CA2940951A1 - Access system for elevated load support structures - Google Patents
Access system for elevated load support structures Download PDFInfo
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- CA2940951A1 CA2940951A1 CA2940951A CA2940951A CA2940951A1 CA 2940951 A1 CA2940951 A1 CA 2940951A1 CA 2940951 A CA2940951 A CA 2940951A CA 2940951 A CA2940951 A CA 2940951A CA 2940951 A1 CA2940951 A1 CA 2940951A1
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- Prior art keywords
- guard beam
- rear impact
- impact guard
- step frame
- attached
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R3/00—Arrangements of steps or ladders facilitating access to or on the vehicle, e.g. running-boards
- B60R3/02—Retractable steps or ladders, e.g. movable under shock
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
Abstract
An access system for a load support structure such as an elevated van body or flat deck mounted on a vehicle frame with a rear impact guard beam. A foot aid comprises a plurality of steps mounted on a step frame adapted to be pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam under the rear door adjacent to one side of the structure floor and configured such that the step frame is movable from an operating position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially horizontally, to a stored position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially vertically. A hand aid comprises a flexible tether adapted for attachment to the support structure above the step frame and configured such that the flexible tether is within reach of a person standing on a ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
Description
ACCESS SYSTEM FOR ELEVATED LOAD SUPPORT STRUCTURES
This disclosure relates to the field of transport vehicles and in particular a system providing access for a person to elevated load support structures such as van bodies and flat decks.
BACKGROUND
Load support structures such as van bodies and flat decks mounted on trailers or truck frames have a floor that is typically about 48 inches above the ground. A rear impact guard beam is generally required by transportation authorities, and is mounted at the rear of the structure about 24 inches off the ground as a safety measure to prevent the front end of a car from passing under the trailer floor if same were to crash into the van from the rear.
The high floor makes it difficult for a person to access the van body as the rear impact guard beam is quite high to step on and there is typically nothing for a person to grab to pull themselves up to the floor. Various access aids are disclosed in the prior art, for example as described in United States Patent Numbers 8,720,924 to Ruehl, 9,156,405 to Levesque, 7,025,174 to Hawley, and 6,321,873 to Labrash, as well as in United States Published Patent Application Numbers 2002/0189903 of Krish, Jr. and 2002/000340 of Hallquist.
Where the prior art discloses hand holds to assist in climbing the steps provided the handholds extend above the floor generally in the rear of the structure where same obstruct movement of goods into or out of the door of a van body or onto a flat deck.
Van bodies commonly include cargo securement systems comprising securement rails with securing holes spaced therealong and fastened to the walls and/or floor of the van 1798666v1 1 body. Cargo restraining straps, beams, or the like are engaged in the holes to prevent cargo from shifting during transport. Such cargo restraining systems are disclosed for example in United States Patent Numbers 5,733,082 to Schrader, 5,516,245, and 5,370,482 to Long. The rails are mounted vertically or horizontally on the walls, and lengthwise or across the floor depending on the configuration of the particular cargos contemplated. Flat deck load support structures commonly include stake pockets spaced around the periphery of the deck.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure provides an access system for elevated load support structures mounted on vehicle frames that overcomes problems in the prior art.
