Abstract: An improved retractable attic stair apparatus assembly includes a stair component retractable staircase assembly including two shock mount subassemblies, two gas spring subassemblies, and two short railing pipe assemblies. The two short railing pipe assemblies are used as a left and right handrail of the retractable staircase assembly while also supporting the two shock mount subassemblies. The two gas spring subassemblies are at least partially supported by the two shock mount subassemblies. The attic stair apparatus is configured for an installation site in an attic or a garage and includes a first retracted configuration. A deployed configuration allows the apparatus to extend downwardly from the installation site for use of the attic stair apparatus by a user to ascend the attic stair apparatus to access an attic, a garage crawl space, or a garage roof.

Abstract: An automated ladder apparatus mounted on a cover and including a plurality of ladder sections to provide access to a space above or below an elevated structure, includes a pivotable cover for an opening in the elevated structure that is pivotable about a pivot axis, and a motorized system including a gearmotor and an energizable brake, the motorized system being mounted on the pivotable cover such that the motorized system and the pivotable cover are movable in unison when the pivotable cover pivots about the pivot axis, the pivotable cover being pivotable between at least a first position to allow access to the space through the opening and a second position in which the pivotable cover substantially covers the opening. The gearmotor has a gear ratio sized to allow the opening of the pivotable cover under gravity only when the energizable brake is disengaged.

Abstract: An example system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes an opening assembly and a guard assembly installable in a floor above an enclosed region. The opening assembly is actuatable between an open configuration to provide access to the enclosed region, and a closed configuration in which the opening assembly provides a closed surface. A guard assembly is mounted to the opening assembly and actuatable independent of the opening assembly, between a retracted configuration flush with the closed surface of the opening assembly, and a deployed configuration to serve as a guard for the opening assembly.

Abstract: A quick disconnect mechanism for a detachable stair system for vehicles. The apparatus includes mounting brackets for installation at either side of a doorway in a recreational vehicle such as motorhome, camping trailer, or camper on a pickup truck. Fixed plates in the form of open jaw brackets are provided at each side of a sill cover plate, to enable operation of a pivotable detachable stair portion. The open jaw of the fixed plates are pivotable about pivot studs located in the mounting brackets. The fixed plates further include an arcuate channel defined radially outward from the pivots studs. The arcuate slot is sized and shaped for engagement with a pivot lock also located on the mounting brackets. The pivot locks extend inward for sliding operation with the arcuate slot, but not so far inward as to interfere with the pivoting motion of the sill cover plate.

Abstract: Airstair systems and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the airstair comprises a deployable upper step, a primary deployment device and a secondary deployment device. The upper step is movable between a stowed configuration when a door of the aircraft is closed and a deployed configuration when the door is open. The primary deployment device resiliently biases the upper step toward the deployed configuration. The secondary deployment device is movable in coordination with a movement of the door and configured to drive the deployable upper step toward the deployed configuration during opening of the door and during a failure of the primary deployment device.

Abstract: A mobile platform with a passenger door system having stairs with one or more deployable lower steps and associated methods for deployment and/or stowing of such lower steps are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises using movement of the door to drive a movement of a handrail associated with the stairs, and using the movement of the handrail to drive a movement of the one or more lower steps.

Abstract: A portable apparatus comprising a truck step for use in climbing into a cargo area of a pickup truck is described. The system provides a deployable step system that can be stowed securely out of the way in the cargo area of a pickup truck when not in use.

Abstract: A ladder assembly is described. The ladder assembly includes a frame, a door, a ladder and a cord manipulation assembly. The frame at least partially surrounds a first opening. The door is movably connected to the frame. The door is configured to cover at least a portion of the first opening of the frame, the door defines a second opening. The ladder is connected to at least one of the frame and the door. The ladder has a first side rail, a second side rail spaced a distance apart laterally from the first side rail, and a plurality of rungs extending between the first and second side rails. The ladder is configured to be at least partially positioned within the first opening of the frame. The cord manipulation assembly is connected to the door.

