Abstract: A recreational vehicle step attachment device for attaching a foldable step device to a recreational vehicle includes a frame. A footing base is coupled to a surface of the frame. Each base of a pair of bases is coupled to a respective one of each back corner of a pair of back corners. A pair of hinges of a plurality of hinges is coupled to a respective one of each of the bases. A folding support of a pair of folding supports is coupled to a respective one of the pair of hinges of the plurality of hinges. Each of the folding supports has an aperture and a hook. The aperture is circular and provides a space where a bolt can be inserted through to secure to a recreational vehicle stairs. The hook attaches to the recreational vehicle stairs to provide stability to the frame.

Abstract: An escape system for providing an escape route out of a building is discloses. The system comprises a ladder, and at least one anchor element at a position distant from the proximal end of the ladder. The ladder is extendible between a collapsed storage configuration and an extended use configuration. The ladder comprises a plurality of essentially rigid ladder segments, each ladder segment comprising at least one rung and being displaceable in relation to the remaining plurality of ladder segments. The ladder also comprises at least one fixation element attached to or forming part of at least one of the ladder segments. The fixation element comprises a first spacer element, the first spacer element extending between the anchor element and the ladder in the extended use configuration.

Abstract: A pair of right and left supporting bases (10) provided on a sidewalk (9) of a revolving body (4) and both right and left sides (16) of a movable ladder (12) are connected by trajectory restricting members (22) in a swingable manner. In positions of the left supporting base (10) which are apart from each other, main body base ends (20a and 21a) of first and second hydraulic cylinders (20 and 21) are pivotally supported, and rod tip ends (20b and 21b) of the respective hydraulic cylinders (20 and 21) are pivotally supported in a common position of the left side (16) of the movable ladder (12). By operating the first and second hydraulic cylinders (20 and 21) in directions reverse to each other (extension and retraction), in-common pivotally supported parts (20b and 21b) are moved, thereby switching a position of the movable ladder (12) between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A retractable stair assembly for vehicles. In an embodiment, the retractable stair assembly may be detachable. Mounting brackets may be provided at opposing sides of a floor plate, and a one-piece mounting bracket assembly provided for installation at the threshold of a door in a recreational vehicle. Pivot plates are provided for pivotal movement of a retractable stair assembly about pivot studs provided on the mounting brackets. Pivot plates may be in the form of open jaw brackets provided at each side of a sill cover plate, to enable removal of the retractable stair assembly. A sill cover plate is provided that is shaped and sized to fit over the threshold and sill in a recreational vehicle doorway, yet allow closure of the door. In an embodiment a bottom stair is independently deployable, so the stair may be used, or not used, as may be appropriate at a given location.

Abstract: A watercraft including a frame and a folding ladder coupled to the frame. The folding ladder is configured for moving in between a folded position and an unfolded position. The ladder includes a stabilizing portion connected to the frame and defining a stabilizing plane and a first stair portion pivotably connected to the stabilizing portion. The first stair portion pivots relative to the stabilizing portion in a first direction of rotation. The ladder further includes a second stair portion pivotably connected to the first stair portion. The second stair portion pivots relative to the first stair portion in a second direction of rotation which is opposite to the first direction of rotation of the first stair portion such that the ladder selectively folds between the folded position and the unfolded position.

Abstract: A stair assembly for a vehicle includes a frame, a first stair, a second stair, and an actuator. The frame includes a plate extending between a first side member and a second side member. The first stair is rotatably coupled to the frame and includes a first step body positioned on a first side of the plate. The second stair is rotatably coupled to the frame and includes a second step body positioned on the first side of the plate. The actuator is configured to move the first stair and the second stair between a deployed position and a storage position, and the actuator is separated from the first step body and the second step body by the plate.

Abstract: A method and system for managing an elevator system, includes providing a recovery car to travel in the hoistway via a motor, and engaging the car via an attachment device of the recovery car.

Abstract: A stair assembly for a vehicle includes a frame, a first stair 80, a second stair 70, and an actuator. The frame includes a plate extending between a first side member and a second side member. The first stair 80 is rotatably coupled to the frame and includes a first step body positioned on a first side of the plate. The second stair 70 is rotatably coupled to the frame and includes a second step body positioned on the first side of the plate. The actuator is configured to move the first stair 80 and the second stair 70 between a deployed position and a storage position, and the actuator is separated from the first step body and the second step body by the plate.

