Abstract: A working vehicle (1) contains a chassis (2) with a driver's cabin (3) which is equipped with a step construction (30) with at least one step (5). According to the invention the step (5) is coupled to a lifting and lowering device (11) which is controllable by switching devices (21) which are located at least in the vicinity of the step construction. Climbing in or out is thus considerably facilitated and does not involve any or hardly any burdening of the joints of the driver. It is expected that with this; complaints of an orthopedic nature with drivers can be decreased.

Abstract: A retractable ladder assembly for a watercraft has a rotatably mounted ladder which is attached to the craft by brackets. The ladder is pivotably mounted to the brackets. There is a plate biased to engage and rotatably retract the ladder from a use position to a storage position is also attached to the bracket. The bias is provided by a torsion spring. In one embodiment, the bracket mounts to the top of a rear platform of a boat and in another embodiment the ladder mounts to the underside of the rear platform of the boat. In both embodiments, the ladder may have a telescoping second ladder which retracts, due to gravity, when the torsion spring rotates the ladder assembly to a sufficient amount above the horizontal. There is also a stopper mechanism for each embodiment.

Abstract: A portable ladder for attachment to truck and trailer beds having stake or post pockets spaced about the outer periphery of the truck or trailer frame, including an attachment plate having a post sized for fitting into one of the stake or post pockets and a ladder section pivotally connected to the attachment plate by a pair of links or hinges, to permit the ladder section to be pivotally moved downwardly over the edge of the truck or trailer bed into a use position for climbing and to be pivotally moved upwardly over the truck or trailer bed into a stowage position.

Abstract: An access device (1) for providing access between a lower level and an upper level. The device (1) includes a platform member (2), a ladder member (3) and a rotating actuator (4). The platform (2) and the ladder (3) are movable between an access position (FIG. 1) wherein the ladder (3) is positioned downwardly and the platform (2) is horizontal, and, a storage position (FIG. 3), in which the ladder (3) is positioned upwards and the platform (2) is vertical. In a first step, the actuator (4) rotates the ladder through about a 90.degree. angle to an intermediate position (FIG. 2) at which time the ladder (3) engages with the platform (2). Then, in a second step, the ladder (3) and platform (2) cooperatively rotate between the intermediate position (FIG. 2) and the stored position (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A collapsible step assembly has upper and lower steps, and a housing which mounts below the door of a vehicle. The steps and housing are interconnected by pivotally mounted linkages. A pivot rod extends transversely through the housing with a linkage fastened to each end. A link arm is connected to the rod with a universal ball joint. The link arm is swivelly mounted to a drive gear with teeth which extend circumferentially along an arcuate edge portion. The drive gear is pivotally mounted to the housing and engages a drive gear extending from a motor. The drive gear rotates the pivot rod and, hence, the steps between retracted and extended positions. A flat outer edge of the drive gear abuts a mechanical stop in the extended position. When the user steps on the steps while they are extended, the stop will resist countertorque on the pivot rod from being applied through the gears to the motor.

Abstract: A dirt removing running board for automobile includes a cover, a linkage means, a base frame and two steel wires winding to a motor. The linkage means has an upper bar which has a hollow lower portion for housing the upper portion of a lower bar. There is a spring housed in the hollow portion between the upper and lower bars. The lower bar is thus movable up or down to suit different road conditions. The cover is screwed to the chassis of the automobile. The two ends of the linkage means pivotly engage with the cover and base frame respectively to form a substantially Z-shape structure. The motor can release the steel wires to extend the linkage means perpendicular to the cover and the base frame when in use. When the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the steel wires will pull and fold the linkage means and the base frame to the cover for storage.

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: A retractable step assembly has a U-shaped step, a rotatable joint including a bracket, a first member to fix the bracket to the rear of a boat or personal watercraft, to a fixed step, a pivotable rod, and a second member to fix the U-shaped step to it for rotation with respect to the first member. The joint includes two rings which are fixed to the bracket and a tube disposed within the rings at each end for rotation around the axis of the tube and rings. One of the assemblies is fixed to the tube and another assembly is fixed to the bracket. The bracket has two springs fixed to it and also acting on the tube or the assembly connected to the tube to rotationally bias the tube and assembly with respect to the bracket.

Abstract: A truck step securable to a vehicle via a mounting bracket an having a step arm capable of swiveling between a "storage" position underneath the vehicle and an "in use" position where the step arm extends outward from under the vehicle. A distal end of the step arm is provided with a step plate where a user's foot may be placed when stepping into the vehicle, and a proximal end of the step arm is provided with a lower swivel plate which swivels relative to an upper swivel plate provided on the mounting bracket. The lower and upper swivel plates have mating valleys and ridges to lock the step in one of several positions.

