General Information

Serial #

Prototype

Part Number

1

Total Parts

2

AKA

N/A

Patents

N/A

General Description

Various metals, fabric seat, rubber handles at steering wheel and synthetic covered wires.

Dimensions

Note: These reflect the general size for storage and are not necessarily representative of the object's true dimensions.

Length

472.0 cm

Width

223.0 cm

Height

183.0 cm

Thickness

N/A

Weight

1700.0

Diameter

N/A

Volume

N/A

Lexicon

Group

Motorized Ground Transportation

Category

Automotive parts

Sub-Category

N/A

Manufacturer

AKA

KVB

Country

Canada

State/Province

Ontario

City

Smiths Falls

Context

Country

Canada

State/Province

Ontario

Period

1988 - 2008

Canada

This is the prototype of an innovative technology both designed by a Canadian and manufactured in Canada. The significance of this vehicle with the Elaine Anne lift system. The vehicle itself, as a Chevy Blazer has no significance. This vehicle represents a Canadian designed and built system to facilitate access and operation by severely disabled drivers. It is a prototype, named after the disabled, quadriplegic, daughter of the designer, Mr. Cliff Woods. What began as an effort to facilitate the mobility of a loved-one injured in an accident, has evolved into a small, but notable business, KVB Manufacturing, serving a group of people who would otherwise be much more dependent upon others for their basic transportation needs.

Function

Elaine Anne lift system, a prototype for an unassisted driver's lift for disabled drivers, installed in an 1988 Chevy Blazer.

Technical

The Elaine Anne lift system represents a significant Canadian contribution to improving the life and mobility of people with physical disabilities, through technology. It is a highly flexible and well-integrated system. The design is such that it allows the disabled person both easier access and egress from the vehicle, along with greater choice in the type of vehicle they may wish to drive. In these respects it is superior to other existing systems. This is the prototype of the Elaine Anne lift system. The system was purpose designed to meet the following ten-point criteria: 1) The lift had to have a platform to receive a person in a wheelchair at ground level. 2) The platform had to lock the wheelchair in position on the platform. 3) The platform will raise to the elevation of the floor on the vehicle. 4) The platform will move sideways into the driving position behind the steering wheel. 5) The lift will fold up under the armrest on the door. 6) The door will close. 7) The platform will move ahead to position the driver properly behind the steering wheel. 8) A head rest will move into position to protect the driver from whiplash or a broken back from a rear end collision. Exit shall be the reverse of enter. 9) Reduced effort steering and braking must be incorporated to allow for the reduced strength of a quadriplegic. 10) The wheelchair and the wheelchair occupant must be restrained in case of an accident to withstand 20 G's.

Area Notes

Unknown

Details

Markings

None apparent

Missing

N/A

Finish

Lift is made of several parts; The frame is polished metal and black painted metal. This is attached to the driver's seat which is made of blue velvet fabric. The ramp is metal. Components attaching the lift system to the streering wheel are made of metal and have synthetic wires. The part that attaches to the steering wheel is made of metal, wrapped in rubber.

Decoration

N/A