Abstract: An access ladder includes a plurality of sections connected together to telescope between an extended position and a retracted position that has an increasing reactive force to counterbalance the weight of the sections as they extend. A method for accessing a room with a ladder connected to a ceiling including the steps of moving the ladder to a fully extended position subject to an increasingly active force to counterbalance the weight of the ladder as it extends. There is the step of retracting the ladder into a retracted position in the ceiling.

Abstract: An escape chute, including: an upper straight chute, a lower straight chute, a turning chute, a first rotating axle, and a second rotating axle. The turning chute includes a front section, a middle section, and a rear section. The upper straight chute and the lower straight chute are connected via the turning chute. Each chute includes: a chute base; a guard rail including a top and a bottom; and a handrail. The chute base of the upper straight chute and the chute base of the lower straight chute are connected through the chute bases of the front, the middle, and the rear sections of the turning chute. Each hinge joint between the chute bases of the corresponding chutes is provided with a hinge roller. Each butt joint is provided with a combined pulley.

Abstract: A ladder assembly is described. The ladder assembly includes a frame, a door, a ladder and a cord manipulation assembly. The frame at least partially surrounds a first opening. The door is movably connected to the frame. The door is configured to cover at least a portion of the first opening of the frame, the door defines a second opening. The ladder is connected to at least one of the frame and the door. The ladder has a first side rail, a second side rail spaced a distance apart laterally from the first side rail, and a plurality of rungs extending between the first and second side rails. The ladder is configured to be at least partially positioned within the first opening of the frame. The cord manipulation assembly is positioned between a pair of adjacently disposed rungs of the ladder.

Abstract: There is provided folding stairs having three segments of ladder stairs connected to one another with hinges. The first segment of stairs is connected with an articulated joint to a door frame using hinge holders fitted on the inside wall of the door frame, such that, during unfolding of these stairs rotation axle of the first segment of stairs does not change its position against the door frame. A flap is suspended to the first segment of stairs with at least two pairs of connecting rods, which together with the first segment of stairs and the flap form four-bar linkage.

Abstract: A system and method for exiting a crew rest area located in an overhead area in an aircraft. An opening in the crew rest area is located in an overhead area in the aircraft. An egress apparatus is configured to move between a closed state and an open state. The egress apparatus is configured to direct a person moving on the egress apparatus from the opening to a passenger cabin in the aircraft when the egress apparatus is in the open state.

Abstract: A building evacuation system designed for the occupants of a building to escape pursuit or peril, such as fire, violence, natural catastrophe, or other emergency utilizing a deployed emergency exit incorporated into a building's exterior wall, such as a hinged latched window having an emergency exit deployment actuator mounted near the emergency exit that will simultaneously deploy an inflatable chute at the emergency exit, activate an internal audio and/or visual indicator to a central location that the emergency exit has been deployed, and initiate an automated text or voice message to the appropriate authorities, such as police and/or fire department, that the stated location's emergency exit has been deployed.

Abstract: A foldable ladder for providing access to an opening including: a first motorized drive mechanism for moving a cover for the opening between a closed position and an open position; a second motorized drive mechanism coupled to a plurality of foldable ladder portions for moving the ladder portions between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration; such that, in moving the cover between the closed and an open position, the first motorized drive mechanism triggers the second motorized drive mechanism to move the ladder portions between the folded configuration and unfolded configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system of light weight folding stairs, especially lightweight wooden stairs, designed for installation in the ceiling of a building. For example, the light weight ladder-type stair system may be opened downwards and unfolded towards inside the room located under this ceiling. At least one ladder-type stair section is connected to a flap that fits within a frame in an opening in the ceiling, wherein the flap hinges open to access the folded stair sections. The ladder-type stair section is connected to the flap by a hook-type holder that allows installing the frame in a ceiling opening without the flap, which can be easily and quickly attached during final stage of assembly.

Abstract: A deck deployment system is adapted to facilitate transfer of personnel between spaced elevations. The deck deployment system includes a deck defining a substantially flat and continuous deck surface for supporting personnel. A convertible stairway is hinged to the deck and adapted for movement between a stowed condition and a deployed condition. The convertible stairway includes an adjustable frame assembly and a series of articulating horizontally-disposed foot treads carried by the frame assembly. The foot treads remain substantially horizontal upon movement of the stairway between the stowed condition and the deployed condition. When the stairway is in the stowed condition, the foot treads integrate with the deck to form a substantially flat and continuous portion of the deck surface. When the stairway is in the deployed condition, the foot treads cooperate to form steps extending from the deck to an elevation spaced from the deck surface.

