Abstract: The disclosure concerns steps interchangeable into a platform lift, such as for wheelchairs for vehicles. Such a convertible step lift comprises a frame mounted in a rectangular notched-out floor section, which frame comprises corner posts which also act as guides for up and down movement of the platform lift. The movable platform comprises three sections foldable into a lower step, a riser, and an upper step, which sections are pivoted on shafts along their adjacent edges. The pivot shaft for upper step section and riser also is connected to reciprocating motor means for raising and lowering the platform. Lever extensions are fixedly attached to the ends of the riser, which are pivotally connected to other reciprocating motor means which unfolds the riser from an acute angle under the upper step section into a position coplanar with the upper step and at the same time moves the lower step section horizontally outwardly and upwardly into the same coplane to form the platform.

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

Abstract: In a flexible step assembly (10) for a construction vehicle (14) it is desirable to provide a step assembly (10) that is durable enough to withstand impact from uneven terrain and obstacles encountered in vehicle operation and that will also provide a stable platform from which to mount and dismount the vehicle. The flexible step assembly (10) of this invention is suspended from a vehicle (14) by very durable chain assemblies (34) which have a link construction (38,64) that will enable the chain assembly (34) to lock-up to resist movement in a lateral direction upon application of an operator's weight upon a suspended step member (82).

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

Abstract: A method of installing a pivotal ladder for a vehicle having a frame with a pair of spaced apart arms joined at one end to a cross member and adapted to be pivotally fastened at an opposite end to a vehicle floor. The ladder is pivotal from a position juxtaposed to an end of vehicle seat below a top surface thereof in which a suspended section of the ladder hangs down from the vehicle floor at the door opening.

Abstract: An adjustable motorcycle passenger floorboard is attached at either side of a motorcycle frame below the rear seat. The device has a cylindrical rail having a brace at either end. The braces have slotted bolt holes for allowing the device to be bolted to the frame. A split clamp is attached around the cylindrical rail. The clamp, when loosened, can be slid between the braces of the cylindrical rail for allowing a continuous adjustment of the floorboard. The floorboard is attached to the clamp by a bar which can be rotated about its axis in a notched recess in the clamp for adjusting the attitude of the floorboard relative to the motorcycle. There are two adjustments in the device; one for adjusting the floorboard in a fore and aft position relative to the frame, and the other for adjusting the attitude or rake of the floorboard relative to the frame.

Abstract: A movable foot-step for a vehicle is operable by a mechanism including a guide device below the floor of the vehicle for extension of the step outside one side of the vehicle in an outwards/downwards movement and retraction in the opposite direction. The foot-step comprises a support structure over which an endless mat is stretched, and means for retaining a portion of the mat in the direction of movement of the foot-step, but not in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A deployable platform for use in conjunction with an outwardly opening hinged door on the body structure of a vehicle is described which comprises a hydraulically or pneumatically actuated platform pivotally mounted to the vehicle at the doorway opening and connected to the door by an over center linkage member pivotally connected at one end to the door and at the other to the platform whereby the platform may be deployed and releasably locked into place simultaneously with the opening of the door.

Abstract: Improved ladders for attachment to the transoms of boats comprise a platform section that includes horizontal planking and depending tubular frame members and a ladder step section pivoted on the tubular frame members below the planking for movement between a retracted position wherein the step is raised above the planking inboard of the rear end of the platform and an extended position wherein the step is lowered below and aft of the planking. The step is structured so as to limit the extent it will lower below the planking. The new ladder design enables the platform to be free of any elements, such as brackets, etc., and for the step to be aft of the boat's propeller, rudder, etc. When the step is in the extended position to eliminate possible snagging of gear worn by the ladder user or other interference to the user of the free use of the full area of the platform or of the ladder.

Abstract: A new and improved folding step especially useful on trucks or rail transit vehicles. The folding step includes a support bracket, a step member pivoted to the bracket, and a spring urging the two together and into one of two pivoted positions. The step member has parallel arms that straddle a box-like portion of the bracket. Stub shafts extend from the arms into the bracket through slots and carry cams that are urged into contact with the bracket by the spring. The cams and spring provide an over-center snap action between the step member and bracket.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift operable to transport handicapped persons between a lower level and an upper level. The apparatus includes an elevator platform and a plurality of vertically movable stair members. When the platform is in its lower position, the stair members form a conventional stairway which extends between lower and upper surfaces; and when the platform is moved upwardly, a collecting member attached thereto sequentially collects the stair members and moves them upwardly until the platform and stair members are coplanar with the upper surface. A normally open safety gate on the platform is automatically moved to and retained in a closed position whenever the platform is raised above the lower surface.