In a first embodiment the present disclosure provides an access system for a load support structure mounted on a vehicle frame where the vehicle frame comprises a rear impact guard beam mounted under a rear edge of a floor of the load support structure The system comprises a foot aid comprising a plurality of steps mounted on a step frame, the step frame adapted to be pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam under the rear edge of the floor adjacent to a selected one of the right and left side edges of the floor and configured such that when pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam the step frame is movable from an operating position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially horizontally, to a stored position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially vertically. A hand aid comprises a flexible tether adapted for attachment to the load support structure adjacent to the selected one of the right and left side edges of the floor and configured such that when attached to the load support structure, the flexible tether is within reach of a person standing on a ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
1798666v1 2 In a second embodiment the present disclosure provides a van body access system comprising an elevated van body mounted on a vehicle frame, the vehicle frame comprising a rear impact guard beam mounted under a rear end of a floor of the van body. The van body comprises a plurality of securement rails attached to right and left interior walls thereof adjacent to a rear door of the van body, the securement rails defining a plurality of securing holes spaced along a length of the securement rails. A
foot aid comprises a plurality of steps mounted on a step frame, the step frame pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam under the rear door adjacent to a selected one of the right and left interior walls of the van body and configured such that the step frame is movable from an operating position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially horizontally, to a stored position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially vertically. A hand aid comprises a flexible tether releasably attached to at least one securement rail on the selected one of the right and left interior walls and configured such that when attached to the selected one of the right and left interior walls, the flexible tether is within reach of a person standing on a ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
The disclosed access system provides both hand and foot aids to facilitate entrance into the van body without obstructing the door, or onto a flat deck without obstructing the rear end thereof, so goods can freely be moved in and out. The foot aid is located so that the risk of damage from contact with obstructions rearward of the rear impact guard beam is reduced.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
1798666v1 3 Fig. 1 is a schematic cut away side view of an embodiment of the access system of the present disclosure mounted to a load support structure provided by a van body;
Fig. 2 is a schematic rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic front face view of a securement rail for use with the embodiment of Fig. 1, and a flexible tether with a hook on one end that is configured to engage a securing hole in the securement rail;
Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the foot aid of the embodiment of Fig. 1 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position;
Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the foot aid of the embodiment of Fig. 1 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position;
Fig. 6 is a schematic rear view of the foot aid of the embodiment of Fig. 1 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position;
Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of an alternate foot aid for use with the system of Fig. 1 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position;
Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the alternate foot aid of Fig. 7 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position;
Fig. 9 is a schematic front face view of the hand aid of the embodiment of Fig. 1 where the flexible tether includes a hook on each end, and each hook releasably engaged a securing hole in the securement rail such that the flexible tether forms a loop;
1798666v1 4 Fig. 10 is a schematic front face view of an alternate hand aid for use with the system of Fig. 1 where the flexible tether includes a hook on one end releasably engaged a securing hole in the securement rail, and where the opposite end of the tether forms a loop;
Fig. 11 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the access system of the present disclosure mounted to a load support structure provided by a flat deck;
Fig. 12 is a schematic top view of the embodiment of Fig. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
Figs. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an embodiment of a access system 1 of the present disclosure for a load support structure, illustrated as an elevated van body 3, mounted on a vehicle frame 5. The vehicle frame 5 comprises a rear impact guard beam 7 mounted under a rear edge of a floor 9 of the van body 3.
The illustrated van body 3 is conventional with right and left interior walls 13R, 13L
extending along corresponding side edges of the floor 9 and a rear double door 15 at a rear edge of the floor 9. The van body 3 comprises a plurality of securement rails 11 attached to the right and left interior walls 13R, 13L adjacent to the rear double door 15, and the securement rails 11 define a plurality of securing holes 17 spaced along a length of the securement rails 11 as seen in Fig. 3. Such securement rails 11 are well known in the art for securing cargo from shifting during transports by attaching restraining straps, beams, or the like in the securing holes.
These securement rails 11 can be attached to the walls 13 in a vertical or horizontal orientation. Typically a vertical securement rail 11 is attached near the rear door and further vertical rails 11 are spaced along the walls 13 from the rear end to the front end of 1798666v1 5 the walls 13 as in the illustrated van body 3. Horizontal rails are not illustrated but typically extend from near the rear of the walls 13 to near the front thereof and are spaced between the floor 9 and the top of the walls 13.
The system 1 comprises a foot aid 19 comprising a plurality of steps 21 mounted on a step frame 23. The step frame 23 is adapted to be pivotally attached about a step pivot axis SA to the rear impact guard beam 7 under the rear door 15 adjacent to a selected one of the right and left interior walls 13R, 13L of the van body 3. In the illustrated system the step frame 23 is shown pivotally attached adjacent to the right interior wall 13R. The step frame 23 is configured such that when pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 7, the step frame 23 is movable from an operating position shown in Fig.
5 where stepping surfaces of the steps 21 are oriented substantially horizontally and the steps 21 extend rearward from the rear impact guard beam 7, to a stored position shown in Fig. 4 where stepping surfaces of the steps 21 are oriented substantially vertically.
The system 1 further comprises a hand aid 27 comprising a flexible tether 29 adapted for releasable attachment to the selected one of the right and left interior walls 13, here illustrated as the right wall 13R, and configured such that when attached to the wall 13R, the flexible tether 29 is within reach of a person 31 standing on a ground surface 33 adjacent to the foot aid 19. The hand aid 27 then simply hangs against the wall 13R
where same is accessible when required, and where same does not obstruct movement of goods through the door 15.