Abstract: A folding ladder assembly having a door, a frame, and a strut connecting the door and frame. The strut comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the strut is attached to the door via a strut stop bracket. The other end of the strut is attached to a stationary mounting plate, which is attached to the ladder opening frame. The strut is attached to the strut bracket via a strut standoff using an E-clip retaining ring. Optionally, the strut standoffs are riveted to the strut stop bracket and the stationary mounting plate. The strut stop bracket is optionally formed having a double bend to form two substantially parallel portions connected by a third non-parallel portion.

Abstract: Novel stowed staircases for attics and the like that exhibit highly effective fireproof properties are provided. The combination of sheet metal well sides with ceramic paper covering, a combination thermal board and cement-like construction door, coupled with a sealed gasket at the interface of the stair bottom with the ceiling provide the necessary long-term fireproof capabilities as well as facilitation in installation as a sufficiently lightweight article. In such a manner, the inventive stairway construction may be easily incorporated within a residential or other type unit to aid in the simultaneous accessibility to an attic (or like location) and ability to prevent fire from easily spreading into or out of said attic via the stair assembly itself.

Abstract: An attic ladder system includes an upper portion that can be extended above the attic floor and a lower portion that can be extended into a room below the attic. The upper portion can extend automatically into the attic upon extension of the lower portion, or may be operated independently of the lower section. Ladder extension can be telescopic or by unfolding of sections. Retraction of either or both ladder portions may include a pivoting capability to reduce vertical height when stored. A gap can be provided between lowest the rungs to avoid danger to a user's hands. Embodiments can be used to access the top of a vehicle roof from within the vehicle. Embodiments can support a user weighing up to 300 pounds. A gas spring can assist in lifting and stowing the lower portion. Pivot latches can secure the ladder in its stowed and deployed configurations.

Abstract: An access panel is shown in the present invention to provide easy and safe access to an attic space or elevated structure. The access panel is fully automatic. During opening, the access panel uses an energizing motor to control the gravitational forces for opening a cover and deploying ladder sections. During closing, the access panel is energized to retract the ladder sections and close the access panel. The motor is energized to close the access panel until a stow latch engages to stow the access panel during non-use. A safety switch is mounted inside the attic space to allow a user to open the panel and extend the ladder should the user be trapped in the attic space.

Abstract: An access panel is shown in the present invention to provide easy and safe access to an attic space or elevated structure. The access panel is fully automatic. During opening, the access panel only uses gravitational forces for opening a cover. Only during closing is the access panel motorized. The gravitational forces are used to both open the cover and extend the ladder sections, while the motor is only used to retract the latter sections and close the cover. A stow latch keeps the cover closed during non-use. A safety switch keeps the access panel from accidentally opening and the ladder sections from lowering if the stow latch is released. A mechanical lock keeps the cover open when the ladder sections have been lowered.

Abstract: An insulating cover for an attic or other opening is provided which mounts on top of a stair frame or framed opening or the like without the necessity of attic flooring, characterized by economical construction, economical shipping, ease of assembly, ease of installation above the opening, and a footprint substantially similar to the frame of the folding stair or the empty opening. The present invention further provides an insulating cover that is rugged enough for continued use yet light enough and supported in such as way as to have an ease of opening, staying open and closing as the consumer needs. In a further embodiment, the invention components may be substantially flat packed for ease of shipping and handling. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a multifunction insulating cover that may be fitted with a ventilation means, such as a louver or powered fan to enable ventilation through the framed opening even though the attic cover would be closed.

