Abstract: A floor structure of a rail vehicle car body includes a supporting structure having a left and a right longitudinal beams and a plurality of transverse structural members using a low-heat welding process. A floor panel is directly and releasably attached atop the supporting structure using and a plurality of non-permanent, pressure interlocking fasteners.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a running board assembly for a motor vehicle and a corresponding method. An example method includes supplying current to a motor to move a running board between a retracted position and a deployed position, monitoring a level of the current, and permitting the level of current to exceed a threshold (i.e., overcurrent is permitted) in response to a user input.

Abstract: A running board device comprises a stationary running board; a retractable running board apparatus comprising a retractable mechanism moveable between a stretched position and a retracted position and a retractable running board mounted to the retractable mechanism, wherein at the stretched position, at least a part of the retractable running board stretches out below the stationary running board and beyond the stationary running board, and at the retracted position, the retractable running board is retracted into below the stationary running board.

Abstract: A semi-automatic foot-pedal device is provided, which comprises a panel and a pedal-connecting component connected with the panel. The pedal-connecting component comprises an upper bracket, a left bracket, a lower bracket, a right bracket and an elastic unit; when the pedal-connecting component is in a closed state, the panel moves away from the upper bracket to transform the pedal-connecting component into an elastically spread state under a force on the panel in a downward direction; when the pedal-connecting component is in a spread state, the panel moves towards the upper bracket to transform the pedal-connecting component into an elastically closed state under a force on the panel in an obliquely-upward direction. The semi-automatic foot-pedal device of the present disclosure has a novel structure, and does not need a conventional motor system, so it saves the electric power and is safer to use.

Abstract: A portable railcar sill step extender adapted to a sill step of a railcar, the portable railcar step comprising an elongated member having two longitudinal ends and two substantially parallel surfaces, a first receptacle disposed on a first plane substantially parallel to the two substantially parallel surfaces, a second receptacle disposed on a second plane, the second plane disposed at from about 8 degrees to about 12 degrees from the two substantially parallel surfaces and a locking device. Each of the first receptacle and the second receptacle is adapted to receive the sill step and the locking device is adapted to be removably applied at one of the first receptacle and the second receptacle to prevent the elongated member from sliding off of the sill step in a longitudinal direction of the elongated member.

Abstract: Contemplated ladder assemblies include: a) at least two rails, b) at least one step, wherein each step is coupled to the at least two rails, such that the rails are relatively vertical and the steps are relatively horizontal, c) at least one grappling footing peg, wherein the peg is operationally coupled with a rail, d) at least one safety handle, wherein the handle is coupled with at least one rail, and e) at least one commuter train, passenger train or railway car coupling fixture, wherein the coupling fixture operationally engages with a mating fixture on the commuter train, passenger train or railway car.

Abstract: A track maintenance vehicle (1) has a covered loading space (12) resting on a machine frame (2) and a crane jib (16) pivotable by means of drives. A loading wall (20), connected to the machine frame (2) and provided for intermediate storage of goods (19) situated in the loading space (12), is adjustable into a horizontal working position (22) adjoining the loading space (12) laterally, with respect to the transverse direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A roll formed step rail for a vehicle comprises an elongated rail body having two opposing edges which define a longitudinal channel. The channel receives a pinch clamp which is wider than the channel and has a fastening hole and an alignment means. The rail body is lowered onto the mounting surface of a mounting bracket adapted for rigid connection to a vehicle. The mounting surface defines another fastening hole and another portion of the alignment means. A fastener draws the pinch clamp and the mounting surface toward opposite sides of the opposing edges of the rail body. Because the pinch clamp spans the width of the channel and is aligned properly relative to the mounting surface, the rail body is secured between the clamp and the mounting surface by the tightened fastener.

Abstract: An automatic lock for mobile steps (15) employed to allow passengers to get on and off railway coaches, located in the lower bodywork of the coach and enclosed inside a casing (12) positioned below the bracket (13) of the fixed step (14), on the outer edge of which the mobile step (15) is hinged, and whereby said step (15) is activated by a connecting rod (18) to move from a lowered position to a raised position and visa versa. The other end of the connecting rod (18), opposite the pin coupling it to the step (15), is hinged to a carriage (19) equipped with bearings (20) which slide inside a shaped guide (21), activated by the stabilizer shaft (11) for opening/closing the railway coach doors, or by an independent unit (30), and thereby transforming the sliding of the carriage (19) into an angular movement of the step (15).

Abstract: A railcar step mounts to the stirrup of a rail vehicle. The railcar step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the stirrup. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker.

Abstract: A rail vehicle step mounts to the sill step of a rail vehicle. The rail vehicle step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the sill step. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker.

Abstract: A railcar step mounts to the stirrup of a rail vehicle. The railcar step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the stirrup. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker.

