Area: POST_POLIO Date : Jul 29 '94, 21:34 Dir From : Tom Mckeever 1:374/22.0 To : All Subj : Vanlift Info (From MOBILITY Echo) ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ @MSGID: 1:374/22 86EE3AEE Greetings, All!! Following info scrounged from the SPINAL INJURY Echo: #1November 1991 A van is a practical method of transportation for someone using a wheelchair. Vans equipped with automatic lifts are convenient because they can eliminate difficult or awkward transfers and the difficulties of loading and unloading a wheelchair. They also provide easy transportation for non-folding wheelchairs, and heavy powered wheelchairs. There are many variables and optional features to consider when choosing a van lift. There are different types, such as platform or rotary. There are also two types of platform lifts, those using linear vertical tracks or the parallel arm type which uses a parabolic line of travel. Compatibility can be an issue as not all van lifts fit all models of vans. The type of operation, such as electric or hydraulic, may also be an important decision in extreme climates and temperatures. Another decision is whether to get a mini-van or a full size van. The driver's ability to transfer to the standard driver's seat is a critical consideration in this decision. The driver's view is obscured by the top of the windshield when sitting in a wheelchair. This is resolved by dropping the floor in the driver's area, but mini-van floors cannot be dropped because of their construction. Mini-vans can also cost more to convert for wheelchair use because they require more modifications to install the special equipment. On the other hand, they are smaller, easier to park, and more economical to drive. At this time there are no universal standards for van lifts or any other van modifications needed to accommodate wheelchairs or drivers with disabilities. Standards establish the criteria for technical control, product performance and quality assurance, and while a few states or agencies have guidelines,most are not performance oriented or uniform. In 1987 the Society of Automotive Engineers established a sub-committee to undertake the difficult task of preparing standards or recommended design practices for equipment for people with disabilities as related to transportation. The mission of the task force is to establish performance standards that will provide a base line of performance that can be universally used by all manufacturers to validate the safety, integrity, and performance of these products without inhibiting the designers' ingenuity. CHOOSING A VAN LIFT * If you are installing a van lift on an existing van, it is important to identify what lifts are compatible with the make, model and year of the van,then choose among those lifts for the style or brand that has the most desired features. * In converting a van many installers refuse to cut the frame of a vehicle to accommodate the required modifications for specific equipment. Cutting the frame of a van usually voids the manufacturer's warranties. If you already have a van, it is important to discuss with the installer whether it can b converted safely. It may be necessary to consider selling an existing van and purchasing a model that is more suitable for conversion. * If you are purchasing a new van you may want to choose the style and brand of lift first. A model of van can then be purchased that is compatible with that lift. * If you live in a snowbelt or desert region the reliable operation of a lift in extreme climates and temperatures is important. A specific brand may perform well in prolonged hot or freezing temperatures. Some systems may not work well in heavy snow. * The type of parking you most often encounter is an important consideration in choosing the style of lift. Parallel and pull-in parking needs should be considered as they can affect the choice of specific brands or styles of lifts, and the choice of side or rear installation. * If you have an existing wheelchair, compatibility with the style, size, and brand of that wheelchair is also a critical part of the decision. Some wheelchairs have a wheelbase that is too long for the platform of many van lifts, particularly the three wheeled scooter-type powered wheelchairs. * The options available with the various lifts may also be important to consider, including the availability of a manual emergency back-up system to lower the lift if the drive system fails. STYLES OF VAN LIFTS Platform L32 A platform lift folds out from the van similar to a drawbridge, and requires perpendicular access to load or