U.S. patent application number 11/460183 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-31 for sliding and folding steps.
Invention is credited to Ronald C. Bird.
Application Number | 20080022611 11/460183 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38984709 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080022611 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bird; Ronald C. |
January 31, 2008 |
SLIDING AND FOLDING STEPS
Abstract
A portable staircase includes a stairhead that can slide along a
support track to extend and lock the stairhead away from a vehicle.
The staircase can further be locked in either an upward storage or
downward use position. Vertical support frame members provide
support to the staircase when in the downward use position. A
further embodiment of the staircase includes a vertical support
frame member cover, along with a plurality of moveable vertical
support frame members used to move the staircase into one of three
positions: front-, right-side-, or left-side-facing.
Inventors: |
Bird; Ronald C.; (Rochester,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOTKIN & HALL, LLP
105 E. JEFFERSON BLVD., SUITE 400
SOUTH BEND
IN
46601
US
|
Family ID: |
38984709 |
Appl. No.: |
11/460183 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/182 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/182 |
International
Class: |
E04F 11/00 20060101
E04F011/00 |
Claims
1. A vehicle, comprising: an exterior wall and an underside; a
support track comprising support beams connected to the underside
of said vehicle; a stairhead movable within said support track
between a retracted position under said vehicle and an extended use
position; and an exterior staircase pivotally connected to the
stairhead; wherein the staircase comprises a frame and steps, the
staircase being shiftable between an upper storage position against
said wall when said stairhead is in its retracted position and a
downward use position when said stairhead is in its extended
position.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said staircase includes:
handrails; rotational means for shifting the handrails from a
generally vertical position when said staircase is in said upper
storage position to a position generally parallel with said
staircase in said downward use position; legs having upper and
lower parts, the upper parts being pivotally secured to an end of
the handrails adjacent said support frame of said stairhead, and
the lower parts being pivotally secured to said frame of said
staircase; means for minimizing lateral movement of the handrails
and the legs when said staircase is in said downward use position;
and locking means for maintaining said staircase in said upper
storage position.
3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein said rotational means includes
brackets attached to said support frame of said stairhead, with
said handrails being pivotally secured to the brackets at one
end.
4. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein said means for minimizing
lateral movement includes brackets attached to said staircase, said
legs extending between the brackets and said staircase in said
downward use position.
5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said stairhead includes:
vertical support frame members; handrails; vertical support frame
legs, the legs enclosed by the vertical support frame members and
moveable therein; and horizontal support frame members.
6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein said stairhead further includes:
a vertical support frame member cover having first and second
vertical extents and a step bracket secured therebetween; and
moveable vertical support frame members.
7. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein said vertical support frame
members include locking mechanisms for said vertical support frame
legs, the locking mechanisms securing said legs within said
vertical support frame members or against the ground, through a
threaded pressure fit.
8. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein said handrails are attached
between one of said vertical support frame members and said
exterior wall of said vehicle.
9. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein said horizontal support frame
members include rolling means therein for movement of said members
along said support track.
10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said support track includes
rolling means therein for movement of said horizontal support frame
members of said stairhead along said support beams of said support
track.
11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said exterior wall includes
locking means for maintaining said stairhead both against said
exterior wall and in an extended position away from said exterior
wall.
12. A staircase system, comprising: a support track comprising
support beams; a stairhead movable within said support track; and
an exterior staircase pivotally connected to the stairhead; wherein
the staircase comprises a frame and steps, the staircase being
shiftable from an upper storage position to a downward use
position.
13. The staircase system of claim 12, wherein said staircase
includes: handrails; rotational means for shifting the handrails
from a generally vertical position when said staircase is in said
upper storage position to a position generally parallel with said
staircase in said downward use position; legs having upper and
lower parts, the upper parts being pivotally secured to an end of
the handrails adjacent said support frame of said stairhead, and
the lower parts being pivotally secured to said frame of said
staircase; means for minimizing lateral movement of the handrails
and the legs when said staircase is in said downward use position;
and locking means for maintaining said staircase in said upper
storage position.
14. The staircase system of claim 13, wherein said rotational means
includes brackets attached to said support frame of said stairhead,
with said handrails being pivotally secured to the brackets at one
end.
15. The staircase system of claim 13, wherein said means for
minimizing lateral movement includes brackets attached to said
staircase, said legs extending between the bracket and said
staircase in said downward use position.
16. The staircase system of claim 12, wherein said stairhead
includes: vertical support frame members; handrails; vertical
support frame legs, the legs enclosed by the vertical support frame
members and moveable therein; and horizontal support frame
members.