Abstract: A retractable step for a rail vehicle includes a treadable region having lateral guides, a front edge, a guide region, a first roller disposed on the rail vehicle, and a second roller disposed in a guide. The guide has a configuration that is one or more of oblique, curved or bent. Also included is a transition area between the treadable region and the guide region. The transition area is configured to have one or more of a bend and a curvature and has an upwardly convex shape.

Abstract: An improved gap filler in the form of a single plate or a plurality of plates attached to the train car exterior or emanating from below train car vestibule floor which permits transit line system operator to utilize one device to obtain any desired gap minimization at every train car door in a trainset relative to its corresponding platform edge at all stations on its transit line regardless of platform and/or track configuration while simultaneously adhering to its gap clearance standards pertaining to safe passage of any train within its fleet through any station.

Abstract: A retractable step for entering and exiting rail vehicles. The retractable step has a surface which can be walked upon and is configured to be extended in an essentially linear direction to bridge a gap between the rail vehicle and a platform. The retractable step includes a leading edge and has at least one sensor configured to prevent a collision with objects during an extension operation of the retractable step. The strip is movably connected to the retractable step and extends over an entire length L of the retractable step.

Abstract: A retractable step for a rail vehicle includes a treadable region having lateral guides, a front edge, a guide region, a first roller disposed on the rail vehicle, and a second roller disposed in a guide. The guide has a configuration that is one or more of oblique, curved or bent. Also included is a transition area between the treadable region and the guide region. The transition area is configured to have one or more of a bend and a curvature and has an upwardly convex shape.

Abstract: A railcar step mounts to the stirrup of a rail vehicle. The railcar step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the stirrup. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker.

Abstract: A passenger ingress and egress system within a transit vehicle having a stairwell employs a movable platform apparatus in combination with at least one door of a sliding or plug type to accommodate variations in passenger ingress and egress platform facilities. The movable platform apparatus disposed under the floor section of the transit vehicle for interface with the low platform is deployed outwardly toward the outer surface of the transit vehicle for interface with the high platform. The travel of such movable platform apparatus can be achieved manually or assisted by a power drive mechanism. A locking means is provided for securing such movable platform apparatus at both deployed and stowed positions and can be manually overridden via a cable connected to the remotely mounted handle. Obstruction detection means is further provided to prevent deployment of the movable platform apparatus upon passenger presence within the stairwell.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: In a device for transfering especially a person sitting in a wheel-chair between a platform and a passenger department of a vehicle having a floor on a higher level than the platform a first floor surface (5) is arranged inside the vehicle closest to an entrance (2) into the vehicle from a platform side and arranged on substantially the same level as the platform. Power means are adapted to move a support surface (6) arranged inside the vehicle and reachable through the first floor surface (5) between platform level and the level of the floor of the passenger department so as to join a first floor surface and a second floor surface (10) leading to the passenger department or belonging thereto, respectively. A staircase (8) is arranged between the two levels beside the support surface (6) and directly reachable through the first floor surface (5) as well as the second floor surface (10) independently of the position of the support surface (6).

Abstract: This invention relates to entranceway designs, covering doors, steps, and other components; and car design and seating arrangements for passenger transport vehicles. In particular, the present inventive entranceway and access arrangement subject matter are especially applicable to railroad cars for rail lines which serve both high and low level station platforms. The present inventive seating arrangement subject matter is especially applicable to passenger transport vehicles having overhead clearance restrictions, such as railroad cars.

Abstract: A method of controlling a retractable stairway assembly for a vehicle includes monitoring at least one vehicle status condition such as (a) whether the vehicle is stopped, (b) whether the parking brake is set, (c) whether the cab is tilted in excess of a threshold, and (d) whether excess current is being required by a motor used to shift the stairway between stowed and deployed positions in the event an electric motor is used for this purpose. In the event any of these monitored conditions are not in a predetermined state, deployment of the stairway from a stowed position is blocked. Deployment and stowing of the stairway may also be interrupted depending upon vehicle status and other conditions. Interior and exterior vehicle alarms may be activated depending on vehicle status conditions and the mode of operation of the stairway.

Abstract: A platform arrangement for an end structure of a railway well car having a well portion defined by spaced apart side structures, opposing end structures and a floor structure extending between the side structures. Each of the end structures has spaced apart sidewalls, with a horizontally disposed shear plate extending between and connecting to the sidewalls. Each of the end structures further includes (i) an upper bolster extending upwardly from the shear plate and connecting to the sidewalls; (ii) a bulkhead depending from an inboard end of the shear plate, which extends into the well portion and between the sidewalls to connect to them; and (iii) a stub centre sill positioned below the shear plate. The platform arrangement itself comprises (i) a first horizontal platform surface; (ii) a second horizontal platform surface; (iii) an outboard intermediate horizontal platform surface; (iv) an inboard intermediate horizontal platform surface: and (v) a foothold provided with the bulkhead.

