembly to achieve greater vertical reach or adjustability. A key advantage of scissor linkages is their inherent stability and structural strength, as well as their compact footprint when fully retracted, which provides optimal space efficiency and safety in confined service environments such as vehicle pits 30.

[0037] Each of the lower and upper scissor links 60, 70 includes two pairs of scissor arms 62, 72 positioned in parallel alignment. These parallel pairs of scissor arms 62, 72 are spaced apart laterally at a width dimension generally matching the width of the lift platform 24. This parallel and spaced arrangement provides lateral stability and structural integrity to the platform 24 as it moves vertically. The two pairs of scissor arms 62, 72 in each scissor link 60, 70 may be laterally connected to each other at their ends, at their central pivot points 64, 74, and / or through intermediate connection bars 80. These lateral connections 80 enhance the rigidity and strength of the scissor assembly 50, help maintain alignment of the scissor arms 62, 72 during vertical movement and contribute to balanced load distribution. By aligning the scissor arms 62, 72 with the platform’s width and incorporating these lateral connections 80, the lift mechanism 22 ensures minimal lateral sway or tilting and allows platform 24 to be closely fit within the pit opening 12 with minimal gaps, thereby providing a safe and secure pit cover.

[0038] The scissor assembly 50 includes an actuator 90 operatively connected to at least one of the scissor links 60, 70, configured to apply a controlled force that causes the scissor lift mechanism 50 to expand or contract vertically. The actuator 90 may comprise a single hydraulic cylinder 92 strategically coupled to both the upper and lower scissor links 70, 60 at locations offset from their respective central pivot points 74, 64. Specifically, the first end of the hydraulic cylinder 92 is positioned adjacent to the pit floor 32 and near a distal end of the lower scissor arm 62, while the second end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the upper scissor link 70 at an intermediate position, such as the lateral connection bar 80 along the upper scissor arms 72, offset from theupper pivot point 74. By connecting the hydraulic cylinder 92 in the offset arrangement, actuation efficiently transfers force to simultaneously expand or contract both scissor links 60, 70, providing controlled raising or lowering of the lift platform 24.[00391 The actuators 90, such as hydraulic cylinders 92, can be strategically positioned between the two pairs of parallel scissor arms 62, 72 of each of the lower and upper scissor links 60, 70. By locating the actuators 90 centrally between these parallel scissor arm pairs 62, 72, the lifting force is distributed evenly, reducing lateral stress and ensuring stable, smooth vertical motion. This placement enhances the compactness and structural integrity of the lift mechanism 22, allowing it to effectively handle significant loads. The lift mechanism 22 can achieve robust lifting capacities, typically ranging from about 2,000 pounds (lbs) to 12,000 lbs or more, enabling safe and efficient elevation of vehicles or heavy trucks.[0040| The lift assembly 20 further includes at least one pair of guide rails 94 extending vertically between the pit floor 32 and the service floor 14 that may provide additional guidance and stability during the vertical movement of the platform 24. As shown in FIGS. 9-12, two pairs of guide rails 94 are generally positioned at or near the corners of the pit opening 12, where they effectively interact with complementary guide features 96 attached to corresponding corners of the lift platform 24. These guide features 96, which may include rollers, guide pins, sliding pads, or other known mechanisms suitable for engaging with rails, smoothly engage and follow along the guide rails 94 as the lift platform 24 is raised or lowered. By maintaining constant engagement between the rails 94 and guide features 96, the lift assembly 20 ensures linear vertical travel, significantly enhancing lateral stability, reducing sway, and preventing misalignment of the platform 24 with the pit opening 12.

[0041] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and in greater detail in FIGS. 14-15, the service lift assembly 20 may include a lift accessory 40 extending upward from the upper surface 56 of the lift platform 24, designed to directly contact and support the vehicle as the platform 24 is elevated above the service floor 14. The accessory 40 typically comprises a support arm 42, or a plurality of support arms, including a crossbeam 44 that extends across the width of the platform 24. Attached to these support bars 42 are lifting pads 46, specifically configured to engage securely with the vehicle's frame or designated lifting points. The support arms can also be adjusted alongthe length of the platform 24, allowing technicians to position them accurately beneath the vehicle. As illustrated, the lift assembly 20 configuration may include two support arms 42 suitable for smaller vehicles, such as passenger cars, or four or more support arms to accommodate heavy trucks and larger vehicles, thereby providing versatility and efficient support across various vehicle types and sizes.