Abstract: A ceiling assembly for an elevator cab that includes, among other features, an improved emergency access panel. The access panel appears to be part of a monolithic ceiling panel. When unlocked, the access panel is permitted to drop along a series of slides and remains substantially horizontal. Tracks are provided in the frame of the ceiling assembly that permits the dropped access panel to easily slide away to give access to the interior of the elevator cab through the ceiling. Drops in each of the tracks help bias the access panel open when it is placed in a fully open position.

Abstract: A portable personal descending escape system that includes a flexible, folding body sack designed to hold a small child or animal that can be gradually lowered to the ground by a single individual. The body sack is designed to fold into a small storage bag. The body sack includes a closable top opening and at least one side panel made of mesh material. Attached to the side of the body sack near the top opening is a handle. Attached to the body sack is an elongated strap with a plurality of strap handles attached thereto. The strap handles are evenly spaced apart along the handle so that one individual may gradually release the strap to safely lower the child or animal to the ground.

Abstract: A mobile storage tank includes a wall, a platform secured to the wall, and a structure that provides ascending access to the platform. The structure is configured to transition between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: The aquatic ladder has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings to make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. The ladder is preferably made from aluminum, although it can be made of other materials, such as steel (e.g., stainless or galvanized), fiberglass, plastic, or other composites.

Abstract: A mobile oilfield storage tank includes a front wall and a removable stair system coupled thereto. The stair system includes a platform suitable for use as a walkway and a platform extension operably associated therewith. The platform extension creates a continuous walkway between the platform and a platform of an adjacent mobile oilfield storage tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extendable/retractable ladder mounted to a boat trailer to allow access to a boat carried on the trailer. The ladder includes a pair of first vertically oriented bars and a pair of second bars. The vertically oriented bars have an inner cavity and a slot in one of its sides. The second bars have an inner cavity and a slot in one of its sides. The first end of the first bars and the second end of the second bars are connected such that the second end of the second bars can move along the length of the first bars between an extended position in which the first end of the second bars is a distance away from the first bars and a retracted position in which the first end and the second end of the second bars are adjacent to the first bars.

Abstract: A bearing retainer plate for fall restraint equipment made from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal, where the metal is lasered, cut, and/or butterflied to define a plurality of apertures. A bearing, preferably possessing a self-centering characteristic, is inserted into one of the apertures, while an adapter or bracket for an over-travel stop is inserted into another. A foot lock stud is inserted into another aperture defined by the bearing retainer plate and welded into place. The piece of metal may also define apertures configured to receive fasteners for attaching the plate to the fall restraint equipment, such as to a support structure of a gangway.

Abstract: An access device (1), adapted to provide access between a substrate surface (2) and an elevated surface (3). The device (1) includes a mounting (4), for securement of said device (1) substantially atop said elevated surface (3), a first ladder member (5), a first end of which is pivotally attached to said mounting (4), a second ladder member (6), a first end (12) of which is pivotally attached to a second end (11) of said first ladder member (5), at an articulation joint, drive means (7), operatively connected between said mounting (4) and said first ladder member (5), to control the movement of said first ladder member (5) between an access position and a storage position, at least one guide arm (8), operatively connected between said mounting (4) and said articulation joint (18), to guide the movement of said second ladder member (6) as said drive means (7) moves said first ladder member (5).

Abstract: The trailer and flatbed ladder apparatus provides ladder access to a trailer and to a flatbed. The apparatus is highly portable by way of being hinged between the upper and lower sections and due to the tubular construction. The apparatus may therefore be easily and space efficiently stored on and within a truck, bed, or trailer. The apparatus is removably positionable in a plurality of locations around a flatbed and trailer, wherever a stake pocket exists. The stake provides positive non-slip fit to a trailer and flatbed that negates unintentional movement and removal, thereby ensuring safety. Full pivot is provided between the stake and sleeve and the upper section. The apparatus removably fits snugly within the existing stake pockets of a flatbed and trailer due to the stake square outer corners and rounded inner corners that match existing stake pockets.