The foot aid 19 comprises a top step 21A and a bottom step 21B. The steps 21 extend rearward from the rear impact guard beam 7 when pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 7 and in the operating position of Fig. 5, and extend upward from the rear impact guard beam 7 when in the stored position of Fig. 4.
1798666v1 6 In the illustrated foot aid 19, the step pivot axis SA is oriented substantially horizontally and perpendicular to an operating travel direction T of the vehicle frame 5 and substantially aligned with or forward of a front face 7F of the rear impact guard beam 7 such that the bottom edge 23B of the step frame 23 is substantially vertical and aligned with or forward of the front face 7F of the rear impact guard beam 7 and a forward portion 23BF of the bottom edge 23B bears against the front face 7F when the step frame 23 is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 7 and in the stored position. The bottom edge 23B of the step frame 23 rests on a top face 7T of the rear impact guard beam 7 when the step frame 23 is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 7 and in the operating position.
Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a rear view of the foot aid 19 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 7 by a pivot rod 35 that is attached to the rear impact guard beam 7 by clamps 37.
The configuration of the foot aid 19 shown in Figs. 4-6 locates the entire foot aid forward of the rear impact guard beam 7 where same is protected from damage. An alternate arrangement of the foot aid 19' is shown in Figs. 7 and 8 where the bottom edge 23B' of the step frame 23' comprises a forward bottom edge portion 23BF' that is vertical and aligned with or forward of the front face 7F' of the rear impact guard beam 7' when the step frame 23' is in the stored position, and a rearward bottom edge portion 23BR' that is vertical and aligned with a centerline CL of the top face 7T' of the rear impact guard beam 7' when the step frame 23' is in the stored position shown in Fig. 7.
When the step frame 23' is in the stored position, the bottom edge 43' of the foot aid 19' is coincidental with or forward of the centerline CL of the rear impact guard beam 7' where same is less likely to contact any obstacle rearward of the rear impact guard beam 7'.
As seen in Fig. 8 the rearward bottom edge portion 23BR' of the step frame 23' is in a somewhat lower position relative to the ground when in the operating position such that 1798666v1 7 the bottom step 21B, the bottom of which is aligned with the rearward bottom edge portion 23BR', is easier to step onto.
This alternate foot aid 19' provides a somewhat lower bottom step 21B to facilitate access however the bottom step 21B' is also closer to the rear face 7R' of the rear impact guard beam 7' and so is somewhat more susceptible to damage. It is well known in the industry that vehicle with vans such are illustrated commonly back into loading docks and like areas where the rear impact guard beam 7' contacts loading dock walls and the like. It is preferred to keep the mechanisms of the foot aid 19, 19' as far forward as possible to avoid contact with obstacles and still provide an accessible bottom step 21B, 210. In any event the bottom side 43, 43' of the foot aid 19, 19' is above a bottom face 7B, 7B' of the rear impact guard beam 7, 7' when the step frame 23, 23' is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position.
It is contemplated that the flexible tether could simply be permanently attached to the interior wall 13, however conveniently the hand aid 27 comprises a hook 39 attached to a first end of the flexible tether 29 as schematically illustrated in Fig. 3 where the hook 39 is configured to releasably engage a selected one of the securing holes 17.
Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a hand aid 27 where a second end of the flexible tether 29 forms a loop 41 configured and located within reach of the person standing on the ground surface adjacent to the foot aid as seen in Fig. 1.
Alternatively Fig. 10 schematically illustrates an alternate hand aid 27' where a first hook 39A' is attached to the first end of the flexible tether 29'and a second hook 39B' is attached to a second end of the flexible tether 29'. The first and second hooks 39' are configured to engage corresponding selected securing holes 17A', 17B', and the tether 29' is configured such that when the first and second hooks 39' are engaged in the securing holes 17', the tether 29' forms a loop 41' within reach of the person standing on the ground surface adjacent to the foot aid as seen in Fig. 1.
1798666v1 8 _ It is contemplated that when the securement rails are oriented horizontally and spaced between the floor 9 and the top of the walls 13 that one or more securement holes 17 will be in in a location suitable for attachment of the hooks 17.