Abstract: A folding step (10) for a recreational vehicle (12 having an existing step (14)) at a side door (16). The folding step (10) comprises a tread (18) and a structure (20) for attaching the tread (18) to the existing step (14) with the tread (18) in front, between the existing step (14) and the ground (22). The transition from the ground (22) to the interior of the recreational vehicle (12) through the side door (16) is easier to negotiate by a person stepping up.

Abstract: A retractable step assembly (10) includes a step (12) pinned to the lower ends of a pair of swing arms (14, 16) depending downwardly from a bracket (30) for mounting the step assembly to the underside of a vehicle. An electric motor (20) powers the upper end of a swing arm (14) to rotate the two swing arms between retracted and extended positions. A clutch assembly (24) is interposed between the electric motor and the swing arm (14) to allow the motor to continue to operate to the end of its cycle if the step or swing arm become obstructed. A lock assembly (170) is provided to lock the step in retracted position, with the lock being automatically disengaged when the step assembly is actuated to extend the step from retracted position.

Abstract: An improved auxiliary multiple step configuration for use on a truck having rigid step attached to the upper surface of the tailgate and a self storing step which retracts substantially into the tailgate when the gate is closed and deploys automatically when the tailgate is opened.

Abstract: A receiver hitch step attachment mounts to the existing receiver hitch of a pickup truck and supports a set of steps that are adjustable laterally and vertically. An auxiliary stabilizer leg is provided for engaging the ground beneath the attachment when the truck is parked in order to support the vehicle against rocking when weight is applied to the steps or when moving about in the camper.

Abstract: A vehicle attachment including an elongated platform pivotally attached along one side of a vehicle for movement between a vertical carrying position adjacent the side of the vehicle and a second horizontal position to enable a user to walk along the side at the rear of the vehicle when launching a boat into a body of water or during recovery of the boat without requiring the user to get into the water.

Abstract: A new spring step for the rear ends of vehicles for facilitating access to the back ends of high vehicles, such as trucks and utility vehicles. The spring step includes a step member having a horizontal upper surface. A pair of semi-rigid members, preferably coil springs, are attached to the step member and extend vertically upward from the upper surface. The ends of the semi-rigid members are removably attached to a channel member which is used to secure the step member and semi-rigid members to a support structure, such as a rear bumper, of the vehicle. The semi-rigid members are stiff enough to permit an individual to stand on the step member without significant deflection of the semi-rigid members, so that the step functions similarly to conventional steps on the rear ends of vehicles. However, if the step encounters an obstacle or obstruction while the vehicle is backing up, the semi-rigid members resiliently flex so that the step member deflects. Thus, little or no damage is done to the step.

Abstract: A step holding element is insertable in a receiver-type trailer hitch on a vehicle and includes a mounting bar for securing into the trailer hitch receiver, and a step rotatably secured to the mounting bar for movement between open and closed positions. The mounting bar has an opening formed with a post mounted therein and the post has two ends, one of which is secured to the step and the other of which has a locking element secured thereto which is normally held in contact with the top surface and the side surfaces of the mounting bar. To operate the step between open and closed positions the step must be first pushed upwardly, away from the mounting bar and the ground on which the vehicle is resting, so that the locking element will be moved out of contact with the mounting bar to enable the step to be rotated between retracted and useable positions, with respect to the rear of the vehicle on which it is mounted.

Abstract: A tailgate step has a hinge assembly and a step assembly. One side of the hinge assembly attaches to the inside panel of the tailgate near its upper edge. The other side of the hinge assembly attaches to the step frame. In one form, Z pins connect the two sides of the hinge assembly. The step frame is U shaped where the bight of the U is the step portion. The tailgate step has a stored position against the inside panel of the tailgate and an in-use position across the tailgate edge and vertically downward when the tailgate is open.

Abstract: A truck bed pull out step system installed under the front of a passenger pickup truck bed on one or both sides gives the user the ability to enter the pickup bed area or retrieve items with ease. When not in use is concealed under pickup bed.

Abstract: An apparatus in combination with or attachable to a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower for transporting the operator therebehind. The apparatus includes a first arm pivotally connected to the lawn mower and adapted to pivot about a first generally horizontally disposed axis of rotation. A support platform is pivotally connected to the other end of the arm about a second axis of rotation which is also horizontally disposed and which is parallel to the first axis of rotation. A spring member is provided and biases the first arm upwardly for placing the apparatus in a retracted storage position. The apparatus is selectively placeable in an extended in use position during which the operator stands on the support platform and rides behind the self-propelled lawn mower. The support platform includes a sliding plate for sliding on the ground and reducing frictional forces when the operator is standing on the support platform.