17. The staircase system of claim 16, wherein said stairhead
further includes: a vertical support frame member cover having
first and second vertical extents and a step bracket secured
therebetween; and moveable vertical support frame members.
18. The staircase system of claim 16, wherein said vertical support
frame members include locking mechanisms for said vertical support
frame legs, the locking mechanisms securing said legs within said
vertical support frame members or against the ground, through a
threaded pressure fit.
19. The staircase system of claim 16, wherein said handrails are
removably attached between one of said vertical extents of said
vertical support frame member cover and said moveable vertical
support frame members.
20. The staircase system of claim 16, wherein said support track
includes rolling means therein for movement of said horizontal
support frame members along said support track.
21. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said staircase is removably
connected to said stairhead and shiftable about said stairhead when
in its said downward use position, whereby the staircase may be
optimally located either parallel to or perpendicular to said
vehicle wall when in use.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the outside staircase used
on recreational and industrial trailers, motor homes, or utility
vehicles, such as portable sanitation trailers.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background of the Invention
[0005] Vehicles commonly have outside doors that lead into a
storage or dwelling area, located at a considerable height above
the ground because of the vehicle wheels. A staircase is often
placed between the ground and the outside door entrance to aid in
entering and exiting the vehicle.
[0006] Yet staircases frequently enlarge the width of the vehicle,
making it sometimes illegal to drive the vehicles on roads and
highways. One solution to this problem is to install a staircase
that can be removed; yet it is very inconvenient and time-consuming
to remove the staircase for traveling, reassembling the staircase
for use.
[0007] Another solution is summarized in U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,143,
the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. A
staircase is hinged to a side of a vehicle so that it can be easily
folded against the side, reducing the vehicle's width to one within
the legal limit for travel.
[0008] However, such a staircase still has the problem of providing
a stairhead at best equal in size to each of the descending steps
of the staircase, so as to make it difficult to maintain one's
balance when exciting the vehicle on the staircase.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a portable staircase that can
be easily folded against the side of a recreational or industrial
vehicle so as to reduce the vehicle's width to within the legal
limit for roadway travel. A locking device is attached to the
vehicle to secure the staircase in its folded position for storage.
The steps of the staircase are pivotally secured to rails allowing
the staircase to collapse and be folded, with the staircase hinged
to a side of the vehicle. A handrail assembly may also be used as a
part of the staircase. Guide rods are attached between the vehicle
and staircase for support and for minimizing movement of the
staircase when the staircase does not rest upon an even surface. A
sliding stairhead upon a support track is attached to the body of
the vehicle so as to extend the staircase away from the vehicle and
provide a wide stairhead between the vehicle and staircase. Wheels
along the support track of the stairhead provide for ease of
movement of the stairhead toward and away from the vehicle.
[0010] In a second embodiment, a removable staircase may be
positioned on one of three sides of the sliding stairhead to allow
for an option as to which direction the staircase descends.
[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a
collapsible staircase for a vehicle which eliminates a first
step-down danger and is safe to use.
[0012] Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible
staircase for a vehicle which is of simple, reliable and efficient
operation and usage.
[0013] A further object of this invention is to provide a
collapsible staircase for a vehicle which can be positioned on one
of three sides of a sliding stairhead to accommodate a variety of
ground configurations.
[0014] Other objects will become apparent upon a reading of the
following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a sliding and folding
staircase, according to a first embodiment of the present
invention, shown in separated form;
[0016] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of the sliding and folding
staircase, according to a second embodiment of the present
invention, shown in separated form;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the staircase, according to a first
embodiment, shown in its stored position, together with a breakaway
view of a vehicle to which the staircase is attached;
[0018] FIG. 2A is a side view of the staircase, according to a
second embodiment, shown in its stored position, together with a
breakaway view of a vehicle to which the staircase is attached;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the staircase, according to the
first embodiment, shown extended but folded, together with a
breakaway view of a vehicle to which the staircase is attached;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a side view of the staircase, according to the
second embodiment, shown extended but folded, together with a
breakaway view of a vehicle to which the staircase is attached;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side view of the staircase, according to the
first embodiment, shown in its use position;
[0022] FIG. 4A is a side view of the staircase, according to the
second embodiment, shown in its use position;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a stairhead and its support
track, according to the first embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the stairhead and its support
track, according to the second embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a breakaway view of a vertical stairhead support
beam and foot, shown in partial section and as seen along line 6-6
of FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of a stairhead locking
mechanism as seen along line 8-8 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A;
[0028] FIG. 9A is an isometric view of the sliding and folding
staircase, according to the second embodiment of the present
invention, shown in the first of three use positions;
[0029] FIG. 9B is an isometric view of the sliding and folding
staircase, according to the second embodiment of the present
invention, shown in the second of three use positions;
[0030] FIG. 9C is an isometric view of the sliding and folding
staircase, according to the second embodiment of the present
invention, shown in the third of three use positions;
[0031] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the staircase, stairhead and
its support track, according to the second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a stairhead and its support
track, according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
shown in the second of three use positions; and
[0033] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a stairhead and its support
track, according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
shown in the third of three use positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0034] The preferred embodiment of the invention herein described
relates to an improvement to the folding steps of U.S. Pat. No.