Abstract: A stair system for a mobile storage tank includes a platform subsystem attached to a wall of the mobile storage tank, a staircase subsystem coupled to the platform subsystem, and a rail subsystem attached to the staircase subsystem. The platform subsystem includes a retractable platform extension, and the staircase and rail subsystem are configured to be extended for use and retracted for transit and non-use modes of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ladder comprising a single post (1) provided with a fixing means (4) on the upper end (1S) thereof, said ladder comprising an anchoring means (9, 10) which is especially adapted to said fixing means (4) and is attached to the wall (7), and foldable supporting arms (3) which are connected to either side of the single post (1) in an articulated manner.

Abstract: A rest compartment configured for at least one aircraft pilot includes a berth arranged at least partially above an aisle separating two monuments. The first and second monuments are located behind a cockpit of an aircraft. One of the monuments comprises an access to the berth.

Abstract: An ice ladder has a climbing ladder mounted to an adjustable frame, with the adjustable frame including a securing apparatus mounting on a desired surface, especially an opening in an ice covered body of water. The ice ladder has an adjustable frame or member, a locking bar, and a climbing ladder releasably secured to the locking bar. The adjustable member is secured to the locking bar.

Abstract: A vehicle having a compactable walkway, including a supporting surface and a plurality of steps, pivotally coupled to the supporting surface, oriented, spaced, and positioned to provide a graduated walkway when in a deployed position and to lie substantially parallel to the supporting surface when in a retracted position. There is also a support member coupled to a distal end of each of the plurality of steps to enforce consistency of position of the plurality of steps between the deployed and retracted positions; a railing coupled to the support member; a motivator coupled to one of the plurality of steps and configured to direct the plurality of steps from the retracted position to the deployed position; a vertical support coupled to the vehicle for bracing; and a shell coupled to the railing for covering when plurality of steps are in the retracted position.

Abstract: A boarding ladder includes an upper step having a first and second collar, a lower step having a left and right side selectively slidably engaged with the first and second collar, respectively, with the lower step selectively slidable between raised and lowered positions. Left and right extensions are pivotally engaged with the left and right sides, respectively, with the left and right extensions pivoting between folded and extended positions. The left and right extensions are selectively slidably engaged with the first and second collars, respectively, in the extended position. A method of lowering a boarding ladder includes pivoting a left and right extension of a lower step to an extended position, disengaging a retention member from an upper step and the lower step, and lowering the lower step from the upper step until a stop on each of the left and right extensions abuts the upper step.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a boarding platform for a boat that includes all of the stability of a permanent swim platform as well as the capability of being adjusted and adapted so that it can be set up at virtually any location on the boat. The boarding platform requires no additional hardware and affords the convenience of easy set up, removal, and storage.

Abstract: An attic ladder has a frame, a first side rail, a second side rail extending in parallel relationship with the first side rail and pivotally interconnected to the frame at an upper end thereof, and a plurality of steps extending between the side rails. Each of the steps are formed of a polymeric material. The side rails have a curved outer surface. A slidable base rail is mounted at a bottom of each of the side rails so as to support a shoe at a bottom thereof.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a boat trailer ladder which may be easily secured to and moved along the trailer rails. A hook is dimensioned and configured to engage standard boat trailer rails. An A-frame ladder provides steps from an approximately the level of the trailer rails, or in alternative embodiments from approximately ground level, up for a distance above the trailer rails. The extra elevation gained by a user of ordinary size standing on an upper step is sufficient to allow them to reach the top surfaces of the boat.