Abstract: A folding attic stair assembly comprises a rectangular outer mounting frame. An inner stairway carrying frame is mounted by a hinge at one end of the outer mounting frame for movement between a raised stored position on the outer mounting frame and a lowered position extending downwardly from the mounting frame. An extendable attic stair is mounted on the inner frame. A pair of folding support arms extend between the outer mounting frame and the inner stairway carrying frame. A cable connects between each folding support arm and an associated reel mounted on a drive shaft which is connected to a drive motor. This drive motor is operable to wind and unwind the cables on the reels to raise and lower the attic stair in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An integrated insulated housing system with handrails and a system of seals for a pull down stairway opening is provided. The integrated housing system reduces air convection, moisture loss and dirt infiltration. The insulation of the housing system reduces heat loss. Handrails as part of the system are deployed by the action of the pull down stairway. No manual intervention is required. As the stairway is pulled down for use, the integrated housing above moves away from the access opening. Simultaneously, the two integrated handrails move into a stable position on the upper floor and to either side of the stairway. As the stairway is returned up to its closed position, the connected insulated housing moves back into position sealing the access opening.

Abstract: A stowable or foldable ladder is configured for installation in an opening between one floor or space and another floor or space. An upper ladder section includes a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a lower ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a hinge rotatably connecting the upper ladder section left ladder rail to the lower ladder section left ladder rail and rotatably connecting the upper ladder section right ladder rail to the lower ladder section right ladder rail, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper pair of ladder rails and the lower pair of ladder rails. The steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus for providing access to an area over an elevated structure, the ladder apparatus including a housing secured to the elevated structure wherein the housing includes a housing mechanism having a central opening, a ladder pivotally mounted to the housing mechanism wherein the ladder includes a first ladder section and at least one additional ladder section slidingly mounted to the first ladder section, first motorized deploying mechanism structured to pivotally displace the ladder to and from a stored configuration and a partially deployed configuration, second motorized deploying mechanism structured to linearly displace the at least one additional ladder section to and from a partially deployed configuration and a fully deployed configuration; and control mechanism structured to operatively control the first and second motorized deploying mechanism.

Abstract: A ladder apparatus for providing access to an area over an elevated structure, the ladder apparatus including a housing secured to the elevated structure; a ladder pivotally mounted to the housing, the ladder means including an upper ladder section and at least one lower ladder section mounted to the upper ladder section; and a motorized deploying mechanism structured to controllably allow the ladder apparatus to be pivotally and gravitationally deployed from a stowed configuration to a partially deployed configuration, controllably allow the at least one lower ladder section to be longitudinally and gravitationally deployed from the partially deployed configuration to a fully deployed configuration, longitudinally retract the at least one lower ladder section from the fully deployed configuration to the partially deployed configuration, and pivotally retract the ladder apparatus from the partially deployed configuration to the stowed configuration.

Abstract: A stair is pivotable from a lowered position allowing a user to climb the stair from a lower level to an upper level, into a stowed position wherein the stair is lifted from the lower level so that the plane of the stair is approaches the ceiling situated between the lower and upper level. The stair, which is preferably not articulated (i.e., the stair does not fold), rotates between the lowered and stowed positions about a pivot fixed in association with the ceiling. A drive cable, which preferably extends from the stair top or from a drive arm extending from the stair top, is anchored to surrounding structure in the upper level. A drive motor drives the drive cable to draw the stair top downwardly, thereby raising the stair bottom about the pivot.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a folding ladder or stairway. The control apparatus comprises a control base attachable to a section of the ladder and a control arm pivotally attached to the control base. The control arm has a distal end which may be gripped by an operator to manipulate the ladder between folded and unfolded positions while the operator is positioned away from the ladder so that unexpected pivotation of ladder sections cannot result in the ladder sections striking the operator. A clamp may be attached to the ladder to retain the distal end of the control arm when not in use. The control arm is telescoping and may be positioned in any of a variety of extended positions. A lock is provided to lock the telescoping control arm at a desired length.

