Abstract: A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a footrest for assisting in touching a car roof, the footrest comprises a footplate and a pothook movably connected to the footplate, and the footplate is further provided with a safety hammer head. The footplate comprises a footplate body, the footplate body is provided with a storage cavity, and the pothook is rotatably connected to one end of the storage cavity so as to be stored in the storage cavity.

Abstract: A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.

Abstract: A workpiece support is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The tailgate includes a retractable step including a pair of step support members. The attachment brackets include a workpiece support bar and a riser that are attached to the step support members and to each other at a right angle. The workpiece support bar and riser may be fixedly attached to each other or attached by a pivot connector. Detachable connectors are provided to connect a workpiece support bar and riser detachably to the step support members.

Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A platform adapted to be attached to a piece of conveying equipment such as a gurney. The platform includes a base defining a cavity. The platform further includes a coupling receiver mounted on the top of the base. The coupling receiver receives a support structure of the conveying equipment and releasably secures the platform to the conveying equipment. A platform member is slideably received within the cavity and is moveable between extended and non-extended positions.

Abstract: An access device is configured to be switched between a stored state in which an access member is stored in a vehicle body and a deployed state in which the access member is deployed. In the stored state, an exterior cover becomes a portion of an exterior surface of the vehicle body and the access member is stored inside the vehicle body. In the deployed state, the access member extends from the vehicle body toward a ground surface and the exterior cover is disposed on a back side of the access member.

Abstract: A valve actuation apparatus is provided. The apparatus may comprise a mechanical activation device, a primer, an explosive cord, and a gas-generating device. The valve actuation apparatus may actuate a valve system, which opens a valve and allows airflow to inflate an inflatable emergency evacuation slide for an aircraft.

Abstract: A system includes a structure having a wall, a doorway and a door that is repositionable between a first position wherein the door is clear of the doorway and a second position wherein the door occludes the doorway. The system also includes a stair carrier attached to the structure. A stair may be connected to the stair carrier. The stair carrier is repositionable between a first position wherein the entirety of the stair carrier is disposed on a first side of the wall and a second position wherein a portion of the stair carrier extends through the doorway to a second side of the wall. The door is fully operable between the first position and the second position both when the stair carrier is in the first position and in the second position.

Abstract: A lift gate for loading and unloading cargo from a vehicle. The lift gate includes a moveable load platform and a ramp. The ramp is coupled to the load platform such that the ramp rotates between various positions at the selection of a user.

Abstract: A handrail apparatus and method for use with vehicles are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure includes a first coupling plate to be coupled to a monument of a vehicle, a second coupling plate to be coupled to the monument of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a handrail coupled to the first coupling plate and a support coupled to the second coupling plate and the handrail. The handrail is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A dog step attachment attaches to a receiver hitch of a pickup truck to provide an intermediate step for assisting a dog in jumping into the bed of the pickup truck. The attachment includes a first frame member received in the receiver hitch, a second frame member pivotally connected to a rearward end of the first frame member, a third frame member connected to the second frame member, and a platform attached to and supported by the third frame member. The second frame member is movable relative to the first frame member between a folded down position for use as a dog step and a folded up position for transport. Springs are used to hold the second frame member in over-center conditions in the folded down and folded up positions. Adjustments are provided for accommodating different heights of receiver hitches and pickup beds.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for an entry area of a rail vehicle includes a rod-shaped holding element that has a passage opening; a doorpost paneling element for covering a doorpost, wherein the doorpost paneling element has a passage opening; a spacer element that is arranged between the holding element and the doorpost paneling element and has a passage opening; a connecting element for connecting the doorpost paneling element to the doorpost, wherein the connecting element is arranged on a side of the doorpost paneling element facing away from the spacer element and has a passage opening; and a connecting screw, which is screwed through the passage opening of the holding element, the passage opening of the spacer element and the passage opening of the doorpost paneling element in the passage opening of the connecting element.