Abstract: A folding ladder is configured for installation in an opening to provide access between one floor or space and another floor or space. The folding ladder includes, in one aspect, an upper ladder section having 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 ladder rails to the lower ladder section ladder rails, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper and lower ladder rails. The plurality of steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position. At least one step disposed between the upper ladder rails and at least one step disposed between the lower ladder rails are linked by at least one linkage member so that each of the noted steps rotates between a retracted position and a deployed position upon rotational movement of the upper ladder section relative to the lower ladder section between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower substrate surface and an upper substrate surface. The access device includes upper and lower articulated ladder members. A first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to or near the upper surface. A second end of the lower member is pivotally connected to the second end of the upper member, such that the lower ladder member is rotatable 180° relative to the upper member. In the storage position, the ladder members are folded in a substantially compact upright disposition, while, in the access position, the members are aligned and extend downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level, the access device including a main body which includes a first body section and a body section pivotally connected to the first body section, said first section being mounted for pivotal movement about a main body fixed pivot mounting between an access position and a stowed position, a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the first body section between the access and stowed positions, the first and second body sections being pivotally movable between an extended position in which they are disposed generally end to end and a retracted position in which they disposed generally side by side, and a control link assembly for controlling the movement of the first and second body sections between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A ladder for a truck fitted with a pivotal tailgate, the ladder comprising a first leg portion pivotally coupled to a second leg portion, where at least one of the leg portions is fitted with at least one rung. An upper end of the first leg portion is pivotally attachable to an upper portion of the tailgate and a lower end of the second leg portion is pivotally attachable to a lower portion of the truck. When the tailgate is in its closed position, the first leg portion and the second leg portion continuously extend in a first operable position and opening the tailgate facilitates deploying the ladder into a corresponding second operable position.

Abstract: An assembly for boarding swimming animals into a boat having a boat ladder, and having an elongated ramp with a sidewall. A plurality of apertures is formed through the sidewall, and a connection assembly is connected to the ramp. The connection assembly includes a cross member, at least one hooked support member extending therefrom for engaging the boat ladder, at least one pivotable grip member pivotingly connected to the hooked support member, a biasing member operationally connected to the pivotable grip member to urge the pivotable grip member in a first direction, and an elongated lanyard member operationally connected to the pivotable grip member. A positioning assembly is to the ramp for positioning the ramp relative the boat ladder and may be connected to the ramp through any desired apertures.

Abstract: A ladder which is particularly useful as a boat ladder is constructed with a pair of centrally located side-by-side elongated support members which are movable lengthwise, to a limited degree, with respect to one another. The ladder rungs are pivotally attached to the support members such that when one support member is moved lengthwise the rungs are swung to extend outward from the support members for use as a stepping ladder and swung inward to be in line with the support members to make the ladder compact for storage. The ladder is pivotably engageable with a storage compartment in a boat hull for swinging the ladder downward for use from an opening in the compartment and upward in line with the opening for insertion into the compartment for storage.

Abstract: A ladder mounting mechanism is configured for mounting a ladder to a truck trailer. The truck trailer has at least one keeper member fixedly connected thereto. The ladder mounting mechanism includes a frame at least one moveable locking member moveably connected to the frame. The frame is adapted to be fixedly connected to the ladder. The moveable locking member is adapted for movement relative to the frame between a ladder-secured position and a ladder-unsecured position. In the ladder-secured position, the locking member engages the keeper member in a manner for securing the ladder to the truck trailer. In the ladder-unsecured position, the locking member is disengaged from the keeper member.

Abstract: A ladder mounting mechanism is configured for mounting a ladder to a truck trailer. The truck trailer has at least one keeper member fixedly connected thereto. The ladder mounting mechanism includes a frame and at least one moveable locking member moveably connected to the frame. The frame is adapted to be fixedly connected to the ladder. The moveable locking member is adapted for movement relative to the frame between a ladder-secured position and a ladder-unsecured position. In the ladder-secured position, the locking member engages the keeper member in a manner for securing the ladder to the truck trailer. In the ladder-unsecured position, the locking member is disengaged from the keeper member.

Abstract: An accessing step, mounted on a vehicle having a bumper attached to the vehicle frame, comprises a step part and a mount assembly fixedly supported on the bumper and frame, mounting the step part for swinging movement from a first operative position in which the step part extends generally horizontally to a retracted second position pivoted upwardly to lie generally vertically adjacent the bumper. The mount assembly incorporates a lock device automatically operative between the mount assembly and step part for releasably locking the step part in the second position and automatically locking up to block the step part from downwardly swinging beyond a substantially horizontal position, while permitting the step part to be swung upwardly.