unload a wheelchair. When parallel parking on a street the lift easily crosses the space between the van and the curb. It also uses minimal storage space within the van, folding upright against the door. When using a pull-in type of parking space, the equivalent of two parking spaces (eight to ten feet) is needed to lower the platform lift and load or unload a wheelchair. This is a problem if other drivers park cars too close to the side of the van. A platform lift can also be installed on the rear door of the van, but this often requires loading or unloading the wheelchair in a traffic lane. Rear door mounting also eliminates the use of space for extra passenger seats. Most platform lifts block the normal use of the door by ambulatory passengers, requiring operation of the lift to open the passageway. There is one style which allows the platform to be folded in half, opening up access to ambulatory passengers through half of the width of the door (e.g.,VanGater by Crow River Industries). There are two types of platform lifts. In one, the platform rides on linear vertical tracks and these usually have fewer moving parts but they also tend to be very heavy (in the 400 pound class). The other type uses double parallelogram arms giving the platform a parabolic line of travel. These have fewer potential shear points where parts of the chair, clothing or the passenger can be caught during lift operation, somewhat less clearance is needed for loading and unloading due to the horizontal platform travel but they usually have a shorter platform length and the increased number of pivot points usually need more regular maintenance. Rotary Lifts A rotary lift is mounted to a vertical post and rotates outward from the side door on its vertical axis. It uses access parallel to the van to load or unload a wheelchair. It usually operates within the width of the open front door or approximately three feet. When usin g pull-in parking spaces, operation requires enough room to open the front passenger door completely. If the spaces are narrow or other cars are parked too closely to open the passenger door fully there will not be enough space to operate the lift. Parallel parking by curbs presents some difficulty for rotary van lifts. The van must either be as close as possible to the curb to lower the lift on the grass or sidewalk, or far enough away from the curb to lower the lift completely onto the street. If the platform of the lift is partly over the curb it is impossible to load or unload a wheelchair. The rotary style lift can only be used with side doors and it does not fold for storage and uses much more space within the van. This may interfere with rear passenger seating. It also blocks normal use of the side door by ambulatory passengers. Overhead Strap Lift This lift uses an arm with nylon straps that attach to four points on the wheelchair and hook onto the arm of the lift. The lift has no platform and uses little storage space in the van. The lift can be installed in van or motor-home doors that are a minimum of 30 inches wide, or 2+ inches wider than the wheelchair. The wheelchair is loaded and unloaded perpendicular to the van, but less space is required because there is no platform to lower. TYPES OF OPERATION * Electric: All electric lifts require a low operating amperage and is powered by the vehicle's 12-volt battery. Most electric lifts are lighter in weight. They operate consistently in temperature extremes. Some are quieter than others. A spare battery can be installed for emergency backup power. * Hydraulic: Also known as electro-hydraulic, this type of lift uses electric motors wired to the vehicle's battery to power fluid flow through hydraulic cylinders. The cylinders guide the lift up and down and, in fully automatic lifts, the folding and unfolding operations of the lift. Hydraulic lifts are heavier and more durable but the hydraulic fluid may not operate well in extremely cold weather and the hoses need to be checked to avoid leakages. * Fully Automatic: All lift operations (i.e., folding, unfolding, raising,lowering) are completely automatic by use of remote switches. * Semi-automatic: The platform of the lift is folded and unfolded manually by an attendant. Motors drive the up and down operations by use of remote switches. WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN SYSTEM If someone is going to remain in a wheelchair while riding in a van, special tie-down or restraint systems for the wheelchair and seat belts for the person must be used for safety. Wheelchairs are not designed to withstand the forces