WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 ACCESS DEVICE / ARTICULATED LADDER Background of the invention The present invention relates to an access device, and in particular, to a device 5 attached to industrial machinery, and which is moveable between an access position and a storage position. Description of the Prior Art Various access devices are presently known which permit access from a substrate 10 surface to an elevated surface, such as the cabin of an earthmoving vehicle or other industrial machinery. Due to different sizes and shapes of such industrial vehicles, a number of different designs currently exist. Some such access devices are described in the Applicant's Australian Application Nos. 672706, 14992/97, 48282/97, PP 1750/98 and PP1751/98. 15 There are a number of known access devices such as ladders that can fold into a compact fashion such that the device can be in a stored position, and conversely be unfolded into an access position. Such a device is described in US 3,081,840. However, such access devices rely on a folding mechanism for expanding and contracting between the stored and access position. Such a device is limited in the compactness of its stored 20 position depending on the number of folds that are incorporated. If a large number of folds are incorporated in such a device then it will be relatively tall in its stored position, and if a smaller number of folds are incorporated then the device will be relatively wide in its stored position. The reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an 25 acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first broad form, the present invention provides an access device for providing access between a substrate surface and an elevated surface, the access device including: 5 at least one rung; and, at least two side rails for coupling the at least one rung to at least one of one other rung and the elevated surface, each side rail being formed from at least two pivotally interconnected fingers to thereby allow the at least one rung to move between a storage position and an access position. 10 Optionally, the access device includes at least one step including a first rung and a second rung, the first rung being upwardly positioned above the second rung. Optionally, the first rung of a first step is shared by an upwardly adjacent step such that the second rung of the upwardly adjacent step is the first rung of the first step. Optionally, the first rung of the first step is shared by the said elevated surface or a 15 landing. Optionally, the second rung of the first step is shared by a downwardly adjacent step such that the first rung of the downwardly adjacent step is the second rung of the first step. Optionally, the second rung of the first step is shared by the substrate surface. 20 Optionally, each step is movable between a compressed position, wherein said second rung is retained proximal to the first rung, and an expanded position, wherein the second rung is disposed substantially downwardly from the first rung. Optionally, each step includes at least two positional fingers pivotally interconnected at a pivot point and extending between the first rung and the second rung of WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -3 a step, wherein each positional finger pivots about the pivot point in a concertinaed manner to control the step moving between the compressed position and the expanded position. Optionally, each pivotally interconnected finger or positional finger includes a plurality of interlocking teeth, wherein a hole is positioned in each tooth such that each 5 hole aligns with adjacent holes in adjacent teeth, and wherein a pin is threaded through the hole pivotally interconnecting pivotal fingers or positional fingers. Optionally, the movement of one pair of positional fingers causes the respective step to move between the storage position and access position, and simultaneously control the movement of at least one other step between the storage position and access position. 10 Optionally, a force can be applied to the pivot point of each pair of interconnected positional fingers causes the access device to move between the storage position and access position. Optionally, the force is applied by an actuator, and wherein the actuator includes a first end transversely extending between the pivot points of a pair of positional fingers. 15 Optionally, the actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder or the like. Optionally, actuation of the actuator moves the step between the expanded and compressed positions, allowing the access device to move between the access position and the storage position. Optionally, extension of the hydraulic cylinder causes the step to move between the 20 expanded position and compressed position, resulting in the access device moving between the access position and the storage position. Optionally, the contraction of the hydraulic cylinder moves the step between the expanded and compressed positions, resulting in moving the access device moving between the access and storage positions. 25 Optionally, the access device includes: WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -4 a hand rail including a first end pivotally attached to the second rung of the most downward step, a second end including a curved handle, and a hand rail pivot point positioned between the first end of the hand rail and the second end of the hand rail; and a guide arm including a first end and a second end, wherein the guide arm effects 5 the cooperative movement of the hand rail as the access device moves between the access position and storage position, a first end of the guide arm pivotally attached to the hand rail pivot point and a second end of the guide arm pivotally attached to a mounting post. Optionally the hand rail has a dog-leg portion extending between the first end of the hand rail and the hand rail pivot point. 10 Optionally, the movement of the access device between the access and storage positions causes the pivotal movement of the first end of the guide arm, and the first end and second end of the hand rail about the hand rail pivot point, such that when the access device is in the access position the hand rail is aligned between the most upward step and the most downward step, and when the access device is in the storage position the hand rail 15 extends above the elevated surface. Optionally, the first end of the guide arm is relatively lower than the second end of the guide arm while the access device is in the access position, and the first end of the guide arm is relatively higher than the second end of the guide arm while the access device is in the storage position. 20 Optionally, the access device is angled between 45 degrees and 80 degrees relative to a substantially horizontal substrate surface. Optionally, the access device is angled at approximately 65 degrees relative to a substantially horizontal substrate surface. In a second broad form, the present invention provides an articulated ladder 25 including at least one rung that includes a pair of side rails that fold in a concertinaed manner, such that the ladder is moveable between an access position and a storage position.
WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -5 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention should become apparent from the following description, which is given by the way of example only, of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment 5 thereof, described in connection with the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an access device in the access position. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of access device of Fig 1 moving between the access position and the storage position. 10 Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the access device of Fig 1 in the storage position. Fig. 4(a) is a front view of the access device of Fig 1 illustrating a force being applied to move the access device between the access position and stored position. Fig. 4(b) is a front view of the access device of Fig. 1 illustrating an alternate force being applied to move the access device between the access position and stored position. 15 Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an example of an articulated ladder in the access position. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the articulated ladder of Fig 1 moving between the access position and storage position. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the articulated ladder of Fig 1 in the storage position. 20 Fig. 8(a) is a front view of the articulated ladder of Fig 1 illustrating a force being applied to move the articulated ladder between the access position and stored position. Fig. 8(b) is a front view of the articulated ladder of Fig.1 illustrating an alternate force being applied to move the articulated ladder between the access position and stored position.
WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -6 Fig. 9(a) is a back view of an example of an access device in the access position. Fig. 9(b) is a back view of the access device of Fig 9(a) in the storage position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 5 The following examples provide a more detailed discussion of various embodiments of the present invention. The examples are intended to be merely illustrative and not limiting to the scope of the present invention. For the purpose of example only, the description of access device and articulated ladder uses orientations relative to a substantially horizontal surface, referred to as a 10 substrate surface. However, it would be appreciated that the access device and articulated ladder can be used in other orientations that are not depicted in the figures, and as such, features of the device are oriented at different positions relative to the substantially horizontal surface. As shown in Fig. 1, the access device 100 includes at least one step 101 including a 15 first rung 106 and a second rung 107, an elevated surface 102, at least one pair of pivotal fingers 103 forming a side rail 105, at least one pair of positional fingers 115, 116, one or more handrails 118 pivotally attached to one or more guide arms 119, and an actuator 117 for moving the access device 100 between an access position 104 and storage position 300. The elevated surface 102 can also be a landing for supporting a person such as a fixed or 20 rigid structure of a cabin of an industrial machine or vehicle 130. The most upward step 101 of the access device 100 is preferably attached to the landing or elevated surface 102. As shown in Fig 1, 2, and 3, the access device 100 moves between an access position 104 and a storage position 300. The storage position 300 includes at least one step 101 retained in a position proximal to the elevated surface 102. The access position 104 25 includes at least one step 101 disposed substantially downward from the elevated surface 102.
WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -7 Such an access device also can be attached to a vehicle so as to extend in an upwards manner, moving between a lower storage position 300 and an elevated access position 104, thereby providing access from a level positioned above the substrate surface. It is also noted that a number of intermediate positions 200 exist between the 5 extremities of the access position 104 and the storage position 300, and that any of these positions that exist between these two positions can be selected in order to provide access between an elevated surface 102 and substrate surface 1000. The access device 100 includes at least one step 101, where in the storage position 300, each step 101 is retained in a proximal position to the elevated surface 102. If a 10 plurality of steps 101 are included, then each step 101 is retained in a proximal position to upwardly adjacent steps 101. In the access position 104, each step 101 is disposed substantially downward from either an upward step 101 or the elevated surface 102 using a pair of side rails 105. The side rails 105 fold in concertinaed manner such that the steps 101 are expanded or compressed and the device can move between the access position 104 15 and the storage position 300. Each step 101 includes a first rung 106 and a second rung 107, wherein the first rung 106 is upwardly positioned relative to the second rung 107. Where a plurality of steps 101 are included by the access device 100, the first rung 106 of a step 101 may be the same surface which is shared by an upwardly adjacent step 101, such that the first rung 106 of a 20 first step 101a is the second rung 107 of the upwardly adjacent step 101b. It is also possible that the first rung 106 of a step 101 is the same surface as the landing or elevated surface 102. The access device 100 may include one or more handrails 118 that are attached to one or more guide arms 119. The handrail 118 includes a first end 120 that is pivotally 25 attached to the second rung 117 of the most downward step 101, and a second end 121 of the handrail 118 which is preferably curved to allow a safe grip by a user. The guide arm 119 is used to effect the cooperative movement of the handrail 118 as the access device 100 moves between the access position 104 and storage position 300. A first end 122 of the guide arm 119 is pivotally attached to a handrail pivot point 123 that is located between the WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -8 first 120 end and second end 121 of the handrail 118. A second end 124 of the guide arm 119 is pivotally attached to a mounting post, cabin wall, or any substantially vertical surface (not shown). Each side rail 105 includes at least two pivotal fingers 103 that are pivotally 5 interconnected to each other to move in a concertinaed manner. The distal end of the first pivotal finger 111 is pivotally attached to a step 101, and the distal end of second pivotal finger 112 is pivotally attached to the elevated surface 102 or upwardly adjacent step 101. It is noted that more than two fingers 103 can be included by each side rails 105 allowing the side rails 105 to fold in a concertinaed manner. 