Abstract: A step (10) comprising a portable support assembly (30) having a vertical body (40) carrying a tread (31). The step includes at least two pegs (20) fastened to a fuselage (2). The body (40) includes one fastener orifice (50) per peg (20), said body (40) being carried by said pegs (20). The step includes at least one locking system (60) carried by said body (40) for automatically locking the position of at least one peg (20) in a fastener orifice (50), and manual unlocking means (86) connected to the locking system (60) for enabling the body (40) to be manually separated from the pegs (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to stairs that are attached under the platform and can be swung out and are distinguished in that the steps remain positionally stable horizontally when the stairs are swung out, and the bottom steps form a cover and optionally a flow body, and once the stairs are swung out, they form means for climbing in and out of the water, a seat element, function as a trim tab and damping means and, when the swinging arms are swung out further, constitute an additional platform, and the swinging ladder consists of ladder elements and can be folded by means of a cam and a bracket, and the stairs and swinging ladder as a stairway can have a handrail which can be swung out manually or automatically.

Abstract: A step device includes: a plurality of steps arranged so as to be lined up in a railcar width direction and constituting a part of a floor surface; and drive mechanisms configured to cause the steps to move upward and downward at a railcar-width-direction inner side between an upper position at which the plurality of steps become a part of the floor surface and a lower position at which the steps are moved downward to constitute boarding stairs. Each of the drive mechanisms includes a rotating link configured to rotate about one end portion thereof in a vertical plane, connecting links respectively connecting the rotating link to the steps, and an actuator configured to cause the rotating link to rotate. The steps move upward and downward by the rotation of the rotating links via the connecting links.

Abstract: Boarding and deboarding apparatus for a vehicle, including a step that can be moved back and forth between a retracted and extended position, which at least in a partially extended position defines a first area that can be stepped upon, lateral guides of the step for attachment to a vehicle, a folding step which is mounted on the step so as to be pivotable between a folded-in and folded-out position and which in a folded-out position defines a second area that can be stepped upon which is parallel to the first area, and blocking means which prevent the folding step from pivoting between the retracted position and an intermediate position of the step, and which release the pivoting of the folding step, at the latest, when the extended position of the step has been reached.

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: 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: An emergency staircase includes a plurality of step forming members that are housed in a casing. A podium and a railing are fitted to the casing so that the podium and the railing can be unfolded against the casing. Each of the step forming members includes a pair of guiding parts which are arranged in parallel, and a step plate that is sandwiched between the guiding parts of each pair and fastened to each of the guiding parts, so that left and right pairs of resulting squarish U-shapes face each other. Inner guiding parts and outer guiding parts are mutually of a similar configuration, so that each inner one is relatively smaller than each outer one by the thickness of the part. The protrusions act as sliding contacts between adjacent guiding parts.

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 stabiliser 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: 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: The present invention aims at providing an emergency staircase, whereby an operator can promptly and easily arrange the preparation of detrainment with the staircase in an emergency, and the passengers can detrain with a feeling of security. An emergency staircase 40 includes a plurality of step forming members 44a to 44f that are housed in a casing 42, a podium 50 and a railing 46 that are fitted to the casing 42 so that the podium and the railing can be unfolded against the casing.

Abstract: A retractable step assist for a vehicle comprises a step, an actuator, an optical fiber sensor, and a safety. The step is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position that is downward and outboard from the retracted position. The actuator is mechanically connected to the step to position the step. The optical fiber sensor has an output that varies when pressure is applied to the optical fiber sensor. The safety is triggered by this output from the optical fiber sensor. The safety is configured to terminate retraction of the step when the optical fiber sensor senses pressure from an object pinched by the step deck.

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: A stepwell cover apparatus for use in a vehicle having a stepwell including a step that is located below the floor of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a horizontal cover that may be retracted to a position below the floor in order to expose the steps of the stepwell and may be extended to a position flush with the floor in order to conceal the steps of the stepwell. In addition, the stepwell cover apparatus includes a drive mechanism for driving the horizontal cover between the fully extended and the fully retracted positions, a guide mechanism for guiding the horizontal cover during movement and pivot members that cooperate with the drive and guide mechanisms to raise the horizontal cover to a level flush with the floor when the cover reaches the fully extended position.

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 foldable footstool device for a vehicle of the present invention comprises a main beam fixed to a lower surface of a lower part of a vehicle and having hinge holes and stoppers at left and right sides thereof, respectively; a footstool installed rotatably about said hinge holes of the main beam and being supported by the stoppers; a first shaft extended from an end of the footstool; a link portion linking a lower inner wall of a door and a side sill of the lower part of the vehicle; a second shaft connected to the link portion in order to rotate in response to a rotation of the link portion; and a bevel gear part having a horizontal gear connected to the first shaft and a vertical gear connected to the second shaft. According to such foldable footstool device for a vehicle, the footstool is unfolded when the door is opened and the footstool is folded when the door is shut so that a width of the vehicle decreases in a state that the door is closed.