Figs. 10 and 11 schematically illustrate an access system 101 installed on a load support structure provided by a flat deck 103. The foot aid 119 is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 107 the same as illustrated for the van body 3, and the hand aid 127 is attached to the flat deck 103 adjacent to the selected one of the right and left side edges 109R, 109L of the floor 109 above the foot aid 119. The illustrated flat deck comprising a plurality of stake pockets 117 defined in edges of the flat deck, and wherein the hand aid 127 comprises a 139 hook attached to one end of the flexible tether 129.
The hook 139 is configured to releas ably engage a selected one of the stake pockets 117.
The present disclosure provides an convenient access system 1 for a load support structure such as an elevated van body 3 that facilitates entrance into the structure while keeping the rear end of the support structure unobstructed so goods can be moved freely in and out through a van body door or on and off a flat deck. The foot aid 19 of the system 1 is located so that the risk of damage from contact with obstructions rearward of the rear impact guard beam 7 is reduced.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
1798666v1 9
This disclosure relates to the field of transport vehicles and in particular a system providing access for a person to elevated load support structures such as van bodies and flat decks.
BACKGROUND
Load support structures such as van bodies and flat decks mounted on trailers or truck frames have a floor that is typically about 48 inches above the ground. A rear impact guard beam is generally required by transportation authorities, and is mounted at the rear of the structure about 24 inches off the ground as a safety measure to prevent the front end of a car from passing under the trailer floor if same were to crash into the van from the rear.
The high floor makes it difficult for a person to access the van body as the rear impact guard beam is quite high to step on and there is typically nothing for a person to grab to pull themselves up to the floor. Various access aids are disclosed in the prior art, for example as described in United States Patent Numbers 8,720,924 to Ruehl, 9,156,405 to Levesque, 7,025,174 to Hawley, and 6,321,873 to Labrash, as well as in United States Published Patent Application Numbers 2002/0189903 of Krish, Jr. and 2002/000340 of Hallquist.
Where the prior art discloses hand holds to assist in climbing the steps provided the handholds extend above the floor generally in the rear of the structure where same obstruct movement of goods into or out of the door of a van body or onto a flat deck.
Van bodies commonly include cargo securement systems comprising securement rails with securing holes spaced therealong and fastened to the walls and/or floor of the van 1798666v1 1 body. Cargo restraining straps, beams, or the like are engaged in the holes to prevent cargo from shifting during transport. Such cargo restraining systems are disclosed for example in United States Patent Numbers 5,733,082 to Schrader, 5,516,245, and 5,370,482 to Long. The rails are mounted vertically or horizontally on the walls, and lengthwise or across the floor depending on the configuration of the particular cargos contemplated. Flat deck load support structures commonly include stake pockets spaced around the periphery of the deck.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure provides an access system for elevated load support structures mounted on vehicle frames that overcomes problems in the prior art.
In a first embodiment the present disclosure provides an access system for a load support structure mounted on a vehicle frame where the vehicle frame comprises a rear impact guard beam mounted under a rear edge of a floor of the load support structure The system comprises a foot aid comprising a plurality of steps mounted on a step frame, the step frame adapted to be pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam under the rear edge of the floor adjacent to a selected one of the right and left side edges of the floor and configured such that when pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam the step frame is movable from an operating position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially horizontally, to a stored position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially vertically. A hand aid comprises a flexible tether adapted for attachment to the load support structure adjacent to the selected one of the right and left side edges of the floor and configured such that when attached to the load support structure, the flexible tether is within reach of a person standing on a ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
1798666v1 2 In a second embodiment the present disclosure provides a van body access system comprising an elevated van body mounted on a vehicle frame, the vehicle frame comprising a rear impact guard beam mounted under a rear end of a floor of the van body. The van body comprises a plurality of securement rails attached to right and left interior walls thereof adjacent to a rear door of the van body, the securement rails defining a plurality of securing holes spaced along a length of the securement rails. A
foot aid comprises a plurality of steps mounted on a step frame, the step frame pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam under the rear door adjacent to a selected one of the right and left interior walls of the van body and configured such that the step frame is movable from an operating position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially horizontally, to a stored position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially vertically. A hand aid comprises a flexible tether releasably attached to at least one securement rail on the selected one of the right and left interior walls and configured such that when attached to the selected one of the right and left interior walls, the flexible tether is within reach of a person standing on a ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