of gravity like an automobile seat, and can be tipped over easily by even a minor collision or sudden braking. A tiedown system should be installed in each place a wheelchair will be positioned in the van. This includes the driver's position, and the front passenger position or rear passenger positions. A backup tie-down system for the wheelchair should be considered (two tie-down systems used simultaneously); in major accidents some tie-down systems have been known to release on impact. It is also very important that a standard seat belt, separate from the wheelchair tie-down system, be used for the person in the wheelchair. The wheelchair tie-down system only stops the chair from tipping or moving, it does not stop the person from being thrown out of the chair in a collision. OPTIONAL FEATURES * A raised roof may be needed to allow a tall person to sit upright, or to accommodate a high reclining back and headrest on a wheelchair. A raised door may be required if the platform was lengthened to fit an individual's wheelchair. * To achieve the proper eye level to drive from a wheelchair a portion of the floor may need to be lowered. Local policies and regulations vary on how this can be done and to what type of vans (e.g., California allows no structural modifications to vehicles with unit body construction). * An automatic lock for a flap at the end of the platform to prevent the chair from rolling off the edge of the platform while in mid-air. * A hand crank for manual operation if there is a power failure. These require an attendant to operate but will allow the lift to be lowered in emergencies. * Controls: Various types of control switches are available for operating the lift up and down, folding and unfolding, and a powered door operator. These can be mounted in multiple locations for the convenience of a person in a wheelchair or an attendant. Full sets of controls can be mounted near the driver's seat, and in a locking compartment on the exterior of the van. An up and down control can be mounted on the lift. * Other van accessories: power seat, power door, portable ramp, lowered floor, raised top, low effort and zero effort steering, low effort braking, hand controls, power parking brake, auto hand rail, auto safety barrier, and remote starters and door openers. ALTERNATIVES TO VAN LIFTS Ramps can be used with all vans. Folding ramps can be bolted to the floor inside the side or rear door. When not in use the ramp folds in half and stores in an upright position just inside the door. Portable ramps or folding tracks can also be used. These are not permanently fastened and must be repositioned for each use. Some ramps have foot cleats or steps in the center portion to provide better footing for the attendant pushing the wheelchair,but these cannot be used with the three-wheeled scooter type wheelchairs. Some mini-vans can be purchased with a ramp already in place. Wheelchair loaders and carriers provide other options. Loaders can be mounted in a van,the trunk of a car, or in the back of a pick-up truck to load the wheelchair into the vehicle after the person has transferred from the chair. Various models of wheelchair carriers are available for manual and powered wheelchairs. Carriers are available that can be mounted to the bumper trailer hitch, or on the top of the car. "Kneeling" conversions are also available for mini-vans. Using a remote control switch the floor of the van lowers closer to the ground to allow use of a ramp with a minimal grade for entry or egress. The ramp opens and closes automatically during the kneeling operation. The door and ramp can be manually operated during emergencies. The kneeling feature can be purchased on a van or installed on an existing van but it can only be used with selected mini-vans, check with manufacturers. Bibliography "Aids for the Disabled Driver"; Paraplegia News, Vol 36 No 6, June 1982; pp 46-54. Ford & Duckworth; Physical Management for the Quadriplegic Patients; 2nd ed.;Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company; 1987; pp 601-605. Garee, E; Going Places in Your Own Vehicle; Bloomington, IL: Accent Special Publications; 182 Hamilton, L; Why Didn't Somebody Tell Me About These Things: A Collection of lnformation and illustrations of Equipment, Aids, Clothing, Skills and Other Things of Interest for the ALS Patient and Patients with Similar Diseases and Handicapping Conditions; Shawnee Mission, KS: Inter-Collegiate Press; 1984. Latson, L; "Overview of disabled Drivers' Evaluation Process"; American Occupational Therapy Association Physical Disabilities