Abstract: A stairway assembly is pivoted between deployed and stowed positions. The stairway in one form includes a sliding support from which the stairway is suspended at a location spaced from a stairway pivot. A link, which may be adjustable in length, couples the coupler to the stairway. A snubber is provided to limit vibration of the stairway when stowed. An actuator, which may comprise an electric motor, is positioned above and overlies a portion of a platform of the stairway. Extension and retraction of the actuator pivots the stairway between stowed and deployed positions.

Abstract: A retractable stairway assembly for entering and exiting a vehicle with a cab has a stairway with steps. The stairway assembly is movable between a retracted position, in which the stairway is beneath the cab, and an extended position, in which the stairway is exposed to allow entering and exiting of the vehicle. The stairway assembly also has a panel that substantially hides the stairway when in the retracted position. An actuator moves the stairway assembly between the retracted and extended positions in response to closing and opening the door.

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 portable ramp for use in allowing access for the disabled, in a wheelchair, to enter an automobile, elevated area and the like or for similar entry use by a pet. The ramp is comprised of a platform member having folding legs and a ramp hingedly attached thereto with ramp elements, each having a bevelled end for selective length placement of ramp elements on a ground surface (with other non-used elements being folded or positioned within the elements being used for the ramp). With the ramp elements being foldable into each other and the platform legs being foldable thereinto, the ramp element and platform are foldable into a readily carryable attache configuration.

Abstract: An improved safety barrier/ramp actuation mechanism for combination folding stair and platform wheelchair lifts which translate from one configuration to the other depending upon the purpose to be served and have a combination safety barrier/ramp at the outboard end of the platform, the mechanism comprising a triple link mechanism and internally contained piston and bellcrank for reciprocating said barrier/ramp, and a pressure relief for said system to prevent raising said barrier/ramp when a load is resting thereon in ramp position, and the invention includes new steps in the method of operation of the stair and lift combination to enhance the safety thereof.

Abstract: A combination folding stair and platform wheelchair lift which translates from one configuration to the other depending upon the purpose to be served utilizing a series of panels which form a flat platform or alternatively steps and risers and which reciprocate horizontally on a pair of side rails and which are raised and lowered vertically in a pair of side column frames by a pair of hydraulically driven endless chains.

Abstract: In order to board or exit a vehicle, one or a plurality of steps or plates are provided for negotiation of a possible difference of height by a person in a wheelchair 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 or plate is foreseen which is height adjustable, and can be positioned at a position above the floor of the vehicle, below the floor of the vehicle, or at the same level as the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A passenger lift system for mobile vehicular use which functions either as a retractable step system for the vehicle or as a vertically movable elevator platform for non-ambulatory passengers transporting non-ambulatory passengers from an upper position level with the vehicle to a lower position at ground level. The lift system includes a vertical safety barrier at the outermost edge of the platform which, when not in use, collapses to form the lowermost step in the step system. The lift is moved by hydraulic actuated motors or electro-mechanical devices, or the like, whose operation and motive power is independent of the vehicles propulsion system and is controlled by appropriate electrical sensors which detect and correct any malfunction thereof.

Abstract: A folding staircase for track-bound vehicles comprises a base ladder part, movably carried in the vehicle, and a swinging ladder part hingedly carried by the base ladder part. The base ladder part is movable between a stowed position and an extended position whereat it extends from the vehicle generally in the direction of travel. The swinging ladder part is rotatable between a first position, whereat it overlies the base ladder part, and a second position, whereat it extends from the distal end of the base ladder part to the track. Devices are provided for displacing the base ladder portion from the stowed position to the extended position and for displacing the swinging ladder part from the first position to the second position.

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: A foldable step for a pickup truck end gate or tailgate. The step is formed by a plurality of step rails secured between parallel side bars or frame members. A pair of depending riser arms or links are suspended from a pair of horizontal end gate arms or links to position the step about half-way between a lowered tailgate and the ground. The end gate arms are secured to brackets which are mounted on the interior tailgate surface. A toggle or jack knife linkage extending betewen the step and the riser arms holds the step in a generally horizontal position. The entire assembly may be folded flat to lie against the inner surface of the tailgate, and the assembly is locked in place with a locking clip or strap. The folded step may be folded into and retained in a recess in the inner surface of the endgate.

