U.S. patent application number 11/710033 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for removable stairway.
Invention is credited to John T. Reeves.
Application Number | 20070199258 11/710033 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38442705 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070199258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reeves; John T. |
August 30, 2007 |
Removable stairway
Abstract
An adjustable stairway system provides access between a first
elevation level and a second elevation level. The system includes a
pair of expandable and retractable scissor stringers and multiple
spaced apart treads joining the pair of stringers. The system
further includes a first mounting assembly structured to allow a
top portion of the stairway to be relatively permanently secured to
a landing or other man-made structure, and second, different
mounting assembly that allows a bottom portion of the stairway to
be removably secured to natural terrain such as a beach. The system
sometimes includes a control assembly to assist in expanding or
retracting of the stairway.
Inventors: |
Reeves; John T.;
(Fayetteville, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STOUT, UXA, BUYAN & MULLINS LLP
4 VENTURE, SUITE 300
IRVINE
CA
92618
US
|
Family ID: |
38442705 |
Appl. No.: |
11/710033 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60776259 |
Feb 24, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 11/0255 20130101;
E04F 11/066 20130101; E06C 1/54 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/183 |
International
Class: |
E04F 11/00 20060101
E04F011/00 |
Claims
1. An access system for providing access between a first elevation
level and a second elevation level, the system comprising: a
stairway device structured to be moved between a expanded
configuration and a collapsed configuration, the stairway device
including a stringer assembly having a proximal portion and a
distal portion, and a plurality of treads connected to the stringer
assembly; and an anchoring system for adjustably connecting the
stairway device to and between a first elevation level and a second
elevation level, the anchoring system including a first mounting
assembly structured to be secured to a structure at the first
elevation level and connectable to the proximal portion of the
stringer assembly, and a second mounting assembly structured to be
removably secured to a ground surface at a second elevation level
and connectable to the distal portion of the stringer assembly.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the second mounting assembly is
structured to be insertable into natural terrain.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the second mounting assembly
comprises a support element includes a distal region structured to
facilitate insertion and removal of the support element into
natural terrain.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein said distal region is secured to
an anchor selected from the group consisting of a buried tank, a
buried bladder, a buried balloon, a pounding rod, and an auger.
5. The system of claim 3 wherein the support element distal region
comprises a threaded distal region.
6. The system of claim 3 wherein the support element distal region
comprises an auger.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the second mounting assembly is
slidably connectable to the distal portion of the stringer
assembly.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the second mounting assembly
includes a support post having a threaded distal region structured
to facilitate insertion and removal of the support element into
natural terrain.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the first mounting assembly is
structured to be secured to an existing man-made structure.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the second mounting assembly is
structured to be insertable into natural terrain.
11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a control assembly
effective to facilitate at least one of expanding and retracting of
the stairway device.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the control assembly comprises a
gear assembly secured to a proximal portion of the stringer
assembly.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the gear assembly comprises a
housing that forms a tread of the stairway device.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein said anchoring system further
comprises one or more intermediate mounting assembly structured to
be removably secured to a slope surface at an elevation level
intermediate between said first and second elevation level and
connectable to an intermediate portion of the stringer
assembly.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein said anchoring system comprises
at least two of said intermediate mounting assemblies.
16. The system of claim 14 wherein said intermediate mounting
assembly comprises a support element that includes a distal region
structured to facilitate insertion and removal of the support
element into natural terrain.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein said distal region is secured to
an anchor selected from the group consisting of a buried tank, a
buried bladder, a buried balloon, a pounding rod, and an auger.
18. The system of claim 16 wherein the support element distal
region comprises a threaded distal region.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the support element distal
region comprises an auger.
20. A retractable stairway system comprising: a stringer assembly
having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including a pair
of opposing scissor stringers and a plurality of treads joining
together said stringers; and an anchoring system including a
support element structured to be removably inserted into natural
terrain; the stringer assembly being structured to be expandable
and retractable between an extended configuration and a collapsed
configuration respectively; wherein the proximal portion of the
stringer assembly is directly secured to a man-made structure
located at a first elevation level, and the distal portion of the
stringer assembly is structured to be removably anchored to the
second elevation level when the support post projects from natural
terrain located at the second elevation level.