Abstract: A portable ladder having stabilizer brackets slidably mounted on the ladder siderails to permit the ladder to be mounted to a flatbed trailer tiedown rail. The slidable stabilizer brackets are substantially self-adjusting in position, and adjust automatically, for example, when a load is removed from the trailer. The ladder may optionally include two sections pivotably interconnected to facilitate handling and storage. A lock to secure the two sections together in an extended position may also be provided. The advantage is a lightweight, portable ladder which can be used with practically any flatbed trailer. The ladder adjusts substantially automatically to the height of the trailer to provide stable access to the trailer bed.

Abstract: A universal, compact, truck tailgate ladder with support arms is disclosed, comprised of a folding ladder of otherwise conventional design, with upper leg members and lower leg members, and a series of parallel steps connecting each set of upper leg members and lower leg members. The present invention is designed to attach to the interior surface of a pick-up truck tailgate via a fastening means, such as bolts.

Abstract: A step ladder for mounting on the side of a tub to provide a secure way to reach over a tub to clean the opposing regions and walls of the tub. The step ladder includes a top step having front and back edges, left and right sides, and upper and lower surfaces. A lip member is downwardly extended from the lower surface of the top step. The lip member is positioned adjacent the front edge of the top step. A pair of spaced apart elongate legs are downwardly depended from the lower surface of the top step. Each of the legs is pivotally coupled to the lower surface of the top step so that the legs are pivotable between an deployed position and a collapsed position. When the legs are in the collapsed position, the longitudinal axes of the legs are generally parallel with the lower surface of the top step. A step rung is extended between the legs and spaced apart from the top step.

Abstract: A folding staircase comprises a plurality of step units each having a pair of horizontal link bars 41b, a pair of vertical link bars 42b that are pivotally coupled to corresponding the horizontal link bars, and a plate 20b that are connected between the horizontal link bars, wherein the ends of the horizontal link bars are pivotally combined with those of the adjacent vertical link bars to form a step portion, and a fixing unit for fixing the step portion to a vehicle.

Abstract: An extensible ladder includes an upper frame, an up and down transmitting unit and a first and a second extensible frame. The first and the second extensible frame each have a plurality of pairs of crisscrossing rods pivotally connected with each other. Plural ladder steps and connecting rods are pivotally connected between the first and the second extensible frame. The connecting rods are pivotally connected to guide blocks, which have a vertical threaded hole for each of two threaded rods of the up and down transmitting unit to fit in and engage. Then each threaded rod has a clockwise threaded portion and counterclockwise threaded portion engaging the vertical threaded holes of the guide blocks. When an active rod with two worm sections is rotated by two worm gears combined with splines with an upper spline shaft portion of the two threaded rods, the active rod rotates the threaded rods, forcing the two extensible frames to extend down or shrink up.

Abstract: A marine vessel ladder system that is primarily used for overboard emergency situations. The ladder system is collapsible and separable into two pieces with one piece substantially smaller than the other. The smaller piece serves both as a retainer to hold the larger piece in a folded, stowed position and also as a connector to fasten the larger piece to a customized area along an edge of the vessel's deck. The ladder system is deployable by one deckhand and includes vertically oriented upper and lower ladder sections with a horizontally oriented grate section therebetween. Fixed vertical railings and collapsible side railings are provided for assistance in ascending and descending the ladder system. Optional safety straps are provided to secure the system prior to and during use.

Abstract: An escape ladder system generally comprising a housing having an inner chamber; a collapsible ladder unit assembly removably received in the housing inner chamber; a cover plate removably coupled to the housing; and, a control unit assembly coupled to the ladder unit assembly. When in its collapsed configuration, the ladder unit assembly is retained by the control unit assembly within the housing inner chamber. The ladder unit assembly is biased for displacement from the housing inner chamber and extension into its extended configuration responsive to appropriate user actuation of the control unit assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible, folding emergency escape ladder having an attachment means for permanently affixing it to a window frame rough opening structural components that are present within the walls of all residential housed, a retention means for securing the ladder in the folded position, and a multiplicity of swivel link means for joining the multiplicity of ladder sections to one another. The attachment means for permanently affixing the emergency escape ladder to a window sill includes a rigid framework having attachment bolts/screws apertures disposed therein at predetermined locations that line up with the inner wall structural framework found surrounding windows in most, if not all, residential dwellings. The retention means for securing the ladder in the folded position includes a pin arrangement that may cooperate with a chain for gathering the collapsed foldable sections in a compact area next to the rigid framework attachment means.