Abstract: There is provided an emergency exit apparatus disposed on a wall surface of a train car. A hinged door assembly comprises a hinged door portal frame and a hinged door carrying a stair on its inner surface. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the hinged door portal frame is coupled to a wall surface by a horizontal hinge, while the hinged door is coupled to the hinged door portal frame by a vertical hinge. In a second embodiment, the side edge of the portal frame is coupled to a wall surface by a vertical hinge, while the hinged door is coupled to the portal frame by a horizontal hinge. When swung open on the horizontal hinge, the inner surface of the door provides a ramp for emergency exit; when swung open on the vertical hinge, the portal frame including the door provides an opening for normal entrance and exit.

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 retractable vehicle step assembly suited for recreational vehicles secured to the under-frame of a vehicle below an access door. The assembly includes a frame and a pivotally mounted step associated with the frame for movement from a first retracted position under the vehicle to a second extended position to act as a step into and out of the vehicle. The step is attached to the door by linkage so that the pivoting of the step corresponds to the opening or closing of the door.

Abstract: The latest in a series of wheelchair lift improvements is provided, the basic lift structure on which the improvements are made being the type utilizing a step configuration, the individual panels of which, being hinged together, are simply extended into a geometrical plane rather than a step structure. The resulting platform is then elevationally adjusted by the driver to commute the platform, and a wheelchair victim on the platform, between the curb and bus floor level. The improvements include the hydraulic drive for deploying the mechanism between step and platform mode, the safety barrier structure which defines an extension of the platform to the curb level when it is dropped from its safety barrier mode, a safety locking mechanism and a stablizing chain.

Abstract: The latest in a series of wheelchair lift improvements is provided, the basic lift structure on which the improvements are made being the type utilizing a step configuration, the individual panels of which, being hinged together, are simply extended into a geometrical plane rather than a step structure. The resulting platform is then elevationally adjusted by the driver to commute the platform, and a wheelchair victim on the platform, between the curb and bus floor level. The improvements include the hydraulic means of deploying the mechanism between step and platform mode, the safety barrier structure which defines an extension of the platform to the curb level when it is dropped from its safety barrier mode, a safety locking mechanism and a stabilizing chain.

Abstract: Upper and lower sectional doors of rectangular configuration are mounted within an aircraft fuselage door frame and hinged for pivoting about horizontal axes at the upper and lower horizontal edges of respective door sections. A step is mounted to the interior of the lower door for pivoting along one horizontal edge about a horizontal axis between a first position with the step flush with the door interior and a second position projecting generally at right angles thereto. A plurality of laterally slidable latch pins fixed to the lower door section along vertical side edges are projectable into holes within the fuselage doorframe through a linkage system coupled to a shaft pivotably mounting the step to the door. The latch pins are projected to latching position when the step is folded flush to the door and retracted to unlatched position by manual movement of the step to its projected position prior to opening the lower door.

Abstract: The lifting step of the entry stair for rail vehicles is guided on both sides by two parallel guide brackets and while staying parallel to an extendable and retractable vehicle floor, forms a shallow arc from one end position to the other. In its upper end position it is level with the vehicle floor. The vehicle door closes along its outer edge with an elastic door seal. The folding step turns around the turning axis. In the "up" position the folding step stands about vertically and, together with the covering plate attached to the lifting step, forms a flush covering apron completing the side wall of the vehicle. The angle of incline for the stairs, in general, might be about 40.degree.. This stair system does not form any niches when in the "under way" position wherein ice and snow could accumulate. Nor does this stairway require additional covering parts such as movable covering aprons, etc.

Abstract: The latest in a series of wheelchair lift improvements is provided, the basic lift structure on which the improvements are made being the type utilizing a step configuration, the individual panels of which, being hinged together, are simply extended into a geometrical plane rather than a step structure. The resulting platform is then elevationally adjusted by the driver to commute the platform, and a wheelchair victim on the platform, between the curb and bus floor level. The improvements include the hydraulic drive for deploying the mechanism between step and platform mode, the safety barrier structure which defines an extension of the platform to the curb level when it is dropped from its safety barrier mode, a safety locking mechanism and a stabilizing chain.