The disclosed access system provides both hand and foot aids to facilitate entrance into the van body without obstructing the door, or onto a flat deck without obstructing the rear end thereof, so goods can freely be moved in and out. The foot aid is located so that the risk of damage from contact with obstructions rearward of the rear impact guard beam is reduced.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
1798666v1 3 Fig. 1 is a schematic cut away side view of an embodiment of the access system of the present disclosure mounted to a load support structure provided by a van body;
Fig. 2 is a schematic rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic front face view of a securement rail for use with the embodiment of Fig. 1, and a flexible tether with a hook on one end that is configured to engage a securing hole in the securement rail;
Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the foot aid of the embodiment of Fig. 1 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position;
Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the foot aid of the embodiment of Fig. 1 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position;
Fig. 6 is a schematic rear view of the foot aid of the embodiment of Fig. 1 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position;
Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of an alternate foot aid for use with the system of Fig. 1 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position;
Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the alternate foot aid of Fig. 7 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position;
Fig. 9 is a schematic front face view of the hand aid of the embodiment of Fig. 1 where the flexible tether includes a hook on each end, and each hook releasably engaged a securing hole in the securement rail such that the flexible tether forms a loop;
1798666v1 4 Fig. 10 is a schematic front face view of an alternate hand aid for use with the system of Fig. 1 where the flexible tether includes a hook on one end releasably engaged a securing hole in the securement rail, and where the opposite end of the tether forms a loop;
Fig. 11 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the access system of the present disclosure mounted to a load support structure provided by a flat deck;
Fig. 12 is a schematic top view of the embodiment of Fig. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
Figs. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an embodiment of a access system 1 of the present disclosure for a load support structure, illustrated as an elevated van body 3, mounted on a vehicle frame 5. The vehicle frame 5 comprises a rear impact guard beam 7 mounted under a rear edge of a floor 9 of the van body 3.
The illustrated van body 3 is conventional with right and left interior walls 13R, 13L
extending along corresponding side edges of the floor 9 and a rear double door 15 at a rear edge of the floor 9. The van body 3 comprises a plurality of securement rails 11 attached to the right and left interior walls 13R, 13L adjacent to the rear double door 15, and the securement rails 11 define a plurality of securing holes 17 spaced along a length of the securement rails 11 as seen in Fig. 3. Such securement rails 11 are well known in the art for securing cargo from shifting during transports by attaching restraining straps, beams, or the like in the securing holes.
These securement rails 11 can be attached to the walls 13 in a vertical or horizontal orientation. Typically a vertical securement rail 11 is attached near the rear door and further vertical rails 11 are spaced along the walls 13 from the rear end to the front end of 1798666v1 5 the walls 13 as in the illustrated van body 3. Horizontal rails are not illustrated but typically extend from near the rear of the walls 13 to near the front thereof and are spaced between the floor 9 and the top of the walls 13.
The system 1 comprises a foot aid 19 comprising a plurality of steps 21 mounted on a step frame 23. The step frame 23 is adapted to be pivotally attached about a step pivot axis SA to the rear impact guard beam 7 under the rear door 15 adjacent to a selected one of the right and left interior walls 13R, 13L of the van body 3. In the illustrated system the step frame 23 is shown pivotally attached adjacent to the right interior wall 13R. The step frame 23 is configured such that when pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 7, the step frame 23 is movable from an operating position shown in Fig.
5 where stepping surfaces of the steps 21 are oriented substantially horizontally and the steps 21 extend rearward from the rear impact guard beam 7, to a stored position shown in Fig. 4 where stepping surfaces of the steps 21 are oriented substantially vertically.
The system 1 further comprises a hand aid 27 comprising a flexible tether 29 adapted for releasable attachment to the selected one of the right and left interior walls 13, here illustrated as the right wall 13R, and configured such that when attached to the wall 13R, the flexible tether 29 is within reach of a person 31 standing on a ground surface 33 adjacent to the foot aid 19. The hand aid 27 then simply hangs against the wall 13R
where same is accessible when required, and where same does not obstruct movement of goods through the door 15.