21. The system of claim 20 further comprising a control assembly
effective to facilitate at least one of expanding and retracting of
the stringer assembly.
22. A method of providing access between a structure and a ground
level of variable elevation, the method comprising the steps of:
securing to a structure located at a first elevation level a
retractable and extendible stairway comprising a pair of movable
scissor stringers comprising a plurality of pivotally connected
links and a plurality of treads secured between the stringers, and
a control system effective to assist in extending or retracting the
stairway; extending the stairway, while a proximal portion of the
stairway is secured to the structure, such that a distal portion of
the stairway extends toward a second elevation level; removably
anchoring the distal portion of the stairway at a second elevation
level, and removably securing one or more intermediate mounting
assembly between said proximal and distal end of the stairway by
means of one or more removable support posts projecting from the
ground.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority pursuant to 35 USC
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/776,259,
filed Feb. 24, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
[0002] The present invention is drawn to methods and assemblies for
providing adjustable access from one level to another, for example,
from a platform such as a platform associated with a dwelling or
other structure, which is located at a first elevation different to
a second elevation to which access is desired to be gained.
[0003] Particularly, but not exclusively, in regions that are
subject to accretion and/or erosion of sediment, sand, driftwood or
other material, or which may be subject to periodic flooding or
water inundation, providing or maintaining access to a given
location may be difficult. For example, providing access to beach
areas can be particularly troublesome since sand dunes, driftwood,
and the like may accumulate or disappear within a given season.
While access may sometimes be possible by walking through sand
dunes or driftwood piles, returning to the higher elevation can be
quite challenging; for example, climbing through sand can be
physically exerting, and may not be practical for elderly or
physically challenged persons.
[0004] In areas that are subject to strong storm surge and
hurricanes there can be swift and dramatic shifting in shoreline,
sand level, and water level that preclude the maintenance of a
permanent stairway without frequent damage and destruction of the
staircases. In particular, subsidence of the ground upon which at
least part of the stairway is placed is a major problem leading to
a need for improved means of gaining access to various outdoor
features, such as beach surfaces.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,440 describes a retractable beach
stairway adapted to be mounted on a plurality of piling on a dune.
This stairway is slidably pivoted within a housing suitable for use
as a walkway. When the stairway is to be employed, the housing
pivots up at the distal end (that end closest to the beach) and a
series of pulleys and cables located near the proximal end of the
housing permits the stairway to be deployed by lowering from a
cavity within the housing.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,706 describes a beach stairway
comprising a stairway that may be placed on the sand and attached,
via a series of cables, to a plurality of sand anchors located
behind and lateral to the stairway. The sand anchors, and therefore
the stairway, are removable.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 642,782 describes an iron staircase that can
be adjusted to any angle of inclination. The stairway, particularly
made for use in mines, stores, vineyards, and country houses has
steps that are adjustable to whatever angle of inclination is given
the frame.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,160 is an adjusting staircase having a
pair of stringers to which are attached a pair of pantographs. The
staircase is adjustable to various degrees of inclination. Each
pantograph is enclosed in a casing having open ends.
[0009] There remains a need for an access system or access system
joining different outdoor levels, for example, between a platform
positioned on an upper level and a ground surface at a lower level,
which is sufficiently robust to remain usable by people of all
ages, which is also adjustable, retractable, and removable.
Additionally, it would be advantageous to have a compact access
system, capable of quick disassembly and removal during the off
season, which is low maintenance, has a low impact on the
environment (thus being compliant with relevant environmental and
building codes) and which can be operated by a single person.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides an easy to use,
durable and adjustable and removable access system, specifically a
stairway system, for providing pedestrian access, for example,
between a bluff and a beach.