10 Each step 101 includes the ability to move between a compressed position 301, such that the second rung 107 is retained proximal to the first rung 106, and an expanded position 108, such that the second rung 107 is disposed substantially downward from the first rung 106. When each step 101 is in an expanded position 108 the access device 100 is in the access position 104. Similarly, when the step 101 is in the compressed position 301 15 the access device 100 is in the storage position 300. Each step 101 includes a pair of positional fingers 115, 116 that control the movement between the expanded position 108 and compressed position 301. Each pair of positional fingers 115, 116 are pivotally attached to each other at a pivot point 114 to move in a concertinaed manner. The distal end of a first positional finger 115 is rigidly fixed to a 20 downwardly adjacent step 101 or pivotally attached to the second rung 107 of the next respective step. The distal end of the second positional finger 116 is pivotally attached to the elevated surface 102 or rigidly fixed to the upwardly adjacent step 101. Each positional finger 115, 116 and pivotal finger 103 includes a plurality of interlocking teeth 201, wherein a hole 202 is positioned in each tooth 201 such that each 25 hole 202 aligned with adjacent holes in adjacent teeth, such that when the interlocking teeth are combined, a pin 203 is threaded through the holes 202 pivotally interconnecting the positional fingers 115, 116 or pivotal fingers 103. The movement of a pair of positional fingers 115, causes the step to move between the compressed position 301 and expanded positions 108, and additionally results in the WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -9 movement of the access device 100 between the access position 104 and storage position 300. The movement between positions of a step 101 results in simultaneous movement of adjacent steps 101. A force can be applied to the pivot point 114 of the positional fingers 115, 116 such 5 that movement between the compressed position 301 and expanded position 108 of the step 101 occurs. The force can be applied toward the centre of the step 101 as shown in Fig. 4(a), which results in the positional fingers 115, 116 pivoting about the respective pivot point 114, such that the positional fingers 115, 116 are moving in a closing manner similar to that of a closing hinge, and subsequently compressing the step 101. Additionally 10 a force can be applied in the opposite direction (away from the centre of the step 101) resulting in the positional fingers 115, 116 pivoting about the pivot point 114, such that the positional fingers 115, 116 move in an opening manner similar to that of an opening hinge, and resulting in the expansion of the step 101. An alternative to this movement of the pair of positional fingers is shown in Fig. 15 4(b), wherein an alternative configuration of the side rails 105 and positional fingers 115, 116 can result in the opposite effect of the positional movement. A force is applied to the pivot point 114 of the positional fingers 115, 116 which is directed away from the centre of the step 101, which causes the positional fingers to pivot about the pivot point 114, such that the positional fingers 115, 116 move in a closing manner similar to that an closing 20 hinge, subsequently compressing the step 101. Similarly, a force can be applied toward the centre of the step 101, pivoting the positional fingers 115, 116 about the pivot point 114, such that the positional fingers move in an opening manner similar to that of an opening hinge, subsequently compressing the step 101. An actuator 117, such as an electric screw actuator, air cylinder, or hydraulic 25 cylinder can provide the force that is applied to the pivot point 114 of the positional fingers 115, 116. The actuator 117 can be a mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or electric device that furnishes the power to change and/or maintain the position of one or more elements, such as the positional fingers 115, 116. The actuator 117 transversely extends between a pair of positional fingers 115, 116 that are included by a step 101. When the actuator 117 30 extends, a force is applied to the attached positional fingers 115, 116, and such expands or WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -10 compresses the step 101. Similarly, when the actuator 117 contracts, a force is applied to the positional fingers 115, 116 in an opposite direction , performing the movement to the alternate position. The alternate configuration of the positional fingers 115, 116 and side rails 105 as 5 shown in Fig. 4(b) can include the actuator 117 used in the previous configuration, such that the movement of the step 101 between the compressed position 301 and expanded position 108 is reversed. Another alternate configuration of the actuator is shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b). In Figure 9(a), the access device is in the access position and in Figure 9(b) the access device 10 is in the stored position. As can be seen, the actuator is coupled to a pair of arms 900 that are coupled to the side rails 104. When the actuator 117 is actuated, the arms 900 apply a force to the side rails 104 causing the interconnected fingers to pivot and move in a concertinaed manner, such that the access device moves to the stored position as shown in Figure 9(b). 