GB381672A - Improvements in folding steps, emergency stairways and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

381,672. Vehicle emergency exits and steps. BUNN, C. W., 1, Herbert Street, West Bromwich, Staffordshire. Aug. 27, 1931, No. 24170. [Class 108 (i).] Relates to ladders or stairways for vehicles, ships, and buildings, of the kind comprising a number of pivoted steps which are so interconnected that they can be moved in unison. According to the invention, the steps 8, Figs. 1 and 2, are fitted with panels 20 which, when the steps are folded, lie flush with panels 19 between the steps and with the surrounding structure. In the form shown, the ladder is fitted to a vehicle 7 by an attachment member comprising two spaced bars 1 of angle section interconnected at intervals by cross-bars 3. The attachment member is secured to the vehicle body by screws passing through holes 5 disposed in either or both of the flanges of the angle-bars. The steps 8 pivot about grub screws which pass through the angle-bars and into lugs 10 formed on either side of the steps. A centrally disposed arm 12 extends rearwardly from each step and is drilled to receive a screw 14 which passes also through two links 13 which connect each step to the step above and the step below. Stops 15 on the angle-bars, by engaging with the lugs 10, serve to limit the pivotal movement of the steps, and cross members 16 between the angle-bars serve a similar purpose. To enable the steps to be manipulated, one of 'them is provided with a handle, or alternatively, each step is provided with a hand opening 9. The attachment member may be made as a single frame, or it may be made of separate lengths which may be entirely separate or may be pivoted or jointed together.