[0042] The lift accessory 40 further includes wheels or rollers configured to roll freely along the top surface of the lift platform 24, allowing easy and precise positioning of the lift accessory along the platform’s length. The rolling capability enables technicians to reposition the accessory quickly and easily to accurately align with specific lifting points or structural components beneath a vehicle. When the lift platform 24 is raised above the service floor 14 to lift the vehicle, the wheels of the lift accessory compress under the load, effectively transferring the vehicle's weight directly onto the lift platform 24. Additionally, the lift accessory 40 may include an engagement bracket 48 or similar retention mechanism that ensures the accessory remains securely engaged and properly aligned with the platform 24, even while rolling on the wheels. The lift accessory 40 may also be removed from the lift assembly 20 when it is not needed or when operations are completed.

[0043] The service lift assembly 20 may also have a control system 100 to ensure the platform is safely raised and lowered. The control system, as illustrated in FIG. 15, comprises a controller 102 operatively connected to the actuator 90, such as one or more hydraulic cylinders 92. The system 100 includes integrated hydraulic controls 102, valves 106, velocity controls 108, and various safety sensors and safety controls 110, all in communication with the central controller 102 to control the elevation of the lift platform safely and precisely 24. These components work in coordination to ensure smooth, responsive, and safe vertical movement of the platform 24. The controller 102 may be mounted on the scissor assembly 50 for easy access to local components or mounted in any suitable location.

[0044] Among the safety sensors is a toe safety bar 112 mounted adjacent the top surface 56 of the platform 24. The safety bar 112 functions as a contact-sensitive safety device that detects the presence of an obstruction — such as a technician’s toe, foot, or other body part — when the platform 24 is being raised into the pit opening 12. If contact is detected, the sensor 112 signals the controller 102 to immediately stop or reverse the lift movement to prevent pinching or injury. Additionalsafety logic includes a restriction that prevents the platform 24 from being fully lowered while a technician is on it and an operator presence requirement at floor level for the platform 24 to be raised flush with the service floor 14, ensuring that it is not inadvertently closed on a person or object.

[0045] The lift assembly 20 may also include a handheld input device 120 in communication with the controller 102, configured to transmit operational commands for raising and lowering the lift platform 24. This input device 120 may be implemented as either a wired control unit connected directly to the lift assembly 20 or as a wireless remote, offering flexibility in operation depending on the service environment and technician preference. The input device may include user-friendly controls such as buttons, switches, or a joystick, allowing the operator to intuitively adjust the elevation of the platform 24. By enabling remote operation, the handheld device 120 enhances technician safety by allowing them to stand at a safe distance while the platform 24 is in motion and improves workflow efficiency by eliminating the need to manually access fixed controls.

[0046] The lift mechanism 22 may include a safety control 110 such as a mechanical or hydraulic locking feature designed to secure the lift platform 24 in place when raised to a designated height. This locking system enhances safety by preventing unintended descent due to hydraulic pressure loss or mechanical failure. The locking mechanism may comprise locking pins, mechanical latches, or hydraulic check valves that engage automatically when the platform 24 reaches a predetermined elevation. The locking feature may be integrated with the control system. For example, the controller 102 may monitor the position of the platform 24 and control the engagement and release of the locking mechanism. Sensors may confirm successful locking before allowing further platform 24 movement or vehicle servicing operations. Additionally, the system may prevent the platform 24 from lowering until the locking mechanism is fully disengaged, ensuring safe and controlled transitions during lift operation.

[0047] The lift assembly 20 may also incorporate a range of additional electrical and hydraulic controls 104 designed to enhance operational safety and system reliability. For example, the control system 100 may include hydraulic safety valves that automatically restrict fluid flow in the event of a line failure or sudden pressure drop, thereby preventing unintended platform 24 descent. A velocity fuse may also be included in the hydraulic circuit to detect and respond to rapid,uncontrolled movement of hydraulic fluid, locking the system if the descent speed exceeds a safe threshold. Additionally, an overpressure relief valve may be provided to protect the hydraulic system from excessive internal pressure, automatically venting fluid when pressure levels exceed a designated safety limit. The control valves, switches, fuses, and other control devices are in communication with the controller 102 to monitor system conditions, respond to abnormal operating states, and ensure safe operation of the lift platform 24 during all phases of use.

[0048] It is recognized that the control system, controls and controllers may include various microprocessors, integrated circuits, memory devices (e.g., FLASH, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or other suitable variants thereof), and software which co-act with one another to perform operation(s) disclosed herein. In addition, the controllers utilize one or more microprocessors to execute a computer-program that is embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium that is programmed to perform any number of the functions as disclosed. Further, the controllers include a housing and the various number of microprocessors, integrated circuits, and memory devices (e.g., FLASH, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) are positioned within the housing. The controllers also include hardware-based inputs and outputs for receiving and transmitting data, respectively from and to other hardware-based devices.