The foot aid 19 comprises a top step 21A and a bottom step 21B. The steps 21 extend rearward from the rear impact guard beam 7 when pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 7 and in the operating position of Fig. 5, and extend upward from the rear impact guard beam 7 when in the stored position of Fig. 4.
1798666v1 6 In the illustrated foot aid 19, the step pivot axis SA is oriented substantially horizontally and perpendicular to an operating travel direction T of the vehicle frame 5 and substantially aligned with or forward of a front face 7F of the rear impact guard beam 7 such that the bottom edge 23B of the step frame 23 is substantially vertical and aligned with or forward of the front face 7F of the rear impact guard beam 7 and a forward portion 23BF of the bottom edge 23B bears against the front face 7F when the step frame 23 is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 7 and in the stored position. The bottom edge 23B of the step frame 23 rests on a top face 7T of the rear impact guard beam 7 when the step frame 23 is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 7 and in the operating position.
Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a rear view of the foot aid 19 pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 7 by a pivot rod 35 that is attached to the rear impact guard beam 7 by clamps 37.
The configuration of the foot aid 19 shown in Figs. 4-6 locates the entire foot aid forward of the rear impact guard beam 7 where same is protected from damage. An alternate arrangement of the foot aid 19' is shown in Figs. 7 and 8 where the bottom edge 23B' of the step frame 23' comprises a forward bottom edge portion 23BF' that is vertical and aligned with or forward of the front face 7F' of the rear impact guard beam 7' when the step frame 23' is in the stored position, and a rearward bottom edge portion 23BR' that is vertical and aligned with a centerline CL of the top face 7T' of the rear impact guard beam 7' when the step frame 23' is in the stored position shown in Fig. 7.
When the step frame 23' is in the stored position, the bottom edge 43' of the foot aid 19' is coincidental with or forward of the centerline CL of the rear impact guard beam 7' where same is less likely to contact any obstacle rearward of the rear impact guard beam 7'.
As seen in Fig. 8 the rearward bottom edge portion 23BR' of the step frame 23' is in a somewhat lower position relative to the ground when in the operating position such that 1798666v1 7 the bottom step 21B, the bottom of which is aligned with the rearward bottom edge portion 23BR', is easier to step onto.
This alternate foot aid 19' provides a somewhat lower bottom step 21B to facilitate access however the bottom step 21B' is also closer to the rear face 7R' of the rear impact guard beam 7' and so is somewhat more susceptible to damage. It is well known in the industry that vehicle with vans such are illustrated commonly back into loading docks and like areas where the rear impact guard beam 7' contacts loading dock walls and the like. It is preferred to keep the mechanisms of the foot aid 19, 19' as far forward as possible to avoid contact with obstacles and still provide an accessible bottom step 21B, 210. In any event the bottom side 43, 43' of the foot aid 19, 19' is above a bottom face 7B, 7B' of the rear impact guard beam 7, 7' when the step frame 23, 23' is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position.
It is contemplated that the flexible tether could simply be permanently attached to the interior wall 13, however conveniently the hand aid 27 comprises a hook 39 attached to a first end of the flexible tether 29 as schematically illustrated in Fig. 3 where the hook 39 is configured to releasably engage a selected one of the securing holes 17.
Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a hand aid 27 where a second end of the flexible tether 29 forms a loop 41 configured and located within reach of the person standing on the ground surface adjacent to the foot aid as seen in Fig. 1.
Alternatively Fig. 10 schematically illustrates an alternate hand aid 27' where a first hook 39A' is attached to the first end of the flexible tether 29'and a second hook 39B' is attached to a second end of the flexible tether 29'. The first and second hooks 39' are configured to engage corresponding selected securing holes 17A', 17B', and the tether 29' is configured such that when the first and second hooks 39' are engaged in the securing holes 17', the tether 29' forms a loop 41' within reach of the person standing on the ground surface adjacent to the foot aid as seen in Fig. 1.
1798666v1 8 _ It is contemplated that when the securement rails are oriented horizontally and spaced between the floor 9 and the top of the walls 13 that one or more securement holes 17 will be in in a location suitable for attachment of the hooks 17.
