Retractable shutter for continuously covering the pit of a movable

Abstract

A retractable shutter for continuously covering the pit of a movable vehicle lift post which along with a fixed lift post is used to elevate vehicles of various lengths comprises two series of articulated panels positioned on one side and the other of the movable lift post at floor level in order to completely cover the pit opening. The articulated panels are horizontally guided at the opening level by horizontal guide rails mounted on the longitudinal walls of the pit and, at each end of the pit, by arcuate guide rails which then extend downwards in order to accommodate the excess of articulated panels depending on the relative position of the movable lift post along the pit. Therefore, when the movable lift post is displaced horizontally in the pit, it causes the two series of articulated panels to displace therewith, some panels emerging from the pit at one of its extremities, whereas other panels retract therein at its other extremity. Consequently, the shutter continuously covers the opening defined by the pit for every position of the movable lift post therein. The articulated panels engage the guide rails by way of carrying axials which also act as articulations between each pair of successive panels.