[0011] Generally, the access system of the present invention
comprises a stairway device structured to be temporarily or
permanently secured between an existing platform, landing or other
man-made construction located at a first level, and natural terrain
located at a second level. In an especially advantageous
embodiment, the stairway device is structured to be relatively
permanently (but removably) secured to the construction at the
first level and temporarily secured to the natural terrain at the
second level. For example, the construction at the first level may
comprise a concrete or wooden walkway or platform connecting a
house to an edge of a bluff above a shoreline. The natural terrain
at the second level may comprise a sandstone surface or beach front
located at an elevation below the first level.
[0012] In another, separate, embodiment the access system may
comprise a manmade structure at a second level to which the
man-made structure is semi-permanently (but removably) secured.
However, in such an embodiment the stairway device preferably
comprises two or more support posts which extend from the stairway
device to the ground at the base level or slope and are
temporarily, but securely, affixed to the base level of slope by
means of an anchoring system, as discussed further below.
[0013] Preferably, the stairway device is structured to be movable
between an expanded or extended configuration and a collapsed or
retracted configuration. For example, the access system is designed
such that it can be disposed in both an expanded or extended
configuration for when the access system is in use as a stairway,
and a collapsed or retracted configuration for when the system is
not in use. Preferably, the system is designed to be movable
between the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration
by one or two adult human beings. In a preferred configuration, the
stairway device is installed in a collapsed configuration, and then
extended when desired by means of gravity, manual force, lock/break
release, a cable, belt, threaded rod, or any other retraction
(and/or extension) system that may be useful.
[0014] More particularly, when set up in the expanded or extended
configuration, the stairway device defines a comfortable incline
angle for users thereof, namely, those who use the access system to
travel from the first level to the second level and vice versa.
Preferably, the stairway device, when in use, has an inclination
angle of about 60 degrees or less, or about 50 degrees or less, or
about 45 degrees or less.
[0015] The stairway device is designed to have an adjustable length
when in the expanded configuration. For example, the length may be
selected based in part on the geology of the terrain, the slope of
the terrain, and/or the distance between the first level and the
second level.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the stairway device comprises a
stringer assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion
and comprising a pair of opposing scissor stringers and a plurality
of treads joining together the pair of opposing stringers.
[0017] The length of the stairway device, when fully employed and
extended, preferably does not exceed about 20 feet to about 25 feet
measured between a top-most tread and a bottom-most tread. In
certain cases, the stairway device may extend up to about 40 feet
or up to about 45 feet or greater. Typically, the minimum length of
the stairway device will not be less than about 5 feet, less than
about 10 feet, or less than about 15 feet.
[0018] When discussing the dimensions of the stairs of the stairway
device, the term "riser height" means the distance between the top
surface of one tread and the top surface of the next tread above
and/or below it. Generally, the riser height of the present
invention will be in the range between about 4 inches and 12
inches; more preferably between about 6 inches and about 10 inches
in riser height, optimally about 9 inches in riser height.
[0019] When discussing the dimensions of the treads of the stairway
device, the term "width" means the distance along a single tread
between a first and second stringer to which the treat is secured.
The width of the treads on the present stairway will be between
about 2 feet and about 8 feet in width, or optimally between about
4 feet and about 6 feet in width.
[0020] Particularly usefully, but not necessarily, the stairway
device may in certain embodiments make use of one or more
structural channels to support the stairs and/or to act as wheel
guides for lifting equipment. These channels may be bolted,
bracketed, welded, or otherwise attached to a structure or landing,
with the "U"-shape facing upwards to permit the treads, stringers,
and/or wheels to be stabilized and directed lengthwise along the
channel rather than laterally. This may be of particular use when
the stairway treads are about 6 feet or more in width.
[0021] When discussing the dimensions of the treads of the stairway
device, the term "depth" means the distance between a front surface
of the tread and a rear surface of the tread. The treads are at
least about 8 inches in depth. Preferably the treads may be between
about 8 inches and about 12 inches in depth. Preferably, the treads
are about 9 inches in depth.