Abstract: A running board for an overland vehicle including first and second bell cranks with swing arms which move relative to the vehicle in opposing arcuate displacements. An elongated central running board member is flexibly connected to the swing arms to form a linkage which is extended and retracted. An extension compensator is included to compensate for changes in the overall length of the linkage. A motor-powered drive pivots the swing arms and preferably provides a control mechanism which coordinates the swing arm motions to keep the running board level. The drive can be automatically controlled by a door switch or other sensor.

Abstract: The invention shows a detachable ladder for use with a military and similar ehicles. The ladder has an adjustable mounting apparatus allowing the ladder to be attached to a wide variety of vehicle tailgates. The ladder also has hand holds to be used by personnel entering the vehicle when encumbered with combat gear.

Abstract: A retractable hanging step platform with stabilizers improves the stability of hanging steps found on motor homes and travel trailers. One or more support stabilizers are pivotably mounted on the underside of a step to engage the ground when the retractable hanging step platform is extended for use and to pivot alongside the step when retracted for storage during travel. The legs are also vertically adjustable to accommodate varying height conditions between ground level and the hanging step platform.

Abstract: An improvement in a walk-behind, self-propelled lawn mower including a mower deck having an upper deck surface, a deck rear end and deck rear edge, several mower wheels, a mower engine, a pair of handle bars extending upward from the mower deck at the rear of the mower deck and steering controls includes a plate member for supporting a mower operator during mower use, a hinge pivotally connecting the plate member to the rear end of the mower deck, plate member abutment structure for stopping the plate member from pivoting to a position substantially below the plane of the mower deck. The hinge preferably includes a first hinge pin receiving element secured to the upper surface of the deck and spaced apart from the rear edge of the mower deck, and a second hinge pin receiving element secured to the plate member, and where the plate member abutment structure includes a portion of the mower deck between the first hinge pin receiving element and the rear edge.

Abstract: A modular landing assembly for a commercial trailer, which is transportable with the trailer is disclosed. The landing assembly includes a landing platform pivotally connected to the sidewall of the trailer, a detachable staircase, a detachable safety railing, and a storage frame mounted beneath the undercarriage of the trailer for carrying the staircase and safety railing. The landing platform can be pivoted between a vertical transportation position secured against the trailer side wall and a horizontal operational position extending from the trailer side wall. The landing platform includes a pair of folding legs, which support the landing platform in its operational position and which can be secured against the landing platform during transportation. The platform legs include an extensible foot, which allows the landing platform to be leveled. The staircase is a single unit, which is connected to the landing platform in its operational position by two pins.

Abstract: A combined stairway and hoist so constructed that it can be adapted in many fields of use, especially for handicapped people in buildings and public transportation. The stairway together with the platform can be raised and lowered by means of parallel stays which at one end are pivotally connected to a support at the upper end of the stairway, the parallel stays along their length being pivotally connected to a number of additional stays which are connected to respective steps and are vertical in operating position.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for attachment to a motor vehicle frame member is adapted to support a frame mounted vehicle accessory, such as a step or running board. The bracket assembly comprises a pair of primary brackets, a pair of connecting pins, a support member, a mounting bracket, and a leveling bracket. The primary brackets define surfaces engaging a vehicle frame member without drilling. The connecting pins extend between and connect the primary brackets. The support member is substantially vertical and is supported by the primary brackets and connecting pins. The mounting bracket extends substantially horizontally from the support member to the accessory. The leveling bracket is fixed to the mounting bracket at a point proximate to the accessory and is fixed to the support member at a point separate from where the mounting bracket attaches to the support member.

Abstract: A retaining and support assembly for supporting a lift platform or cage at an elevated position on machinery, the lift platform or cage having an engagement plate which may located between a stop and retractable pin supported on the machinery so as to be wedged in position to support the platform or cage. The pin may be retracted to allow for release of the platform or cage from its elevated position.

Abstract: A pivotable fold-down step system mounted to a vehicle, such as a fire truck or rescue truck, and synchronized to extend and retract by vehicle door motion. The step system is designed to easily achieve ingress and egress requirements stated within the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) guidelines. The step remains sealed and contoured to the vehicle profile when in the upright stowed position when the vehicle door is closed. The fold down step is operated by means of a pressurized fluid system which is integral to the vehicle. As the vehicle door opens the step is extended downward, under pressurized control, to allow for rapid and safe egress from the vehicle. As the vehicle door closes, the step is again operated by the pressurized integral fluid system and the step rises and folds into a stowed position within the vehicle body prior to transport of the vehicle.