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

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

Abstract: A single post ladder for ascending from the water over the transom of small boats and a bracket that is permanently attached near the bottom of the transom. The bracket holds the shaft below and perpendicular to the bottom of the transom when in down position and also locks the shaft in vertical position above the bottom and along the plane of the transom for storage. Hinged steps extend approximately perpendicular to the shaft parallel to the transom when the shaft is in down position and lay along side the shaft when it is rotated to the up or storage position.

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

Abstract: A folding step beneath a vehicle door has a folding mechanism comprising a shaft joined to the door and extending downwards along the extended hinge line. The shaft has a driver interacting with abutments on the step to initiate folding out and folding up of the step. The step is loaded by a snap spring mechanism which, after initial folding out with the aid of the driver, completes the folding out of the footstep so that folding out is accomplished regardless of whether the door is opened completely or partially.

Abstract: A lift system for a transit vehicle includes a stationary main frame secured within a door recess of the vehicle and a side frame that is movable relative to the main frame. An articulated platform including steps pivotally secured to the side frame and scissor linkage pivotally and slideably connected to the main frame is also included. The lift system also includes a reaction switch coupled to the main frame to sense torque imparted to the main frame upon engagement of the platform with an obstacle such as a curb or the ground. If sufficient torque is created due to contact of the platform with an obstruction, the reaction switch is actuated to terminate further downward movement of the platform thereby preventing destruction of the system.

Abstract: A stair assembly for a passenger vehicle, especially an omnibus, in which the stair assembly is arranged in a lateral access area of the vehicle. The stair assembly comprises a horizontally extendable first stair member connected by links to a second stair member to form a parallelogram linkage in which the second stair member can be pivotally moved towards the ground and laterally outwards from the first stair member. In order to bridge a lateral gap between the vehicle and the edge of a boarding platform, the first stair member whose upper surface is at the level of the platform, is extended towards the edge of the platform and the second stair member is carried along in a parallel position beneath the first stair member. When the bus is to be boarded and unboarded from the ground, the first stair member is fully extended, together with the second stair member beneath it whereafter the second stair member is pivoted into lowered position.

Abstract: A vertically elongated mount is provided and supported from a tractor vehicle of the cab over engine type closely behind and spaced slightly inwardly of the front wheel of the tractor on the driver's side thereof. An elongated support arm is provided and has a first end portion pivotally supported from the lower end portion of the mount for angular displacement of the arm about a horizontal axis extending transversely of the arm and in a front to rear direction relative to the tractor.

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

Abstract: A wheelchair lift device located in the stepwell that includes foldable hinged members normally positioned through a linkage to form upper and lower steps with a riser therebetween, and rotatable outwardly relative to the stepwell during which time the steps are aligned along a horizontal plane to form a platform for supporting a wheelchair and the riser is tucked under the upper step.

Abstract: A step-platform operator 17 for transit vehicles for driving a step 19 and a platform 18 between open and closed positions, includes a reversible drive motor 42 driving the step and platform through a lever and linkage for providing differential motion between step and platform during the last portion of the closing cycle and the initial portion of the opening cycle and allowing a mechanical interlock between step and platform in fully closed position. Both platform and step are driven from a single drive unit. Additionally, the lever and linkage assembly utilizes the weights of the platform and the step to counterbalance each other and allow the use of a low power reversible drive motor to power the system.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper step formed by an upwardly open frame having clamp members secured to its upper surface for mounting the frame on a vehicle bumper by gripping a bumper flange. Longitudinally adjustable arms, connected with the frame, project toward a vertical surface of the bumper for stabilizing the position of the frame relative to the bumper. A step having a tread portion is movable from a first position nested by the frame to a second position projecting horizontally beyond the bumper in a direction outwardly from the vehicle and includes a hook portion engaging the frame normally preventing separation of the step relative to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheelchair of a bus, which is constructed from plates such as metal sheets connected with hinges and from power supplying devices such as hydraulic cylinders. Some of the power supplying devices work to fold and unfold the plates, and the other power supplying device works to lift up and down the plates. When the plates are folded, they form stairs that enable passengers to easily get on and off the bus. When the plates are unfolded, they form a lift which enables handicapped passengers in wheelchairs to get on and off the bus by the power supplying device.