[0022] The stairway device is preferably designed to be easily,
preferably manually, movable from the expanded or extended
configuration to the collapsed or retracted configuration, for
example, when access is no longer desired between the first level
and the second level.
[0023] For example, an owner of the present access system may
desire to use the system only on occasion, for example, seasonally,
in order to gain access to and from a home located on an elevated
bluff and a beach therebelow. The present invention allows the
owner the ability to easily retract the stairway device, for
example, during long-term non-use, or in order to hinder
unauthorized persons from using the stairway device to gain access
to his home from the beach. Alternatively, and preferably, the
access system may be removed entirely from the points of securing
the stairway device at the first and second levels and stored, for
example, in a locked shed or garage to prevent theft.
[0024] The access system further comprises an anchoring system for
securely anchoring the stairway device in place at the first level
and the second level, and optionally at intermediate positions
along the length of the stairway. The anchoring system is
preferably designed to securely maintain the stairway device in the
extended position, such that the stairway remains stable and fixed
at the first level and the second level, and at intermediate
positions as necessary for stability, during inclement or windy
weather, for example, during a mild tropical storm surge, and/or
high tidal conditions.
[0025] In a preferred aspect of the invention the anchoring system
comprises a first mounting assembly structured to be connectable to
the proximal portion of the stringer assembly and a second mounting
assembly securable to a ground surface and structured to be
removably connectable to the distal portion of the stringer
assembly.
[0026] Preferably, the first mounting assembly comprises a bracket
that is anchored to the landing or other construction at the first
level. The proximal portion of the stringer assembly is structured
to be attached to the bracket assembly thereby anchoring the
stringer assembly to the first level.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the second mounting assembly
comprises at least one, preferably two support posts removably
connectable to the distal portion of the stringer assembly. Each
support post preferably includes a distal end structured to be
inserted a sufficient depth into the ground, and a proximal end
removably connectable to the distal portion of the stringer
assembly. For example, a distal end of the support post may
comprise an auger or other threaded structure permitting the
support post to be removably secured into the ground. The distal
end of the support post may be modifiable in size, shape and/or
pitch depending on the type of ground or earth the post is to be
inserted. The proximal portion of the support post may be slidably
inserted into a receiving collar located on the distal region of
the stringer assembly to provide removable connection therebetween.
However, other anchoring methods for receiving the support posts
can easily be envisioned by the person of ordinary skill in the
art. Such methods may include the use of buried, weighted tanks or
balloons, such as a balloon made from Geotex tubing, filled with
water, sand, or other material than may remain or be removed
following removal or reorientation of the stairway system. Such
tanks may be comprised of, for example, metal, plastic or wood.
[0028] Other possible such anchoring means may include a removable
pounding rod tip for receiving the lower end of a support post. The
pounding rod is first inserted into the base level, for example,
sand, clay and the like. The pounding rod may be partially or
wholly hollow and contain two or more slits or holes through which
two or more corresponding flexible slats may be extended when the
pounding rod is placed into the base level. An actuating system,
for example, a threaded rod insert affixed to a slidable collar to
which said two or more flexible slats are attached in a manner such
that actuation of the threaded rod will lower the collar, thereby
extending the two or more slats through the corresponding slits or
holes, thereby securely anchoring the support post at the base
level. Removal of the pounding rod is accomplished by employing the
actuating system in reverse, thereby retracting the slats into the
pounding rod through the slits or holes.
[0029] Intermediate mounting assemblies will generally be of the
same type(s) as described above for the second mounting assembly,
i.e., will comprise a removable anchoring system. In embodiments
wherein the second mounting assembly is affixed to a semi-permanent
ground level platform, the present invention will comprise
intermediate mounting assemblies comprising a removable anchoring
system. The intermediate mounting assemblies may be placed at
intervals along each side of the stairway, for example,
approximately every 6 feet, or approximately every 5 feet, or
approximately every 4 feet or approximately every 3 feet along the
length of the stairway between the proximal and distal ends of the
stairway in its extended configuration.
