Vehicle lifts

A lift adapted to be affixed to a vehicle for movement of a load between raised and lowered positions, the lift comprising:

• a platform structure for receiving the load to be moved between the raised and lowered positions;
• a carriage structure pivotally coupled to said platform structure to accommodate a range of pivotal motion by said platform structure between said raised and lowered positions and embracing a stowage position existing intermediate said raised and lowered positions, said carriage structure including a first engaging member;
• a mounting enclosure affixed to said vehicle and having a frame defining a space to receive at least part of said carriage structure and said platform structure, said mounting enclosure having a second engaging member for mounting encasement with said first engaging member;
• a first motive means conditionally actuated for driving said platform structure in said pivotal range of motion;
• a second motive means conditionally actuated for driving at least one of said first and second engaging members to move said carriage structure in and out of said mounting enclosure;
• and
• control apparatus for said first and second motive means, said control apparatus including a sensor unit detecting the platform structure substantially approaching said stowage position and said sensor unit being conditionally operative during select intervals to actuate said first motive means to adjust for alignment between said platform structure and said carriage for attaining said stowage position prior to said second motive means being actuated for drawing said carriage structure and at least part of said platform structure into said mounting enclosure.