Abstract: An emergency escape device for a building wall includes an emergency door mechanism and a control assembly. The emergency door mechanism includes a door panel, a ladder, a rigid support arm and a driving assembly. The door panel is mounted pivotally on the wall and is movable relative to the wall between a closed position, wherein the door panel is flush with the wall, and an open position, wherein the door panel is perpendicular to the wall. The ladder has an upper end which is connected pivotally to the upper end of the door panel and a lower end which extends to the ground surface when the door panel is located in the open position. The support arm is mounted pivotally on the wall below the lower end of the door panel at one end and is connected pivotally to the ladder at the other end thereof so as to prevent swaying of the ladder when the door panel is in the open position. The driving assembly is operable to move the door panel between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A foldable ladder having a plurality of sections which align during use to form a continuous ladder and which are foldable upon themselves for storage in a ceiling frame. The ladder includes hinges for connecting the sections. Each hinge has a first load bearing surface and second load bearing surface which contact each other for support a load when the ladder is extended. The ladder also includes an improved counter balance assembly which connects the ladder to the ceiling frame; and a continuous hinge which connects the ladder to the ceiling frame in a manner which eliminates air from passing between the hinge and the ceiling frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device to unfold and retract a bed, a sofa or something similar into a structure in a false ceiling. The object of the invention is a device that unfolds and retracts a bed, or the like designed to be integrated in a system of suspended devices. This invention comprises a panel composed of ceiling elements (5,6) that when closed, in a horizontal position, forms a false ceiling (2). The panel is hinged to move between two stable positions: the horizontal, closed position; and the vertical, open position. Attached to the inside face of the panel and parallel to it is a fixed frame (4). Slidable attached to the fixed frame is a mobile frame (9). Articuably mounted to the mobile frame, about an axis (13) parallel to the panel's axis of articulation (7), and at a point at the end of the mobile frame farthest from the panel's axis of articulation (7) is a furniture frame (12).

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: The present invention entails a combination staircase and attic fan assembly designed to share a common attic opening formed within a structure. There is provided a foldable staircase assembly that is mounted adjacent said attic opening and movable between a first operative position within said attic opening to a second remote position outside the plane of said attic opening. In addition there is provided an attic fan assembly that is movably mounted adjacent said attic opening and movable from a first operative position within said attic opening to a second remote position outside of said attic opening. A connecting link is operatively interconnected between said staircase assembly and said attic fan assembly for moving the two in unison.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight insulating enclosure for placement over an attic structure such as a disappearing stairway or an attic fan, to reduce unwanted heat transfer through the structure when closed. The insulating enclosure comprises a number of box segments made of a lightweight insulating material such as foamed polystyrene, connected together with overlapping joints. Expansion members are optionally included to enlarge the width of the assembled enclosure.

Abstract: A turning type emergency escape is constituted by a rotary stowage box defining an evacuation passage therein, upper and lower covers pivoted to upper and lower portions of the inner side of the evacuation passage, a cover interlocking mechanism interlocking the upper and lower covers for simultaneously opening and closing movements, and a turning mechanism for rotating the stowage box between retracted and protruded positions. An extensible escape means is connected to the stowage box at the evacuation passage and is normally received in the evacuation way for extending out of the stowage box for escape. The extensible escape means has a plurality of telescopically connected pipe sections of different cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: An air stair-door combination for an aircraft is described in which interference between the door and the stairway in opening and closing thereof is eliminated by delayed motion of the stairway until the door is moved through a significant portion of its travel. The stair being interconnected to the door counterbalances a portion of the weight of the door, thus decreasing power requirements for opening and closing the stairway and door. A folding handrail structure adapted to nestle into the folded stairway is described. The door and stair actuator operates on a pivot point located on the door such that initial opening movement of the door causes stair operating rods to first travel downwardly past an overcenter point, then upwardly through further movement of the pivot point. The stair segments are projected outwardly by stair actuator linkage means driven by the operating rods.

Abstract: An emergency escape comprises a stowage framework to be anchored in an opening formed in the slab of the floor of a room or the veranda, upper and lower covers interlocked linkage means, an escape means including a plurality of telescopically connected pipe sections, each of the pipe sections having a rung at the lower end on the uppermost pipe section being rotatably supported in the framework, and descent control means.The descent and extension speed of the escape means is controlled by the descent control means when the descent control means released a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A collapsible bleacher railing in conjunction and for use with a collapsible bleacher section or sections, which includes normally vertical, upright, support sections having a plurality of telescoping handrail sections therebetween such that as the bleachers are moved to their relative locations, the handrail will extend and collapse therewith and therefore eliminate the requirement for removal from the bleacher sections.