Figs. 10 and 11 schematically illustrate an access system 101 installed on a load support structure provided by a flat deck 103. The foot aid 119 is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam 107 the same as illustrated for the van body 3, and the hand aid 127 is attached to the flat deck 103 adjacent to the selected one of the right and left side edges 109R, 109L of the floor 109 above the foot aid 119. The illustrated flat deck comprising a plurality of stake pockets 117 defined in edges of the flat deck, and wherein the hand aid 127 comprises a 139 hook attached to one end of the flexible tether 129.
The hook 139 is configured to releas ably engage a selected one of the stake pockets 117.
The present disclosure provides an convenient access system 1 for a load support structure such as an elevated van body 3 that facilitates entrance into the structure while keeping the rear end of the support structure unobstructed so goods can be moved freely in and out through a van body door or on and off a flat deck. The foot aid 19 of the system 1 is located so that the risk of damage from contact with obstructions rearward of the rear impact guard beam 7 is reduced.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
1798666v1 9
Claims (22)
1. An access system for an load support structure mounted on a vehicle frame, the vehicle frame comprising a rear impact guard beam mounted under a rear edge of a floor of the load support structure, the system comprising:
a foot aid comprising a plurality of steps mounted on a step frame, the step frame adapted to be pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam under the rear edge of the floor adjacent to a selected one of right and left side edges of the floor and configured such that when pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam the step frame is movable from an operating position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially horizontally, to a stored position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially vertically;
a hand aid comprising a flexible tether adapted for attachment to the load support structure adjacent to the selected one of the right and left side edges of the floor and configured such that when attached to the load support structure, the flexible tether is within reach of a person standing on a ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
a foot aid comprising a plurality of steps mounted on a step frame, the step frame adapted to be pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam under the rear edge of the floor adjacent to a selected one of right and left side edges of the floor and configured such that when pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam the step frame is movable from an operating position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially horizontally, to a stored position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially vertically;
a hand aid comprising a flexible tether adapted for attachment to the load support structure adjacent to the selected one of the right and left side edges of the floor and configured such that when attached to the load support structure, the flexible tether is within reach of a person standing on a ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam the steps extend rearward from the rear impact guard beam when in the operating position, and extend upward from the rear impact guard beam when in the stored position.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position, a bottom edge of the foot aid is coincidental with or forward of a centerline of the rear impact guard beam.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the step frame is adapted to be pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam about a step pivot axis oriented substantially horizontally and perpendicular to an operating travel direction of the vehicle frame and substantially aligned with or forward of a front face of the rear impact guard beam such that a bottom edge of the step frame is substantially oriented substantially vertically and is aligned with or forward of the front face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the bottom edge of the step frame rests on a top face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the bottom edge of the step frame bears against the front face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position.
7. The system of any one of claims 4 - 6 wherein the bottom edge of the step frame comprises a forward bottom edge portion that is vertical and aligned with or forward of the front face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position, and a rearward bottom edge portion that is vertical and aligned with a center of a top face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position.
8. The system of any one of claims 1 ¨ 7 wherein a bottom side of the foot aid is above a bottom face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position.
9. The system of any one of claims 1 ¨ 8 wherein the load support structure is provided by a van body, and comprising a plurality of securement rails attached to right and left interior walls of the van body adjacent to a rear door of the van body, wherein the securement rails define a plurality of securing holes spaced along a length of the securement rails, and wherein the hand aid comprises a hook attached to a first end of the flexible tether, the hook configured to releasably engage a selected one of the securing holes.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein a second end of the flexible tether forms a loop configured and located, when attached to the selected one of the right and left interior walls, within reach of the person standing on the ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
11. The system of claim 9 comprising a first hook attached to the first end of the flexible tether and a second hook attached to a second end of the flexible tether, and wherein the first and second hooks are configured to engage at least one selected securing hole, and the tether is configured such that when the first and second hooks are engaged in the at least one selected securing hole, the tether forms a loop within reach of the person standing on the ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
12. The system of any one of claims 1 ¨ 8 wherein the load support structure is provided by a flat deck, and wherein the hand aid is attached to the flat deck adjacent to the selected one of the right and left side edges of the floor.
13. The system of claim 12 comprising a plurality of stake pockets defined in edges of the flat deck, and wherein the hand aid comprises a hook attached to at least a first end of the flexible tether, the hook configured to releasably engage a selected one of the stake pockets.