5,397,143, the content of which is herein incorporated by
reference. As the folding steps of this invention are of like
construction to the referenced patent, the numbering systems of the
two inventions will correspond, and a detailed description as to
the folding step portion of the present invention will not be
repeated.
[0035] The staircase 2 includes a plurality of steps 4 as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 with each step being pivotally secured
at opposite sides to a pair of side rails 6. The uppermost step 4a
is hingedly connected to a step bracket 10 that is bolted to a
stairhead 80 and stairhead vertical supports 60. Side rails 6 at
each side of the staircase are generally parallel with each other
and extend beyond the lowermost step 4b. A pod 14 in the form of an
L-shaped bracket is mounted to the lower end of each side rail 6
and fastened by bolts 16.
[0036] A pair of guide rods 20 are attached between the vehicle 18
and staircase 2. Each guide rod extends freely through a sleeve 24
and has a threaded lower end upon which a nut 26 is turned. A yoke
28 is fastened to the upper end of each guide rod 20. Each yoke 28
is fastened by a connector through a hole 50 in a bracket 32 that
is connected to a stairhead vertical support 60. In one embodiment,
a handrail 34 extends along each side of the steps 4. Each handrail
34 is pivotally secured at one end to a bracket 38 connected to the
stairhead vertical support 60. An outset retainer bracket 37 is
preferably welded at one end to each of the side rails 6 at their
outer sides. A leg 30 is pivotally secured to a bracket 36
preferably welded to each handrail 34 at its opposite end. Each leg
30 is inserted between a retainer bracket 37 and its connected side
rail 6 to prevent lateral movement relative to the transverse axis
of the handrail 34. A lock pin 48 with an attached clasp 43 is
inserted through hole 41 in bracket 32.
[0037] A pair of stairhead handrails 74 are attached between the
vehicle exterior wall 18 and the stairhead vertical support 60.
Each stairhead handrail 74 is pivotally secured at one end to a
bracket 72 attached to the vehicle 18. A chain 68 is preferably
extended between bracket 32 connected to the stairhead vertical
support 60 and bracket 70 attached to the vehicle 18. Bracket 76 is
attached to the vehicle 18 and secures each stairhead handrail 74
when staircase 2 is not in use. When in use, the yoke 78 of
stairhead handrail 74 is fastened to the stairhead vertical support
60 through bracket 62.
[0038] Before operation, the staircase 2 is shown in its folded
position in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 for storage. Each handrail 34, leg 30,
side rail 6, and guide rod 20 are pivotally moved upward relative
to the vehicle 18 and are preferably secured by lock pin 48 against
the side of the vehicle 18. The lock pin 48 is inserted through
aligned holes 41 formed in the side rails 6 and bracket 32. Safety
catch 43 is preferably swung over the lock pin 48 to prevent
removal of the lock pin 48.
[0039] In FIG. 2, the stairhead 80 and its horizontal supports 84
are shown with the staircase 2 in its locked folded storage
position next to the vehicle 18. In FIG. 3, the stairhead 80 is
extended away from the vehicle 18 along a support track 90 attached
to the underside or chassis of the vehicle 18. A series of wheels
86 within the stairhead horizontal supports 84 allow for ease of
extension of the stairhead 80. As shown in FIG. 5, support track
wheels 88 preferably attached to support track 90 help to stabilize
stairhead 80 during extension and aid in ease of extension, as
well. In FIG. 7, the support track wheel 86 is shown in operation
within support track 90. Locking mechanisms 92 secure stairhead 80
to the vehicle 18 preferably by way of bracket 96 attached to
vehicle 18, as shown in detail in FIG. 8. To extend stairhead 80,
pins 94 are released from holes 81 in outer horizontal stairhead
supports 84. Stairhead 80 and stairhead supports 84 are pulled
along support track 90 (see FIG. 3) until pins 94 of locking
mechanisms 92 align with holes 83 in the outer horizontal stairhead
supports 84. Pins 94 are inserted into holes 83 and the stairhead
80 is locked in its extended position. The staircase 2 is then
lowered (see FIG. 4).