[0030] The present access system of the present invention may be
constructed from wood, plastics, composite materials, stainless
steel, and/or other metals or metal alloys. However, it is
preferred that the stringer assembly and anchor assembly are both
made in whole or in part of strong, light, weather resistant
materials, for example, marine-grade aluminum. This will help
maintain the stairway functioning and relatively unaffected by
rain, snow, water, salt and sun for long periods of time.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the access system of the present
invention further comprises a retraction system for facilitating
changing of the stairway device between the extended configuration
and the retracted configuration. More specifically, in one
embodiment, the retraction system is designed to facilitate drawing
of the distal portion of the stringer assembly toward the proximal
portion when it is desired to remove or store the stairway device
for periods of non-use. The retraction system may comprise, for
example, one or more cables, belts, threaded rods, or worm gears
affixed to the distal portion of the stairway device, and a gear
assembly, including various gears, pulleys and/or levers, located
at the proximal portion of the stairway device and effective to
draw the distal portion of the stairway device by means of the
cable. The cable may be stainless steel, and the gears pulleys
and/or levers may be constructed of a corrosion resistant material
such as a corrosion resistant metal, for example, stainless steel,
bronze or aluminum.
[0032] Each scissor stringer, when in the extended state, comprises
a plurality of approximately vertical links and a plurality of
approximately horizontal links, wherein each approximately vertical
link is pivotally attached to at least one approximately horizontal
link. The pivotal attachment may comprise a peg, bolt, rivet or
post joining at least two links through a hole on at least one of
the links. The peg or post may be welded or otherwise connected to
or formed from one or more of the attached links. Preferably, the
pivotal attachment is a riveted connection.
[0033] The depth of the treads is variable, but will generally be
shorter than the length of the approximately horizontal link to
which it is joined, and is preferably no less than about half this
length.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each
approximately vertical link is pivotally attached to three
approximately horizontal links and each approximately horizontal
link is pivotally attached to three approximately vertical links so
as to form a scissor-like structure that can be retracted, for
example, by connecting a cable, belt, threaded rod, or worm gear
from a proximal end to a distal link, and pulling, winding,
spinning, or reeling the cable, belt, threaded rod, or worm gear so
that the scissor stringer closes, thereby bringing the distal end
of the stairway closer to the proximal end. The ends of the
stairway will generally comprise links with fewer connections than
this. The cable, belt, threaded rod, or worm gear may be pulled,
spun or reeled mechanically, such as by using an electrically
activated capstan or windlass, or manually, such as by using a
lever or other actuating device.
[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, each approximately
vertical link (except near the distal and proximal ends) is
pivotally attached to four or more approximately horizontal links
and each approximately horizontal link is pivotally attached to
four or more approximately vertical links. Although heavier than
the simpler scissor stringer described above, an advantage to such
a configuration is that when extended the sides of the stairway may
be higher and thus provide a person some lateral support when
ascending or descending the staircase. In either case, the tops of
the approximately vertical links may be connected with cable, rope
or line such that it provides a handhold when the stairway is in
the extended position. In one embodiment, a cable, rope, rod,
wooden member or line forming a handhold is part of the stairway
retraction system.
[0036] In a preferred mode, one or more approximately vertical
links at or near the proximal, distal, and/or intermediate portions
of the scissor stringer is attached to a metal sleeve. The link and
sleeve may be joined using a fastener such as a screw or rivet, or
maybe welded together. The sleeve is joined to the link or links in
a manner such that it is approximately vertical when the stairway
is in the fully extended position. In another embodiment, although
not necessarily present in every embodiment of the invention, the
sleeve is adjustable, in such a manner that its orientation with
regard to the angle of inclination of the stairway may be finely
tuned in the event that the stairway is moved.