Abstract: A folding step attachment made of lightweight tubular metal provides improved entry access into the bed area of a truck. The attachment is secured at its base to the interior surface of the truck tailgate. A frame coupled to the base unfolds downwardly from the tailgate to an operative position whereupon a step coupled to the frame unfolds into a horizontal position to accommodate a user's foot. The step is adjustable to a desired height above the ground. In the folded or stand-by position, the attachment consumes little space in the bed area. An angle member is provided between the attachment and the upper edge of the tailgate to protect the tailgate against denting.

Abstract: An automatic entryway step system for recreational vehicles and motor homes which extends and retracts a step in response to a momentary push button switch located inside the vehicle near the door. A safety retraction system automatically retracts the step when the vehicle ignition is turned on, but only if the vehicle parking brake is not engaged. If the vehicle ignition system is turned on while the parking brake is engaged, a step warning indicator will be activated to alert the driver that the step is extended. If the parking brake is released, the step will retract and the warning indicator will be turned off.

Abstract: A door-activated retractable step for a truck includes at least one step cavity disposed within a side wall structure of the truck in proximity to a door thereof. An extendable cover for the step cavity housing, when closed, creates an aerodynamic continuation of the side wall structure containing the step cavity. The cover is pivoted about a horizontal hinge in response to the truck door being opened to form a continuation of the tread surface, creating a wide step.

Abstract: An extendible and retractable step assembly for mounting on vehicles. The assembly includes a mount which is fixed to either side of the vehicle. An extendible subassembly includes a step mounted on a movable swing arm in a preferred parallelogram linkage. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined causing the step to be moved downward and outward into an extended position. Cable and motor operators are shown to provide automatic operation when the vehicle door is operated. A safety release is used on the cable operator to allow vehicle door operation even if the step assembly becomes jammed.

Abstract: A retractable step including at least a first and second tube member, a step platform and a retraction device. The first tube member is attached to the vehicle. The step platform is attached to one end of the second tube member. The second tube member, with the step platform, is slidable over the first tube attached to the vehicle. The retraction device provided a method of retracting the step platform from an in use lower position to an upper retracted position. An electric motor may be used to drive the retraction device.

Abstract: A retractable step apparatus for providing access to a recreational vehicle (6), or trailer includes a mounting frame (10), a top tread assembly (12) pivotally attached to the mounting frame, a center tread assembly (14) swingably coupled to the top tread assembly, and a bottom tread assembly (16) pivotally attached to the center tread assembly. The mounting frame includes right and left mounting brackets (18) and at least one crossmember (20, 22). The top tread assembly includes right and left top brackets (26) and a top step (28) attached between the right and left top brackets. The center tread assembly includes right and left center brackets (36) and a center step (38) attached between the right and left center brackets. The bottom tread assembly includes right and left bottom brackets (46) and a bottom step (48) attached between the right and left bottom brackets.

Abstract: A combination stainless and mild steel step having universal brackets and adjustable support rods for mounting the step onto a pickup truck. The step is provided with a mild steel plate having a back edge to which an upwardly projecting stainless steel backplate is welded and also having a front and two side edges to which a downwardly projecting stainless steel perimeter lip is welded. L-shaped support braces and attachment members are welded to a bottom surface of the step as a means for attaching the step to the pickup via, respectively, the universal brackets and adjustable support rods. The top plate and all of the welds are concealed by a plastic cap which secures to a top surface of the plate and which may be provided with traction grids to provide non-slip footing.

Abstract: An extendible and retractable step assembly for mounting on vehicles. The assembly includes a mount which is fixed to either side of the vehicle. An extendible subassembly includes a step mounted on a movable swing arm in a preferred parallelogram linkage. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined causing the step to be moved downward and outward into an extended position. Cable and motor operators are shown to provide automatic operation when the vehicle door is operated. A safety release is used on the cable operator to allow vehicle door operation even if the step assembly becomes jammed.

Abstract: A compactable access step for use with vehicles to make it easier for a person to reach into the engine compartment and radiator compartment of the vehicle and including a platform for a user to stand on and support means allowing the vehicle to be suspended from either a vehicle bumper or a vehicle wheel.

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: A staircase that is collapsible and hinged to the side of a vehicle allowing it to be folded up against the side of the vehicle for travel on roads. A pair of guide rods are connected at one end to the vehicle and at the opposite end to staircase for stabilizing the staircase when it rests upon an uneven ground. A pin is attached to the vehicle and can be inserted through a hole in the staircase locking the staircase when folded up.