15 The movement of the access device 100 between the access position 104 and storage position 300 results in the pivotal movement of the first end 122 of the guide arm 119, and first end 120 and second end 121 of the handrail 118 about the handrail pivot point 123, such that when the access device 100 is in the access position 104, the handrail 118 is aligned between the most upward step 101 and the most downward step 101. When 20 the access device 100 is in the storage position 300, the handrail 123 extends above the upward step 101, and subsequently the elevated surface 102. While the access device 100 is in the access position 104, the first end 122 of the guide arm 119 is positioned relatively lower than the second end 124 of the guide arm 119. When the access device 100 is in the storage position 300, the first end 122 of the guide 25 arm 119 is positioned relatively higher than the second end 124 of the guide arm. It can be seen that the access device 100 in the access position 104 is angled between 45 degrees and 80 degrees, and most preferably about 65 degrees, relative to a substantially horizontal substrate surface 1000. When the access device 100 is in the stored position 300, the at least one step 101 is retained close to the elevated surface 102.
WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -- 11 It will be appreciated that the access device does not necessarily need to include one or more handrails 188 or guide rails 119. This is shown in Figure 5 which illustrates an articulated ladder 500 that includes at least one step 501, and at least one pair of pivotal fingers 503, wherein the articulated ladder 500 provides access between a substrate surface 5 and the elevated surface. The articulated ladder 500 includes at least one step 501. Each step 501 includes a first rung 506 and a second rung 507, wherein the first rung 506 is upwardly positioned relative to the second rung 507. Where a plurality of steps 501 are included by the articulated ladder 500, the first rung 506 of a step 501 may be the same surface which is 10 shared by an upwardly adjacent step 501, such that the first rung 506 of the relative step 501 is the second rung 507 of the upwardly adjacent step 501. Similarly, the second rung 507 of a step 501 may be the same surface that is shared by a downwardly adjacent step 501, such that the second rung 507 of the relative step 501 is the first rung 506 of the downwardly adjacent step 501. 15 As shown in Fig 5, 6, and 7, the articulated ladder 500 moves between an access position 504 and a storage position 700. The storage position 700 includes at least one step 501 retained in a position proximal to any downwardly adjacent step 501. The access position 504 includes at least one step 101 disposed substantially upward from any downwardly adjacent steps 501. 20 Such an articulated ladder can be operated such that the most upward step 501 is positioned at the elevated surface, and such when the device is expanded, the steps dispose in a downward manner, and when the device is moved into the storage position, the steps retain in an upward manner. It is also noted that a number of intermediate positions 600 exist between the 25 extremities of the access position 504 and the storage position 700, and that any of these positions that exist between these two positions can be selected in order to provide access between an elevated surface and a substrate surface. The articulated ladder 500 can be moved between an access position 504 and a storage position 700, wherein when the articulated ladder 500 is in either position the WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -12 ladder is portable. This provides numerous advantages over other access devices and ladders that are fixed to provide access to a specific elevated position. A portion of the device may be leaned against a substantially vertical surface. While the articulated ladder is in the storage position 700, each step 501 is retained 5 in a proximal position to the most downward adjacent step. In the access position 504, each step 501 is disposed substantially upward from either a downward step 501 or the substrate surface using a pair of side rails 505. The side rails 505 fold in concertinaed manner such that the steps 501 expand or compress so that the device can move between the access position 504 and storage position 700. 10 Each side rail includes at least two pivotal fingers 503 that are pivotally attached to each other to move in a concertinaed manner. The distal end of the first pivotal finger 511 is pivotally attached to the second rung of the respective step 501, and the distal end of second pivotal finger 512 is pivotally attached to first rung of the respective step 501. It is noted that more than two pivotal fingers 503 can be included by each side rail 505, 15 allowing the side rails 505 to fold in a concertinaed manner. Each step 501 includes the ability to move between a compressed position 701, such that the first rung 507 is retained proximal to the second rung 506, and an expanded position 508, such that the first rung 507 is disposed substantially upward from the second rung 506. When each step 501 is in an expanded position 508 the articulated ladder 500 is 20 in the access position 504. Similarly, when each step 501 is in the compressed position 701, the articulated ladder 500 is in the storage position 700. Each step includes a pair of positional fingers 515, 516 that control the movement between the expanded position 508 and compressed position 701. Each pair of positional fingers 515, 516 are pivotally attached to each other at a pivot point 514 to move in a 25 concertinaed manner. The distal end of a first positional finger 515 is rigidly fixed to a downwardly adjacent step 501 or pivotally attached to the second rung 507 of the next respective step. The distal end of the second positional finger 516 is pivotally attached to the first rung 506 of the most upward step 501, or rigidly fixed to the upwardly adjacent step 501.
WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 - 13 Each pair of positional fingers 515, 516 and pivotal fingers includes a plurality of interlocking teeth 601, wherein a hole 602 is positioned in each tooth 601 such that each hole 602 is aligned with adjacent holes in adjacent teeth, such that when the interlocking teeth are combined, a pin 603 is threaded through the holes 602 pivotally interconnecting 5 the positional fingers 515, 516 or pivotal fingers. The movement of a pair of positional fingers 515, 516 results in the step moving between the compressed position 701 and expanded position 508, and additionally results in the movement of the articulated ladder 500 between the access position 504 and storage position 700. The movement between the compressed position 701 and the expanded 10 position 508 of a step 501 results in simultaneous movement of any adjacent steps 501. As shown in Fig. 8(a), a force can be applied to the pivot point 514 of the pair of positional fingers such that movement between the compressed position 701 and expanded position 504 of the step occurs. The force can be directed toward the centre of the step 501, which results in the positional fingers 515, 516 pivoting about the respective pivot point 15 514, such that the positional fingers 515, 516 move in a closing manner similar to that of a closing hinge, and subsequently compress the step 501. Additionally a force can be applied in the opposite direction, away from the centre of the step 501 resulting in the positional fingers 515, 516 pivoting about the pivot point 514, such that the positional fingers 515, 516 move in an opening manner similar to that of an opening hinge, and subsequently 20 expand the step 501. An alternative to this movement of the positional fingers 515, 516 is shown in Fig. 8(b), wherein an alternative configuration of the side rails 505 and positional fingers 515, 516 can result in the opposite effect of the positional movement. A force is applied to the pivot point 514 of the positional fingers 515, 516 which is directed away from the centre of 25 the step 501, which causes the positional fingers 515, 516 to pivot about the pivot point 514, such that the positional fingers 515, 516 move in a closing manner similar to that a closing hinge, subsequently compressing the step 501. Similarly, a force can be toward the centre of the step 501, pivoting the positional fingers 515, 516 about the pivot point 514, such that the positional fingers move in an opening manner similar to that of an opening 30 hinge, subsequently expanding the step 501.
WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -14 An actuator 517, such as an electric screw actuator, air cylinder, or hydraulic cylinder can perform the force that is applied to the pivot point 514 of the positional fingers 515, 516. The actuator 517 can be a mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or electric device that furnishes the power to change and/or maintain the position of one or more 5 elements, such as the positional fingers 515, 516. The actuator 517 transversely extends between a pair of positional fingers 515, 516 that are included by a step 501. When the actuator 517 extends, a force is applied to the attached positional fingers 515, 516, and such expands or compresses the step 501. Similarly, when the actuator 517 contracts, a force is applied to the positional fingers 515, 516 in an opposite direction to that described 10 before, performing the movement to the alternate position. Optionally, the articulated ladder may include an actuator 517 coupled to a pair of arms 900 as shown in Figure 9(a) and 9(b), wherein the pair of arms are coupled to the side rails, such that on actuation of the actuator 517, a force is applied to the side rails 505 thus moving the articulated ladder between the access position and the stored position. 15 In an alternate configuration, the positional fingers 515, 516 and side rails 505 as shown in Fig. 8, can be included with the actuator 517, such that the movement of the step 501 between the compressed position 701 and expanded position 508 is reversed. It is optional that the second rung 507 of the most downward step 501 includes a non-slip material, such as rubber feet 520. Therefore when the articulated ladder 500 takes 20 some weight from a user when the device is operated at an angle relative to a substrate surface, the base of the device can not slip. In another optional form, the articulated ladder 500 can be in the V-shaped structure including two legs, such that the device does not need a substantially vertical surface to lean against. The articulated ladder 500 can include a plurality of actuators 517 25 to operate each leg of the V-shaped structure, however it is preferable that a single actuator 517 is included that controls the access and storage position of both legs. Although the present invention has been described in terms of the presently preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be interpreted as limiting. Various alterations and modifications will no doubt become apparent to those WO 2005/103433 PCT/AU2005/000558 -15 skilled in the art after having read the above disclosure. All such alterations and modifications should be considered within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly herein before described.