[0037] Any combination of two or more features described herein is
included within the scope of the present invention provided that
the features in each such combination are not mutually
inconsistent.
[0038] These and other aspects and advantages of the present
invention are apparent in the following detailed description and
claims, particularly when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which like parts bear like reference
numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 is a depiction of a side view of a retractable access
system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, showing a
first mounting assembly for coupling a stringer assembly to an
existing platform at a first elevation level, and a second mounting
assembly located at a distal portion of the stairway for coupling
the stringer assembly to a sandy beach surface at a second
elevation level.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a depiction of a front view of the stringer
assembly and treads connected therebetween, and the second mounting
assembly including support posts inserted into the sandy beach.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first mounting assembly
of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a side view of the second mounting assembly
including a support post having an auger foundation.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical view of a control system useful
in the extension or retraction of the stairway system of the
present invention.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a side view of a support post removably affixed to
a tank, bladder to balloon foundation.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a front view of a support post removably affixed
to a tank, bladder to balloon foundation.
[0046] FIG. 8 is a view of a support post removably affixed to a
pounding rod foundation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 1, an access system or stairway system
in accordance with the invention is shown generally at 10. The
access system 10 is structured to provide safe, convenient access
between a first elevation level 12 and a second elevation 14, for
example, between an existing platform, landing or other man-made
construction located on an elevated bluff 16, and a natural
terrain, such as a sandy beach 17, clay, sandstone or other
relatively soft terrain located below the bluff 16.
[0048] Preferably, the access system 10 comprises a adjustable
stairway device 20 that is removably anchored between the first
elevation level 12 and the second elevation level 14.
Advantageously, the stairway device 20 is designed to be moved
between an extended position such as shown in FIG. 1, and a
retracted position (not shown). The access system 10 further
comprises an anchoring system for securely anchoring the stairway
device 20 in place in the extended position, even during inclement
or windy weather, for example, during a mild tropical storm surge,
and/or high tidal conditions.
[0049] More specifically, in the shown embodiment, the stairway
device 20 comprises a movable stringer assembly 22 having a
proximal portion 22a and a distal portion 22b. Advantageously, the
stringer assembly 22 is structured to be movable between an
expanded or extended configuration (such as shown in FIG. 1) and a
collapsed or retracted configuration, for example, a fully
retracted configuration (not shown). Preferably, the assembly is
designed to be movable between the expanded or extended
configuration and the collapsed or retracted configuration by one
or two adult human beings.
[0050] Turning now as well to FIG. 2, the stringer assembly 22
generally comprises a pair of opposing scissor stringers 24 made up
of pivotally connected links 25 and having a plurality of treads 26
interconnected therebetween. When the stairway 10 is in the
expanded or extended configuration, the treads 26 are spaced apart
from one another at substantially regular, convenient intervals for
stepping.
[0051] The treads may be between about 8 inches and about 12 inches
in depth. The treads may be between about 2 feet and 8 feet in
width. Preferably, the treads are at least about 9 inches in depth
and at least about 4 feet to 6 feet in width.
[0052] Turning back to FIG. 1, the anchoring system generally
comprises a first mounting assembly 28 and a second mounting
assembly 30 for connecting the stairway device 20, to both the
first elevation level 12 and the second elevation level 14
respectively.
[0053] In the shown embodiment, the first mounting assembly 28 is
differently structured from the second mounting assembly 30. More
specifically, the first mounting assembly 30 is structured to be
securable to a platform or other existing structure 34 at the first
level 12 and is useful for coupling the proximal portion 22a of the
stringer assembly 22 to the existing structure 34. The second
mounting assembly 30 is designed to be secured to the natural
terrain 17 located at the second level 14 and is useful for
coupling the distal portion 22b of the stringer assembly 22 to the
natural terrain 17. For example, the second mounting assembly 30
comprises a support post 42 such as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.
