Platform lift apparatus with integrated ladder for accessing attic storage space

A platform lift apparatus, comprising:

• a mounting frame adapted to be installed in a ceiling, the mounting frame having a ladder coupled thereto, the ladder being adapted to be substantially contained within said mounting frame when stowed and deployable downward to engage a floor below;
• and
• a trolley comprising a drive mechanism including a plurality of lift drums each having an associated lift tether at least partially wound thereon, and a lift platform coupled to each end of said plurality of lift tethers so as to be carried by said trolley, said trolley being moveable laterally with respect to said mounting frame between a first position substantially alongside said mounting frame and a second position aligned vertically with said mounting frame;
• wherein, upon deployment of said ladder and with said trolley in said second position, said lift platform is selectively movable along a length of said ladder by operation of said drive mechanism.

A platform lift apparatus, comprising:

• a mounting frame adapted to be installed in a ceiling, the mounting frame having a deployable ladder coupled thereto, the ladder being adapted to be substantially contained within said mounting frame when stowed and extended downward to engage a floor below when deployed;
• a trolley comprising a drive mechanism including a plurality of lift drums each having an associated lift tether at least partially wound thereon, and a lift platform coupled to each end of said plurality of lift tethers so as to be carried by said trolley;
• and
• at least one track extending laterally from said mounting frame, said trolley further comprising at least one wheel oriented to travel within said at least one track to permit lateral movement of said trolley with respect to said mounting frame between a first position substantially alongside said mounting frame and a second position aligned vertically with said mounting frame;
• wherein, upon deployment of said ladder and with said trolley in said second position, said lift platform is selectively movable along a length of said ladder by operation of said drive mechanism.

A retrofit kit for a mounting frame installed in a ceiling and having a deployable ladder coupled thereto, the ladder being adapted to be substantially contained within said mounting frame when stowed and extended downward to engage a floor below when deployed, the retrofit kit comprising:

• a trolley comprising a drive mechanism including a plurality of lift drums each having an associated lift tether at least partially wound thereon, and a lift platform coupled to each end of said plurality of lift tethers so as to be carried by said trolley;
• and
• at least one track extending laterally from said mounting frame, said trolley further comprising at least one wheel oriented to travel within said at least one track to permit lateral movement of said trolley with respect to said mounting frame between a first position substantially alongside said mounting frame and a second position aligned vertically with said mounting frame;
• wherein, upon deployment of said ladder and with said trolley in said second position, said lift platform is selectively movable along a length of said ladder by operation of said drive mechanism.