[0049] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A service lift assembly for use in a vehicle service location having a pit with a pit opening in a service floor and the pit having a pit floor below the service floor, wherein the lift assembly comprises: a lift platform being generally planar; a lift mechanism configured to be mounted to the pit floor at a first end and attached at a second end to the lift platform; wherein in at least one retracted position, the lift mechanism is positioned a working distance below the service floor within the pit, wherein the lift mechanism extends a first distance to raise the lift platform to be generally coplanar with a service floor, and the lift mechanism extends a second distance to raise the lift platform above the service floor.

2. The service lift assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lift mechanism comprises a scissor assembly configured to move substantially vertically between the retracted position and the second distance.

3. The service lift assembly according to claim 2, wherein the scissor assembly comprises: a lower pair of support arms pivotally connected at a first scissor point to define a lower scissor link, and an upper pair of support arms pivotally connected at a second scissor point forming an upper scissor link, wherein the lower and upper scissor links are pivotally connected vertically in series and operate in coordination to vertically raise and lower the lift platform relative to the pit floor.

4. The service lift assembly according to claim 3, wherein each of the lower and upper scissor links includes two pairs of support arms spaced apart in a width dimension generally corresponding to a width of the lift platform5. The service lift assembly according to claim 3, further comprising an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the scissor links, wherein the actuator applies a force that causes the scissor assembly to expand or contract in the vertical direction.

6. The service lift assembly according to claim 5, wherein the actuator comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder.

7. The service lift assembly according to claim 6, wherein the actuator is operatively coupled to the upper and lower scissor links at locations offset from the first and second central pivot points, such that the hydraulic cylinder actuates the upper and lower scissor links to raise and lower the lift platform.

8. The service lift assembly according to claim 5, wherein the actuator comprises two hydraulic cylinders, wherein a first end of each of the two hydraulic cylinders is connected to the lower scissor link and the second end of each of the two hydraulic cylinder is connected to the upper scissor link.

9. The service lift assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one pair of guide rails extending between a base positioned on the pit floor, and the service floor; and at least one pair of guide features attached to the lift platform that engage the guide rails to help maintain lateral stability and ensure linear vertical movement of the lift platform during operation.

10. The service lift assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a lift accessory extending from an upper surface of the lift platform to contact support a vehicle as the lift platform extends above the service floor.

11. The service lift assembly according to claim 10, wherein the lift accessory comprises a support arm extending across the width of the platform.

12. The service lift assembly according to claim 11, wherein the support arms include lifting pads configured to contact with the vehicle's frame or lifting point.

13. The service lift assembly according to claim 11, wherein the lift accessory includes wheels that roll along a top surface of the lifting platform so the lift accessory is adjustable along a length of the lift platform to be positioned under the vehicle for lifting, wherein when the lift platform is lifted to above the service floor and the vehicle is lifted, the wheels compress and the load is transferred to the lift platform.

14. The service lift assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a controller in communication with the actuator to control the actuator to adjust the elevation of the lift platform.

15. The service lift assembly according to claim 14, further comprising at least one safety sensor positioned adjacent the lift platform.

16. The service lift assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a handheld input device in communication with the controller and configured to transmit operational commands for raising and lowering the lift platform.

17. A service lift assembly for use in a vehicle service location having a pit with a pit opening in a service floor and a pit floor below the service floor, the service lift assembly comprising: a lift platform vertically movable within the pit; a lift mechanism positioned on the pit floor and operatively connected to the lift platform, wherein the lift mechanism comprises a scissor assembly configured to move the lift platform between a retracted position below the service floor and one or more raised positions, wherein in the raised position, the lift platform is generally coplanar with the service floor and configured to substantially enclose the pit opening to allow a vehicle to be driven over or positioned above the lift platform;an actuator operatively connected to the lift mechanism for moving the lift mechanism between the retracted position and the one or more raised positions; a controller in communication with the actuator and programmed to: receive a first operator input to position the lift platform is also at a first height within the pit configured for a technician to access the underside of a vehicle positioned above the pit; send a command to the actuator to move the lift platform to the first height; receive a second operator input to extend the lift platform to a second height above the service floor, such that a vehicle supported on the platform may be elevated for service; send a command to the actuator to move the lift platform to the second height.

18. The service lift assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a first safety control feature in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is programmed to send a command to the actuator to limit raising of the lift platform based on one or more conditions of the first safety control feature.

19. The service lift assembly according to claim 18, wherein second control features includes at least one of a pressure sensor, presence sensor, and operator input devices to verify safe raising conditions.

20. The service lift assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a second control feature in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is programmed to send a command configured to restrict lowering of the lift platform.

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