[0054] More specifically, turning now to FIG. 3, the first mounting
assembly 28 may comprise one or more mounting brackets 36 that are
secured to the platform or other existing structure 34. The
mounting brackets 36 are securely, preferably permanently, fastened
to the existing structure 34, for example, by means of bolts (not
shown) inserted through apertures 36a. Turning now as well to FIG.
1, each mounting bracket 36 includes structure, for example, an
elongated projection 36b having a T-shaped cross-section, which is
connectable to, for example, received into, corresponding
structure, for example slots 36c, located on the stairway device
66.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the second mounting
assembly 30 may be structured to be removably fixable into a ground
surface. For example, the second mounting assembly 30 may comprise
a support element or support post 42 having a distal region
structured to be inserted, for example driven, into the ground. For
example, the distal region may comprise an auger foundation 44 or
other structure effective to facilitate driving and/or anchoring of
the support post 42 into the ground, for example, into a primarily
sand-based terrain, such that the support post 42 is inserted a
sufficient depth to stabilize the stairway 10 when in use.
[0056] Preferably, the support post 42 is structured to accommodate
the load condition of the stairway device 20, the type of terrain
in which the support post 42 will be inserted, and/or other
factors. For example, the length of the support post 42, the size
and/or pitch of the auger foundation 44, and/or the material of
which the support post 42 is made, may be selected to accommodate a
load condition of the access system 10.
[0057] The support post 42 is connectable to the stringer assembly
distal portion 22b in any suitable manner. Preferably, the support
post 42 is designed to facilitate secure but removable coupling
between the stringer assembly 22 and the second elevation level 14,
for example, by means of a collar 46 for slidably receiving a
railing post 48 of the stairway device 20, such as shown in FIGS. 2
and 4. Collar 46 may include aperture 47 for receiving a peg 47a of
support post 48 in order to enable height adjustable connection
between a bottom-most tread 26 of the stairway 10 and the ground
surface. The peg may, in a preferred embodiment, comprise a safety
bolt which is removed by means of a key or other tool, thus
preventing unintentional removal of the bolt. The safety bolt may
be made flush with the collar as an additional safety measure.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, when the system 10 is set up in the
expanded or extended configuration, the stairway device 20 defines
a comfortable incline angle for users thereof, namely, those who
use the system 10 to travel from the first level 12 to the second
level 14 and vice versa. Preferably, the stairway device 20, when
in use, has an inclination angle of about 60 degrees or less, or
about 50 degrees or less, or about 45 degrees or less.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the system 10 further
comprises a control assembly 60 fixed to the stringer assembly 22
and functional to cause or facilitate retraction and/or expansion
of the stringer assembly 22.
[0060] For example, the control assembly 60 may comprise a gear
assembly 64 mounted to the stringer assembly proximal portion 22a
and a connector cable 65 functionally connecting the gear assembly
64 to the stringer assembly distal portion 22b. The gear assembly
64 includes a housing 66 which encloses gear components such as
shown in FIG. 5. The housing 66 may include a top surface 66a which
functions as a tread, for example, a top-most tread, such as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 3. The housing 66 may include structure, for
example, the mounting slots 36c described elsewhere herein, for
coupling the stairway device 20 to the first mounting assembly
28.
[0061] The control assembly 60 is preferably designed to be
effective in drawing, or at least assist in drawing, the distal
portion 22b of the stringer assembly 22 toward the proximal portion
22a of the stringer assembly 22 when it is desirable to place the
stairway device 20 in the retracted configuration in which the
stringers 24 are folded in a compact manner. Likewise, the control
assembly 60 may be additionally designed to be effective in
expanding, or at least assist in expanding, the stringer assembly
22 from the retracted configuration to the extended or expanded
configuration.