Abstract: A railway car includes conventional steps leading from a lower station platform to the floor level in a vestibule. A lift platform adapted to receive a seat or wheel chair is provided to lift a handicapped person who has difficulty going up or down steps. A motor is provided for moving the lift platform over the steps between the lower level and floor level while maintaining it in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A fold-up step assembly adapted to be attached to the rear of a mobile vehicle having a rear door, such as a camper, including a preferably rectangular platform which may be pivotally mounted at one edge to the rear of a camper at the foot of the camper rear door, a rigid step structure pivotally mounted to another edge of the platform, the platform being foldable against the rear door of the camper and the steps foldable against the underside of the platform for storage. A latch assembly for holding the platform in a folded up position includes means for releasing the platform from inside the camper. Mounted beneath the steps is a second latch assembly which holds the step structure against the underside of the platform during storage and includes a release lever mechanism which may be pivoted to release the step structure so it may be swung free from the platform for use.

Abstract: A hoisting device particularly suitable for lifting handicapped persons with or without wheelchairs, into a vehicle. The lift can be installed into the door well of a public transit bus or of a railroad car. It could also be incorporated into a step structure inside a building. The lift platform is made of four hinged, parallel sections which in the stowed position of the lift fold back to form two steps. The first parallel section which in the uppermost position of the platform meets the vehicle floor, or the upper step landing in a building, rotates along its forward edge to form the back of the upper step in the stowed position. The second section becomes the tread of the upper step while the third section forms the riser between the upper and lower step.

Abstract: Safety floating step assembly for pivotal connection to platforms and the like, being self-leveling through a single pair of parallel four-bar linkages and adjustably movable to the same and different horizontal levels of position relative to the platform and to the top of different height vehicles that may be located alongside the platform and being provided with a locking mechanism for releasably locking the floating step assembly at any desired horizontal level.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to an access ladder for the elevated operator's platform of a vehicle, the ladder being pivotable in two planes between operative and inoperative positions about two separate axes. Counterbalance means interconnecting the ladder and the platform assist pivotal movement in the first plane. A biased locking mechanism releasably holds the ladder in the operable position relative to the second plane.

Abstract: A drawer type emergency escape is constituted by a stowage box attached to a support, a slidable frame normally received in the stowage box and extended out of the stowage box as the escape is employed, and a shift mechanism for pulling the slidable frame out of the stowage box as the escape is employed. An extensible escape device is connected to the slidable frame, is normally received in the frame for extending out of the frame as the escape is employed and comprises a plurality of telescopically connected pipe sections of different cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: A drawer type emergency escape is constituted by a stowage box adapted to be attached to a support, a slidable frame adapted to be slidably extended out of and retracted into the stowage box, a telescopically extensible escape means attached to the slidable frame to be received into and extended out of the frame, and a shift mechanism for pulling the slidable frame out of the stowage box as the escape is employed. The shift mechanism includes a drive arm connected to a shift handle, a slide shift link, a connection link connecting the drive arm to the slide shift link and an extensible tong means disposed between the slide shift link and slidable frame for extending and retracting the slidable frame out of and into the stowage box.

Abstract: A step for a vehicle pivotally supported by the chassis frame thereof and movable between extended operative and retracted inoperative positions, vacuum mechanism being used to retract the step and a spring moves the same to extended position. A latch releasably secures the step in the extended position and the vacuum mechanism initially unlatches the latch prior to the vacuum moving the step to retracted position.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift device including a platform located in the stepwell of a motorcoach for raising and lowering a wheelchair between a first position wherein the platform is in horizontal alignment with an elevated floor formed with the motorcoach and a second position wherein the platform is at ground level. The device includes foldable hinged sections that are positioned through a linkage to form steps for use by able-bodied persons and are extendible relative to the stepwell so as to align the hinged sections along a horizontal plane and thereby form the platform for supporting the wheelchair. In addition, a ramp is carried by one of the sections for movement from a stored position to an aligned position with the hinged sections for facilitating movement to and from the platform and to a restraining position for preventing the wheelchair from rolling off the platform.