Abstract: A stairway for a motor coach is located in one side wall of the motor coach immediately adjacent the front wall and in front of the front wheel well. The stairway cooperates with a hinged door mounted at the front wall and openable to an angle less than 90.degree. from the coach side. The stairway is defined by a plurality of steps of equal riser height together with two vertical side walls each on a respective side of the stairway. The walls are smoothly curved around a center of curvature rearwardly of the stairway and to one side of the coach so that the stairway smoothly curves from a front edge at the doorway to a ramp section of the aisle commencing at a line at right angles to the side of the coach. The front edge of each step is at an angle to the front edge of the next step so that the steps provide gradual turning from the side of the coach to the front of the aisle.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift mechanism adapted for use particularly in the accessway of a train car is disclosed which comprises a generally planar collapsible platform assembly for receiving a wheelchair and its occupant thereon; a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the platform between first and second elevations; a vertical support column mounted inside the train car adjacent the accessway having a support portion rotatably mounted thereto; and an extensible lift mechanism support assembly attached between the support portion and the lift mechanism frame to move the lift mechanism and platform assembly horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position away from the vertical support column to provide lateral clearance for the platform assembly outside the vehicle in the deployed position. The extensible assembly comprises a pair of parallel fixed sleeve members and a pair of parallel slide members telescopically attached between the frame and the support portion.

Abstract: In order to board or exit a vehicle, one or a plurality of steps or plates, are provided for a negotiating of a possible difference of height by a person entering or getting off between the level of the floor of the vehicle and a platform at a higher or lower level. At least one step is forseen which is height adjustable and can be positioned at a position above the floor of the vehicle, at a position equal to the level of the floor and/or below the floor, as well.

Abstract: Apparatus for assisting passengers in standing within a car of a funicular is described which has shallow footing troughs with convexly shaped floor sections joining the troughs. The floor thus formed does not have any sharp angled shoulders so as to protect the passengers from injury if one should fall. The likelihood of such an accident occurring is less due to the absence of such shoulders as passengers have sounder footing. Bumps or strips can also be provided for safer footing.

Abstract: Apparatus for railway cars to handle the ingress and egress of passengers through a door opening where the apparatus selectively provides at the exterior of the car at the door opening an adjustable height platform, steps or a ground-to-car floor platform lift. The apparatus is storable within the railway car and extendable exteriorly of the railway car where it can then be selectively conditioned for a desired passenger handling mode as a platform positioned at a desired height between the car floor and ground, a series of steps extending between the car floor and ground, or a platform lift movable between ground level and car floor level.

Abstract: A step attachment adapted for mounting to the body of a van or similar vehicle. The step includes a bracket fitted within a recess in the vehicle body and a step-defining cover which is supported atop horizontal flanges of the bracket.

Abstract: An auxiliary step is provided principly for use with the type of wheelchair lift that mounts to buses and other passenger vehicles wherein the risers and horizontal panels of a step structure are extended horizontally to define a platform which can be raised up and down between the levels of the sidewalk and the floor of the passenger vehicle to permit the boarding and deboarding of passengers in wheelchairs. The lift structure for which the instant invention is primarily to be used defines two steps between the floor level of the vehicle and the sidewalk or passenger platform, and the instant invention defines a third auxiliary step which can be deployed above the highest step of the platform lift.

Abstract: A self-locking step assembly is attached to a vehicle by rigidly connecting the outer cylinder of the assembly to the vehicle frame. The outer cylinder is secured with the centerline of its concentric inner and outer walls being substantially vertical. The inner cylinder of the assembly is slidably and rotatably positioned within the inside wall of the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder has a step secured to its bottom section, with the step being substantially perpendicular to the inner cylinder. The assembly also utilizes a locking pin that is rigidly secured to one of the inner or outer cylinders, and a cam slot that is in the other of the inner and outer cylinders. The pin engages the cam slot which has first and second portions connected by a third portion. When the pin is in the first portion of the cam slot, the step is held in its used position by gravitational forces. When the pin is in the second position of the cam slot, the pin is held in its stored position by the same gravitational forces.

Abstract: A combination end door and emergency stairway unit operates as a conventional rapid transit door to allow movement between cars. The unit also includes an auxiliary door inner frame pivotally mounting a staircase that may be rotated and lowered to the ground to allow passengers to alight from the vehicle. A locking, linkage mechanism securely interconnects the auxiliary door, the inner frame, and the movable staircase to form the vehicle end door unit.

Abstract: An entrance step arrangement particularly for short distance vehicles, especially rail vehicles, which has at least one intermediate step, a cover for covering up the step or steps, a foldable guard plate, and transmission elements interposed between a drive and movable element, and safety devices for preventing faulty actuation of the cover, guard plate, and transmission elements. The axes of rotation of the movable elements are arranged horizontal and parallel to the outer contour of the vehicle. The guard plate which is foldable outwardly carries a step, and the step cover is pivotable inwardly behind the tread edge of the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle has a step that is vertically movable for protecting the step against damage. Pivot means and restraining means of the step are positioned for avoiding damage.