[0062] Referring specifically to FIG. 5, the gear assembly 64 may
include an arrangement of gears 82 and a governor 84 for effecting
controllable rotation of a transfer shaft 88. Rotation of the shaft
88 may be accomplished manually or through the use of a motor, in
order to effect tightening and loosening of the cable 65, which
winds around a spool 89 on the shaft 88. The tightening, or
drawing, and loosening of the cable causes, or at least assists to
cause, the retraction and controlled expansion of the stringer
assembly 22. A brake 92 and removable break handle 94 may also be
provided as shown. The gear arrangement shown provided for the
purposes of example only and the present invention is not intended
to be limited thereto. It is to be appreciated that other suitable
control systems for accomplishing the purposes and objectives of
the present invention, for example, controlled expansion and
contraction of the stairway device 20, can be provided within the
scope of the present invention.
[0063] The system 10 may be structured such that utilization of the
control assembly 60 for expanding or retracting the stairway device
20 is performed while the stringer assembly 22 is secured to the
first mounting assembly 28 and is disconnected from the second
mounting assembly 30. Thus, in this embodiment, when the stairway
device 20 is fully retracted, it will be positioned in a compact,
folded configuration directly adjacent the structure 34 at the
first elevation level 12.
[0064] The present invention also provides methods of providing
access between a structure and a ground level of variable
elevation. For example, a method in accordance with the invention
generally comprises the steps of permanently securing a proximal
portion of a retractable stairway to a structure located at a first
elevation level and anchoring a distal portion of the stairway to
natural terrain located at a second elevation level by means of one
or more support posts removably projecting from the ground.
[0065] The present system 10 is preferably designed to remain fixed
in place even during a moderate storm surge. This can be
accomplished in a number of ways. For example, the components of
the system 10 may be made of strong but light weight materials,
such as marine grade aluminum. In addition, the system 10 is
preferably designed to adjust the length of the stairway as
necessary, for example, from season to season. As the natural
terrain and bluff structure changes, for example due to erosion,
tidal action and the effects of weather, the present system 10 can
be removed and adjusted to suit these changing conditions. For
example, it can be appreciated that the system 10 shown is
structured such that during the off-season, for example, when beach
access is not desirable, the stairway can be stored in a retracted,
locked position against the end of or on top of the landing at the
top of the bluff, or the support post and anchoring system can be
removed entirely and the system stored off-site. The support posts
can be removed from the ground and stored for later use. When the
landscape changes, for example, when the distance between the
landing and the beach changes, for example, from season to season,
or year to year, the effective length of the stairway (from
top-most tread to bottom-most tread) can be changed as appropriate,
simply by moving the support post and/or anchoring system to the
appropriate location and extending the stairway a required amount
and/or adding or removing portions to the stringers.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative foundation and
anchoring system is shown in side view, whereby the bottom portion
of a support post 42 is slidably received by a sleeve 54 which may
comprise an aperature 56 into which a peg 56a is insertable to
reversibly lock the support post to the foundation 70. In this
embodiment of the invention, the foundation 70 comprises a tank,
bladder or balloon which is partly or completely buried in the sand
or clay and which may be partly or completely filled with water,
sand, other ballast, or a mixture of these. Preferably, the
foundation 70 comprises a closable port 72 for filling or draining,
and may be constructed to metal, plastic, synthetic fiber,
fiberglass, and the like.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 7, the same foundation 50 is shown in
front view, and demonstrating that a single foundation 70 may be
elongated to comprise two sleeves 54 for receiving support posts 42
from second 30 or intermediate mounting assemblies originating in
each stringer.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the foundation is
shown comprising a pounding rod assembly removably affixed to a
sleeve 58 comprising an aperature 59 for receiving the end of
support post 42 and a peg or pin 59a for holding the support post
in place. The main body 53 of the pounding rod 72 is substantially
hollow and contains an actuating system for extending anchoring
slats 55 when the pounding rod has been inserted into the ground,
or for retracting such slats within the body 53 of the pounding
rod.
[0069] Any and all features described herein and combinations of
such features are included within the scope of the present
invention provided that the features of any such combination are
not mutually inconsistent.
[0070] While this invention has been described with respect to
various specific examples and embodiments, it is to be understood
that the invention is not limited thereto and that it can be
variously practiced within the scope of the following claims.
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