Kurt H. Cushwa
Architects in Hagerstown, MD

6175982, Jan 23, 2001

Apr 14, 1999

9/294067

Kurt Hale Cushwa - Hagerstown MD

E01D 1800, B63B 2714

14 695

The Geared Wheelchair Ramp is a wheelchair lift system designed to be a substitute for conventional ramps used to allow accessibility between floor levels. The key of the invention is a gearing system that allows the occupant of a modified wheelchair to go up or down moderate level changes under his own power using the same or less effort required for a conventional ramp. The advantage being that the geared wheelchair ramp requires only a small fraction of the space and is less expensive than a conventional ramp.

5624009, Apr 29, 1997

Feb 14, 1996

8/601423

Kevin S. Benjamin - Portland ME
Kurt H. Cushwa - Hagerstown MD

B66B 908

187201

A wheelchair lift system enabling wheelchair accessibility between stair levels for persons incapable of traversing stairs under their own power. The key of the invention is a free-rolling, wheeled platform suspended between two arcuate tracks which are lifted and lowered by synchronized, reversible, worm-gear drive mechanisms. The platform and tracks are mounted on a frame in which also resides peripheral equipment needed to raise and lower the system. A seven-foot-high portal frame supports the drive mechanism which comprises pivoting, worm-gear type drive motors, turning long worm-gears extending vertically downward from the top of the frame to the floor and engaging pivoting worm-gear heads that are attached to the arcuate tracks, while allowing normal access to the stairs.