US Patent 7717663 Lift mechanism for utility vehicles

A powered lift mechanism for stowing and deploying scooters relative to the cargo area of a conventional SUV. The lift mechanism comprises an L-shaped box-section boom which is pivotally attached to the D-pillar on the inside of the SUV cargo area so as to leave the floor of the cargo area available. A powered linear actuator controls the angle of the boom relative to the D-pillar mounting structure to raise and lower the loaded scooter. The entire lift mechanism swings in the vehicle and permits the lift gate to be fully closed with both the lift mechanism and the scooter stored within the SUV. A releasable suspension linkage is also disclosed.