Mb Associates

Sol L Morrison

Donald F Adamski

A bus boarder for a wheelchair and its occupant and for the ambulatory impeded, embodies an elevator platform which is mounted within the entrance area at the front of the bus. The floor and the steps at the entrance are removed and a U-shaped reinforcing frame forms a well for the elevator platform. The elevator platform and its operating mechanism are so constructed that the doors open against each side of the entrance opening as originally provided for the bus. The elevator platform is lowerable to the ground or curbstone with the steps folded into a ramp for the wheelchair which is moved thereon by its occupant or an attendant and onto the platform. A fare box is mounted on a pivoted arm which is rotatable horizontally into a well in the bus dashboard, so as not to impede either the vertical motion of the elevator platform, or the maneuvering of the wheelchair thereon. The wheelchair occupant enters the platform backwards if the chair is of extended size, or if of standard size either forward or backward. The wheelchair and occupant are raised to the floor area located above the bus wheels (the 'transport area') and a transfer table is moved from beneath the transport area to the area between the elevator platform and the side wall of the bus above the step well. The wheelchair occupant can then drop a fare in the fare box, move forward onto the table and then to the transport area if the chair has entered backward. Once on the transport area, the wheelchair occupant can execute a 180.degree. turn, set his brake, fasten his optional seat belt, and ride facing forwardly. If the chair has entered forward, the occupant backs onto the transport area and rides facing forward. In either case, before disembarking, the wheelchair if of extended size makes a 180.degree. turn so as to back onto the platform, from which position the occupant can leave the bus facing the door. A rail mounted in cantilever on the outer forward corner of the platform permits the ambulatory handicapped and elderly to steady themselves when standing upon the platform and being raised therewith. The transport area is of sufficient length to accommodate two wheelchairs facing forwardly. A horizontal rail and two vertical spaced rails are provided on the aisle edge of the platform and at its back for use by nonhandicapped passengers, as well as to provide a protective constraint for the wheelchair occupants. A raised lip is further provided along the aisle edge of the transport area to prevent the wheelchair from rolling off while making the 180.degree. turn.

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Sierra Madre, CA, United States of America

Sol L Morrison