Abstract: A powered step for use with large construction equipment such as large crawler-type tractors, mining trucks and similar vehicles that have an operator's platform located a substantial distance off the ground, and which require storage of any ladder or step within the frame perimeter and above the operator's platform to avoid damage to the step during use. The operator step, as shown, comprises a step member or operator basket mounted on a parallel linkage that is hydraulically operated, for raising and lowering. The step support surface of course remains oriented in space (horizontal), as it is raised and lowered with respect to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A truck ladder assembly for attachment to the underside of a truckbed includes a ladder portion movable between a first operable position providing easy access to the truckbed and a second collapsed position providing an unobstructive storage of the ladder portion. The truck ladder assembly includes a mounting frame and a ladder portion having stabilizer arms and an unlatching device. The mounting frame is attached to the underside of the truckbed with the ladder portion pivotably attached to the mounting frame by a pair of spacing members extending at right angles to the ladder portion. First and second stabilizer arms, which are pivotably attached to the ladder portion, each include a pair of notches that releasably engage the mounting frame. The unlatching device may include first and second release levers which are pivotably attached to the ladder portion and are provided in close proximity to the stabilizer arms to facilitate the disengagement of the stabilizer arms from the mounting frame.

Abstract: A door-operated boarding step for trucks, and the like, has a first step member and a second step member telescopingly attached to one another, with the first step member being mountable on a vehicle beneath a door of the vehicle so as to permit the second step member to be extended relative to the first step member on opening of the vehicle door by an operator connected to the second step member and the door for providing a step beneath the door which facilitates movements between a cab of the truck and the surface supporting the vehicle. Extension of the second step member is done against the bias of a spring connected to the first step member and second member, which spring is deflected sufficiently to retract the second step member relative to the first step member when the door is moved from an open mode to the normal, closed mode.

Abstract: A step assembly for use on step bumpers of automotive vehicles includes a pair of mounting brackets adapted to be secured to a bumper, a lower step supported by said brackets and an upper step hingedly connected to and superposed on said bumper. Each of the brackets has a slot substantially in the form of an inverted J. The lower step has laterally extending pins which are received in the slots, thereby mounting the step for sliding and swinging movement between an operative position in which the tread of the lower step is disposed in close proximity to the bottom of the bumper, and an inoperative position in which the tread is disposed in overlying relation to the bumper. The lower step may be easily assembled with or removed from the brackets.

Abstract: An auxiliary foldable step for pickup trucks and the like which can be secured to the bumper of the truck with the weight of the step supported thereby and folded up when closed against the tailgate of the truck.

Abstract: A step for coupling with a folding panel of a vehicle such as a tail gate of a truck or the like, includes a flat plate mounted against the inside surface of the folding panel, and a pair of support rods extending from the plate and through the panel to facilitate rapid removal of the plate from the panel. A pair of step supports are pivoted at opposing flanges to the plate, and support a step at the extremity thereof. The apparatus is dimensioned such that the step supports and the step may be rotated to a storage position across the plate and the panel when not in use.

Abstract: A movable step displaceable by means of an operating mechanism between a withdrawn position and a service position has an extension in the form of two transverse arms associated with two pairs of link-arms which are pivotally mounted on four shafts having horizontal and parallel axes. Two shafts are stationarily fixed on the floor of the railway car, the second shaft being set back from the first with respect to the car wall. The other two shafts are movable and attached respectively to the transverse arms near the point of connection of these arms to the step, and to the transverse arms at the ends which are pivotally attached to the rear link-arms. Stable immobilization of the step is achieved in the service position as a result of abutting application of the articulations of the transverse arms and of the rear link-arms against a stop.

Abstract: A retractable patio assembly is provided for use with recreational-type vehicles. The patio is adapted for use placement in a horizontal attitude in front of and below a vehicle door and is foldable and retractable to a stowed position parallel to a vehicle side wall and laterally displaced from the use position so as to allow free door access. A plurality of individually-adjustable, ground-engaging leg members each provide at least two points of support for the patio floor thus allowing placement of the patio on uneven or sloping ground, while avoiding undue stressing of either the patio assembly or structural components of the vehicle.

