초록 ▼

A method and apparatus are provided for transferring a physically disabled person through a vehicle's driver side door opening to and from a driving position behind the steering wheel of the vehicle. The method and apparatus contemplate the use of a seat assembly, including a seat having a back supp

A method and apparatus are provided for transferring a physically disabled person through a vehicle's driver side door opening to and from a driving position behind the steering wheel of the vehicle. The method and apparatus contemplate the use of a seat assembly, including a seat having a back support, a seat frame, and lift means for lifting and lowering the seat relative to the seat frame. A hinge assembly is mounted inside the vehicle for pivoting the seat assembly about a vertical axis and supports the weight of the seat assembly. The lift means is slidable relative to the hinge assembly. Powered means are mounted to a floor within the vehicle for rotating the seat assembly via the hinge assembly between an outwardly facing position, wherein the lift seat may be lifted or lowered by the lift means outside the vehicle, and an intermediate forwardly facing position inside the vehicle. The powered means also provide for lateral movement of the seat assembly between the intermediate forwardly facing position and a driving position behind the vehicle's steering wheel.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for transferring a physically disabled driver through a vehicle's driver side door opening to and from a driving position behind the steering wheel of the vehicle, comprising:a seat including a back support and a frame for supporting the seat;a hinge assembly

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for transferring a physically disabled driver through a vehicle's driver side door opening to and from a driving position behind the steering wheel of the vehicle, comprising:a seat including a back support and a frame for supporting the seat;a hinge assembly mounted on the driver's side door post of the vehicle for supporting the seat for pivotal movement between a position outside the vehicle facing outwardly from the vehicle and an intermediate position inside the vehicle facing forwardly;means attached to the seat for allowing lateral movement of the seat relative to the hinge assembly between the intermediate forwardly facing position and a driving position behind the steering wheel;powered means for applying force transverse the vehicle to move the seat between the outwardly facing position and the driving position; andlift means carried by the seat frame for lifting the seat to a position to move a disabled driver on the seat into the vehicle and lowering the seat to return the driver to the ground when the seat is in the outwardly facing position.