[0040] In operation, the staircase 2 and stairhead 80 are extended
away from the vehicle 18, with the staircase 2 in its upper storage
position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The staircase 2 is then
lowered to its downward use position, as shown in FIG. 4. Each
sleeve 24 abuts a nut 26 on guide rod 20 and is preferably welded
at its lower end to a bracket 27 which is pivotally connected to
the uppermost step 4a. The yoke 28 is then connected to bracket 32
through hole 50 to secure guide rod 20. The guide rods 20, in
conjunction with the sleeves 24, stabilize the staircase 2 if the
pod 14 rest upon uneven ground 52. Stairhead handrails 74 are
pivoted in bracket 72 to connect yoke 78 to bracket 62, which is
preferably welded to stairhead vertical support 60. The chain 68 is
extended between bracket 70 and bracket 32 for safety.
[0041] For support, stairhead vertical feet 64 are extended
downward to meet the ground 52 by release of each locking mechanism
66. As shown in FIG. 6, each locking mechanism 66 is threaded
through hole 67 in the stairhead vertical support 60 and secured
against stairhead vertical foot 64. For release, each locking
mechanism 66 is unscrewed enough to allow stairhead vertical foot
64 to extend to a desired position where ground contact is made.
Each locking mechanism 66 is then re-threaded to abut each
stairhead vertical foot 64.
[0042] A second embodiment of the sliding and folding steps is
shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10, 11 and 12. As
desired, in the second embodiment, the staircase 2 may be moved to
any one of three positions: front-facing, as shown in FIGS. 9A and
10; right-side-facing, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 11; and
left-side-facing, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 12.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 5A, a moveable vertical support frame
member 100 has first and second tubular stanchions, 100a and 100b
that are attached to step bracket 110 and slid telescopically over
vertical inner supports 120a and 120b. The step bracket is
pivotally connected to the staircase 2. Moveable vertical support
frame members 160 are removably secured in holes 102a and 102b. A
moveable vertical inner support 160a, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,
having outside dimensions less than that of vertical support frame
members 160, is used when the staircase 2 is moved to one of two
side-facing positions in the second embodiment.
[0044] When used, staircase 2 and stairhead 80 are extended away
from the vehicle 18, with the staircase 2 in its upper storage
position, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 3A. Utilizing a forward-facing
position for the staircase 2, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 9A, the
staircase 2 is lowered to its downward use position. Each sleeve 24
abuts a nut 26 on guide rod 20 and is preferably welded at its
lower end to a bracket 27 which is pivotally connected to the
uppermost step 4a. The yoke 28 is then connected to bracket 32
through hole 50 to secure guide rod 20. The guide rods 20, in
conjunction with the sleeves 24, stabilize the staircase 2 if the
pod 14 rest upon uneven ground 52. Stairhead handrails 174 are then
connected to bracket 172 on one end and bracket 162, which is
preferably welded to tubular stanchions 100a and 100b, on the other
end. A second handrail 168 is extended between bracket 170, which
is preferably welded to tubular stanchions 100a and 100b, and
bracket 132 for safety.
[0045] To move the staircase 2 to a one of two side-facing
positions, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, moveable vertical support
frame member 160 and moveable vertical inner support 160a are each
removably secured in one of the holes 102a or 102b, while moveable
vertical support frame member 100, with tubular stanchions 100a and
100b, and another moveable tubular stanchion 140, are slid over
vertical inner supports 120a, 120b, and 160a.
[0046] In a right-side-facing staircase 2 position, as shown in
FIGS. 9B and 11, movable vertical inner support 160a is secured in
hole 102b. Moveable vertical support frame member 100 with
connected staircase 2 is shifted so that tubular stanchion 100a
slides over vertical inner support 120b and tubular stanchion 100b
slides over moveable vertical inner support 160a. Moveable vertical
support frame member 160 is secured in hole 102a and moveable
tubular stanchion 140 is secured over vertical inner support
120a.
[0047] In a left-side-facing staircase 2 position, as shown in
FIGS. 9C and 12, movable vertical inner support 160a is secured in
hole 102a. Moveable vertical support frame member 100 with
connected staircase 2 is shifted so that tubular stanchion 100a
slides over moveable vertical inner support 160a and tubular
stanchion 100b slides over vertical inner support 120a. Moveable
vertical support frame member 160 is secured in hole 102b and
moveable tubular stanchion 140 is secured over vertical inner
support 120b.
[0048] In both the right-side- and left-side-facing positions,
lower handrails 174 are connected between brackets 170 and brackets
132, and upper handrails 168 are connected between brackets 172 and
162.
[0049] The embodiments herein described is not intended to be
exhaustive nor limiting in the precise form of the invention
disclosed. They are chosen and described to explain the principles
of the invention and its application and practical use so that
others skilled in the art may follow their teachings.
* * * * *