Abstract: A fold-down step arrangement is mountable to a vehicle to provide an intermediate step for the vehicle chassis. The invention includes a step plate that is pivotably mounted by parallelogram swing arms to a bracket secured to the vehicle chassis. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined to enable the step plate to be moved between a down and outward operative position and an up and inward inoperative position. A spring normally urges the step plate and arms attached thereto to the storage position. A connector linkage cable is also provided between the step plate and vehicle door such that the sliding enclosed cable will move in response to opening and closing of the vehicle door. The arrangement is such that opening of the door will cause corresponding motion of the step plate from the elevated storage position to the lowered operative position. Thus, when the door is open, the step plate is in an operative position for use.

Abstract: Access to a rail vehicle is effected by a board that is movable between a retracted position in which it is housed beneath the top face of the floor of the vehicle and an extended position in which it constitutes an access ramp between a platform and an entrance doorsill of the vehicle. The device includes an actuator for driving the board and a stop terminating translation of the board in its extended position. The actuator is disposed in the plane of the board. The device also tilts the board after stopping the board's movement in translation so that the outside end of the board rests on the platform and so that the board co-operates with the entrance doorsill to provide a continuous surface without any offset. The entrance doorsill remains stationary.

Abstract: A side step for a vehicle, particularly a sports utility passenger vehicle is openable and closeable. In a preferred embodiment, the side step automatically opens when the front door of the vehicle is opened. In its open position, a toe kick panel provides a barrier to the side step support and movement mechanisms.

Abstract: A mounted, retractable step for motor vehicles, such as passenger vans, that slides into an extended position for assisting entrance into the side of the passenger van. The step is mounted on the ends of a pair of square rods that slide horizontally under the passenger van. The rods are carried on an outer guide and between a pair of spaced-apart inner guides. The outer guide is attached to a pair of outer guide supports mounted to the edge of the underside of the van. The inner guides are attached to an inner guide support mounted to the underside of the van. Each of the rods has a pair of guide stops, in the form of nipples extending downwardly from the bottom side of the rods, that lock the rods into an extended position and a retracted position depending on which guide they straddle. The step is moved from the retracted position to the extended position by lifting the step slightly and then sliding it out from under the passenger van.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ladder which automatically returns to an original position after impact with grade or objects. Preferably the ladder is attached to a land conveyance. A spring assembly connects the ladder to a land conveyance to provide movement in a forward, rearward or lateral direction from the original position of the ladder.

Abstract: Steps are convertible into a platform of an elevator for wheelchairs such as installed in vehicles and buses, during which conversion a barrier is automatically raised from the bottom step to be at the outer edge of the platform. The barrier is operated by an extensible link under the bottom step, which link is connected between the barrier and a crank arm keyed to an oscillatible transverse shaft under the inner part of the bottom step. Two additional crank arms are keyed to the ends of this shaft and are connected to a frame for a step or riser to oscillate said shaft when the steps are extended and unfolded into their platform position. The extendible link extends the barrier into a ramp when the platform is in its lowest position for access by a wheelchair. Reciprocating motors such as hydraulic pistons extend, retract, fold and unfold the panels that form the steps and their intermediate risers.

Abstract: A crop sprayer cab has a step assembly facilitating ingress and egress of the operator into and out of the cab. The step assembly has floor and step sections operable for movement between an up, closed position and a down, step position relative to the floor of the cab. Links connected to the cab floor and the floor section limit downward movement of the step section and allow the step assembly to be moved to a closed position. A hand operated lever is operable to pivot the step assembly to the up, closed position.

Abstract: A retractable bannister (10) is connected to both a side wall (16) of a recreational vehicle (12) and the bottom step (28) of a set of retractable steps (24). The retractable bannister (10) pivots and telescopes out when the set of retractable steps (24) are moved from their retracted position to their extended position. The retractable bannister (10) includes a plurality of telescoping members (32) to allow for an extension in length when the retractable steps (24) are moved to their extended position. Offset (66) spaces the bottom end (36) of the retractable bannister (10) a distance from the retractable steps (24) such that the retractable bannister (10) extends and rotates in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane (A) defined by the face of the bottom step (28).

Abstract: A collapsible stair lift is operable between an upper floor level and a lower floor level. The lift has a set of collapsing steps that lower from their normal in use condition to a position in which the treads of the various steps are flush with the lower floor. A platform is located at the top of the stairs and lowers from the top of the stairs to a position flush with the stair treads. The unit is particularly useful in domestic environments where space is limited.

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.