Special Interest Section Newsletter, Vol 10 No 4, December 1987; pp 1,7. Transportation I: A State of the Art Conference on Personal Transportation for Persons with Disabilities; Transportation Rehabilitation Engineering Center, University of Virginia; available from RESNA, Suite 700, 1100 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036. Vehicles and Adaptive Aids for Elderly and Disabled Drivers: A Buyer's Guide Ottawa, Canada: Canadian Government Publishing Centre; 1986. Organization Association of Driver Educators for the Disabled, 33736 LaCrosse, Westland, MI 4813 Manufacturers of Van Lifts Rotary Lifts Braun Corporation PO Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 219/946-6153 or 800/843-5438 Complete Mobility 1901 Oakerest Roseville, MN 55113 612/635-0655 Drive Master Corporation 9 Spielman Road Fairfield, NJ 07004 201/808-96Originator Corporation 832 Northwest 1st Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 305/463-7231 Pick-A-Lift, Inc. 2051 East Edgewood Drive Lakeland, FL 33803 813/665-5355 or 800/328 Ricon Corporation 11684 Tuxford Street Sun Valley, CA 91352 818/768-5890 or 800/322-2884 Tauer Products, Inc. 9801 Robin Oak Road Minnetonka, MN 55343 612/546-98 Platform Lifts Braun Corporation P.O. Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 219/946-6153 or 800/843-5438 Crow River Industries 14800 28th Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55447 612/559-1680 or 800/328-3632 Drive Master Corporation 9 Spielman Road Fairfield, NJ 07004 201/808-9709 Environmental Equipment Corporation 310 Preda Street San Pedro, CA 94577 415/568-1422 Mac's Lift Gate, Inc. 2801 South Street North Long Beach, CA 90805 213/634-5962 Mobile Tech Corporation P.O. Box 2326 Hutchinson, KS 67504-2326 316/663-4441 or 800/835-5007 Pick-A-Lift, Inc. 2051 East Edgewood Drive Lakeland, FL 33803 Rotary Lifts Braun Corporation PO Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 219/946-6153 or 800/843-5438 Complete Mobility 1901 Oakerest Roseville, MN 55113 612/635-0655 Drive Master Corporation 9 Spielman Road Fairfield, NJ 07004 201/808-96Originator Corporation 832 Northwest 1st Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 305/463-7231 Pick-A-Lift, Inc. 2051 East Edgewood Drive Lakeland, FL 33803 813/665-5355 or 800/328 Ricon Corporation 11684 Tuxford Street Sun Valley, CA 91352 818/768-5890 or 800/322-2884 Tauer Products, Inc. 9801 Robin Oak Road Minnetonka, MN 55343 612/546-98 Platform Lifts Braun Corporation P.O. Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 219/946-6153 or 800/843-5438 Crow River Industries 14800 28th Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55447 612/559-1680 or 800/328-3632 Drive Master Corporation 9 Spielman Road Fairfield, NJ 07004 201/808-9709 Environmental Equipment Corporation 310 Preda Street San Pedro, CA 94577 415/568-1422 Mac's Lift Gate, Inc. 2801 South Street North Long Beach, CA 90805 213/634-5962 Mobile Tech Corporation P.O. Box 2326 Hutchinson, KS 67504-2326 316/663-4441 or 800/835-5007 Pick-A-Lift, Inc. 2051 East Edgewood Drive Lakeland, FL 33803 813/665-5355 or 800/328-52 REB Manufacturing, Inc. P.O. Box 276 Carey, OH 433169/396-7651 Ricon Corporation 12450 Montague Street Pacoima, CA 91331 818/768-5890 or 800/322-2884 SFH Products, Inc. 1801 East Medlock Drive Phoenix, AZ 85016 602/265-7370 Time Savers Products, Inc. 9210 Tokay Lane P.O. Box 7147 Sacramento, CA 954916/383-2452 Overhead Strap Lift Handicaps, Inc. 4335 South Santa Fe Drive Englewood, CO 80110 303/781-2062 Kneeling Mini-Vans IMS & Associates 4100 West Piedras Street Farmington, NM 87401-3653 505/326-4538 or 800/622-0623 International Mobility Products, In73915 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78212 512/732-1211 or 800/533-5990 Mednet Kentronic, Inc. 544-546 Wa Wee Nork Battle Creek, MI 49016-0948 616/962-3800 or 800/367-6567 Mobility Technology Corporation P.O. Box 1493 Battle Creek, MI 49016 616/964-7727 The Ford Motor Company has modified the Econoline Van structure on its 1992 vans. The fuel tank has been relocated and makes modifications involving lowering the floor more difficult. By the first quarter of 1992 the company will have a fuel tank modification kit available to facilitate floor lowering. This fact sheet was originally produced by ABLEDATA-Newington Children's Hospital, CT. Now available through ABLEDATA/NARIC, 8455 Colesville Road,Suite 935, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 800/227-0216 or 301/588-9284 V/TT). ABLEDATA is funded by The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education (Contract #HN92026001)