a platform is mounted in the doorway of a van so that it can be rotated from an upstanding stored position to a horizontal loading position level with the vehicle floor . from this point , it can be lowered to the ground . a particular linkage and cable - and - drum combination is disclosed which is very compact in the stored position . the unit is fully automated in that : a switch , internal of the vehicle , can be actuated to mechanically open the vehicle doors and rotate the platform from the storage to the loading position or vice - versa ; a switch , accessible from the platform , can be actuated to lower or raise the platform between the loading and ground positions ; and a switch , external of the vehicle , can be actuated to open the doors and move the platform from the stored to the ground positions or vice - versa .