14. A van body access system comprising:
an elevated van body mounted on a vehicle frame, the vehicle frame comprising a rear impact guard beam mounted under a rear end of a floor of the van body;
wherein the van body comprises a plurality of securement rails attached to right and left interior walls thereof adjacent to a rear door of the van body, the securement rails defining a plurality of securing holes spaced along a length of the securement rails;
a foot aid comprising a plurality of steps mounted on a step frame, the step frame pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam under the rear door adjacent to a selected one of the right and left interior walls of the van body and configured such that the step frame is movable from an operating position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially horizontally, to a stored position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially vertically;
a hand aid comprising a flexible tether releasably attached to at least one securement rail on the selected one of the right and left interior walls and configured such that the flexible tether is within reach of a person standing on a ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
an elevated van body mounted on a vehicle frame, the vehicle frame comprising a rear impact guard beam mounted under a rear end of a floor of the van body;
wherein the van body comprises a plurality of securement rails attached to right and left interior walls thereof adjacent to a rear door of the van body, the securement rails defining a plurality of securing holes spaced along a length of the securement rails;
a foot aid comprising a plurality of steps mounted on a step frame, the step frame pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam under the rear door adjacent to a selected one of the right and left interior walls of the van body and configured such that the step frame is movable from an operating position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially horizontally, to a stored position where stepping surfaces of the steps are oriented substantially vertically;
a hand aid comprising a flexible tether releasably attached to at least one securement rail on the selected one of the right and left interior walls and configured such that the flexible tether is within reach of a person standing on a ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein the steps extend rearward from the rear impact guard beam when in the operating position, and upward from the rear impact guard beam when in the stored position.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the foot aid comprises a top step and a bottom step and wherein the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam about a step pivot axis oriented substantially horizontally and perpendicular to an operating travel direction of the vehicle frame and substantially aligned with or forward of a front face of the rear impact guard beam such that the bottom edge of the step frame is substantially vertical and aligned with or forward of the front face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame is in the stored position.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the bottom edge of the step frame rests on a top face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame in the operating position and wherein the bottom edge of the step frame bears against the front face of the rear impact guard beam when in the stored position.
18. The system of any one of claims 15 - 17 wherein the bottom edge of the step frame comprises a forward bottom edge portion that is vertical and aligned with or forward of the front face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position, and a rearward bottom edge portion that is vertical and aligned with a mid-point of a top face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the stored position.
19. The system of any one of claims 14 ¨ 18 wherein a bottom side of the foot aid is above a bottom face of the rear impact guard beam when the step frame is pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam and in the operating position.
20. The system of any one of claims 14 ¨ 19 wherein the hand aid comprises a hook attached to a first end of the flexible tether, the hook configured to releasably engage a selected one of the securing holes.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein a second end of the flexible tether forms a loop configured and located, when attached to the selected one of the right and left interior walls, within reach of the person standing on the ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
22. The system of claim 20 comprising a first hook attached to the first end of the flexible tether and a second hook attached to a second end of the flexible tether, and wherein the first and second hooks are configured to engage at least one selected securing hole, and the tether is configured such that when the first and second hooks are engaged in the at least one selected securing hole, the tether forms a loop within reach of the person standing on the ground surface adjacent to the foot aid.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2940951A CA2940951A1 (en) | 2016-09-06 | 2016-09-06 | Access system for elevated load support structures |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2940951A CA2940951A1 (en) | 2016-09-06 | 2016-09-06 | Access system for elevated load support structures |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2940951A1 true CA2940951A1 (en) | 2018-03-06 |
Family
ID=61557432
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2940951A Abandoned CA2940951A1 (en) | 2016-09-06 | 2016-09-06 | Access system for elevated load support structures |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2940951A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2020202723B2 (en) * | 2020-04-23 | 2021-12-23 | Batke, Theresa | Pivoting step with roller |
| US11242010B2 (en) | 2019-03-29 | 2022-02-08 | Power Pin Inc. | Pivoting step with roller |
-
2016
- 2016-09-06 CA CA2940951A patent/CA2940951A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11242010B2 (en) | 2019-03-29 | 2022-02-08 | Power Pin Inc. | Pivoting step with roller |
| AU2020202723B2 (en) * | 2020-04-23 | 2021-12-23 | Batke, Theresa | Pivoting step with roller |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20190522 |