Abstract: An escape apparatus for installation within an upper storey of a building in the proximity of an emergency exit opening, such as a window, comprises a foldable ladder carried by a stage which is mounted on a vertically positioned fixed mounting frame for sliding and pivoting movement together with the folded ladder between a retracted position against the mounting frame to an extended position of use in which the stage projects through the emergency exit opening and in which the ladder may be slid along the stage and unfolded at a leading edge of the stage to form a rigid ladder extending downwardly from the stage outside the building. The escape apparatus may also comprise a child carrier guided by the ladder for controllably lowering a baby or small child down the ladder and an automatically opening folding rescue platform for providing a temporary place of safety for escapes unable to reach the ground while they wait for rescue.

Abstract: A multiple level or tier foldable bench type seating assembly which is mounted to a wall or bulkhead and which may be folded to a compact position against the wall. A support is secured to the wall. An upper seat support is pivotally attached to the wall support at a bracket. The opposite end is pivotally attached to a rear leg. A lower seat support has a front folding leg and has a roller which travels in a track on the rear leg between the folded and unfolded position. An anti-tampering detent lock prevents the inadvertent or unauthorized folding of the seating.

Abstract: This is an emergency escape device for prevention of burglary and for escaping from a window on a building wall. Because this emergency escape device provides the design of guiding portions on a plurality of fixed seat assemblies and movable seat assemblies, it reduces the vibration and noise problems caused by strong wind. Also, when in use under emergency conditions, the escape ladder assembly can be extended down from a window. Because of this emergency escape device provide special designs on these fixed seat assemblies and movable seat assemblies, they can afford more impact forces when the escape ladder assembly is extending. This prolongs the safety and life of the device.

Abstract: An automatic foldable emergency ladder system for use in a building having a smoke detecting device includes an inverted L-shaped housing having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion and being securely mounted to a perimeter wall of a roof of the building; a control unit mounted in the horizontal portion of the housing and having at least one input port for receiving a signal from the smoke detecting device; an electrically powered driving device mounted in the horizontal portion of the housing and electrically connected to the control unit for receiving a signal therefrom and being activated/deactivated therefor; a spool unit rotatably mounted in the housing and driven by the driving device; a foldable ladder securely coupled to the vertical portion of the housing at one end thereof and having at least one wire which is secured to the spool means at one end thereof and an opposite end thereof is coupled to a free end of the foldable ladder such that the ladder can be folded/extended by the spool unit;

Abstract: A ladder for contraction and storage on an upper working floor of a printing press having a plurality of vertically arranged working floors for access to said printing press at said working floors, such ladder having a plurality of substantially equal length sections coupled to each other at overlapping ends of said sections at side rack of said ladder for expanding and contracting such ladder, the upper end of the upper-most ladder section, when such ladder is expanded, having coupling means engageable with rails on such upper working floors for guiding such ladder, when contracted, into a horizontal position at such upper working floor for storage and for guiding such contracted ladder to a position at the end of such upper working floor for movement from a horizontal storage position to a substantially vertical expanded position for extension between such upper working floor and a working floor therebelow and means for locking such plurality of coupled sections into such contracted position for storage.

Abstract: A movable type staircase is disclosed, particularly one which is located at the exterior wall or veranda at various floor levels of a building. In an emergency, a safety bar on any floor may be pushed aside to enable the movable staircase to unfold itself and connect rapidly by its own gravity with the veranda or fire exit at a lower floor level. Also by means of the force produced when the movable type staircase is being lowered, a safety bar at the next lower floor level will be further pushed aside to again enable that movable staircase to unfold itself and rapidly connect by its own gravity with still another lower floor level and so on until the various floor levels which are lower than the floor which the user is staying can be connected automatically in a way similar to an indoor staircase. It is a staircase which provides a highly safe and automatic means of escape for people in time of emergency.

Abstract: A gangplank or ladder for watercraft comprises at least two portions (1A, 1B) hinged together and suitable for taking up a folded position and an open position respectively, the first (1A) of said portions is hinged to the craft and rotates around an axis coinciding with the outlet axis of an actuator (7) preset for controlling the rotation of said first portion (1A) with respect to the hull of the craft (9).