Abstract: For use with a motor vehicle, a device is provided for moving a step between an extended and a retracted position which comprises a pneumatic cylinder including a piston attached to the step and resiliently biased to move the step to an extended position and arranged to move the step to a retracted position against the biasing means, in response to a sub-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A safety step assembly for use with vehicles such as trucks or the like is provided with spring biased mounting brackets to removably mount the step assembly on a vehicle without resort to permanent attachment means, and includes spring biased parallelogram support linkage which is automatically operated upon mounting and dismounting of a step by a user to swing the step between an inward raised storage position thereof and an outward lowered position of use. Engageable holding structure interposed in the swing path of the linkage blocks movement of the latter when the step is in the use position and maintains such linkage in an inclined position to impose a stabilizing force on the step, thereby securely holding the step in the use position thereof without fear of shifting or instability.

Abstract: A lift system for a wheelchair or the like on a transit vehicle includes a stationary main frame secured within a doorway recess of the vehicle and a side frame that is movable relative to the main frame. An articulated platform including first and second steps is pivotally secured to the side frame. Scissors linkage is pivotally and slideably connected to the main frame and to the platform such that upon being actuated, the platform may be actuated from a first position defining first and second steps to a second position defining an extended platform. Thereafter the platform may be actuated in a manner such that the scissors linkage crosses over its center point to lower the platform from the floor level of the vehicle to the ground level. Once the wheelchair or the like is mounted on the platform the reverse actuation occurs and the scissors linkage again crosses over its center point to raise the platform from the ground level to the floor level.

Abstract: A lift device particularly suitable for lifting handicapped persons with or without wheelchairs, into a vehicle or building. The lift can be incorporated into the doorway of any given vehicle, or into any step structure within a building. The lift, in its stowed position, forms the normal steps. The platform is made of four hinged parallel sections which can be withdrawn and folded into two steps. The second section which forms the upper step riser in the stowed position comprises two telescopically interconnected elements, and can be expanded to provide a wider platform. The fourth section which forms the lower step riser in the stowed position can be rotated to act as an access ramp along the forward edge of the platform and flipped upward to form an angle stop preventing the wheelchair from rolling backward during platform motion.

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

Abstract: A stepwell cover comprising a deck consisting of first and second deck segments having edges pivotally secured together adjacent a central portion of the deck, and an actuating mechanism arranged to move a first deck segment through an angle of ninety degrees while simultaneously moving the second deck segment through an angle of one hundred eighty degrees relative to the first deck segment for moving the stepwell cover between a first position covering the stepwell and a second position providing access to the stepwell. The first deck segment is pivotally secured to the vehicle and a chain or cable is secured to a sprocket on a shaft secured to the second deck segment for moving the second deck segment relative to the first deck segment.

Abstract: A lift assembly is provided which can be mechanically converted from a stationary step-like configuration to a movable platform configuration, thus allowing both handicapped and non-handicapped passengers to use a single vehicle entrance having the lift assembly operative within it.A pair of lifting columns are provided which are movable along guide members mounted at the entrance of the vehicle. A platform is hingably connected at its inner edge to the bases of the lifting columns and comprises a linear assembly of hinged plates. Radius arms, pivotally connected with the outer edge portion of the platform and with the lifting columns, suspend the outer end of the platform.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic lift device for use in association with doorway openings of buildings or of vehicles such as buses and vans so as to facilitate the loading and unloading of handicapped persons into and out of such buildings and/or vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to an automatic lift device which consists of a lift carriage that is mounted within the doorway opening so as to be vertically movable therein. Movable step and riser elements are provided within the lift carriage so as to form normal upper and lower entrance steps in their retracted normal use position. The lift carriage is selectively movable to a lowered ground level position and a raised interior floor level position while the upper step and riser remain in their retracted normal step position within the lift carriage.

Abstract: A self-storing step structure for vehicular mounting including a first step section, means for pivotally connecting the first step section to a vehicle for pivotation about a horizontal axis between an operative position and a stored position, an extensible step section slidably engaging said first step section, and means for adjustably interlocking said first step section with said extensible step section at a preselected relative location.