CA2224279C - Access device - Google Patents
Access device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2224279C CA2224279C CA 2224279 CA2224279A CA2224279C CA 2224279 C CA2224279 C CA 2224279C CA 2224279 CA2224279 CA 2224279 CA 2224279 A CA2224279 A CA 2224279A CA 2224279 C CA2224279 C CA 2224279C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- main body
- access
- pivot mounting
- control link
- connecting point
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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- Automatic Disk Changers (AREA)
Abstract
An access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level, the access device including a main body mounted for pivotal movement about a main body pivot mounting between an access position in which it enables access between the upper and lower levels and a stowed position in which a substantial part thereof is disposed above the main body pivot mounting; a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the main body between the operative and stowed positions, the drive mechanism including a drive device and a link mechanism, the link mechanism including control link means mounted for pivotal movement about a control link pivot mounting, the control link being operatively connected to the drive device at a first connecting point, coupling link means operatively connecting the main body to the control link means, the coupling link means being connected to the main body at a second connecting point, the arrangement being such that actuation of the drive means causes the connection between the coupling means and the main body to be displaced upwardly or downwardly to move the main body between the access position and the stowed position.
Description
ACCESS DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates generally to an access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level. More particularly, the invention is concerned with an improved drive mechanism for moving the access device between an operative position and a stowed position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART:
Access devices of the general type to which the present invention relates are known. One such device is described in Australian Patent No. 672706. The device described provides for access between a lower level and an upper level by providing a pair of rigid arms on each side member of the access device, such that, the device is pivotally moveable from a stable lower position to a stable upper position.
It is desirable that, in some circumstances, the drive mechanism be relatively compact and an object of the present invention is to provide an access device which can meet this requirement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level, the access device including a main body mounted for pivotal movement about a main body pivot mounting between an access position in which it enables access between the upper and lower levels and a stowed position in which a substantial part thereof is disposed above the main body pivot mounting; a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the main body between the operative and stowed positions, the drive mechanism including a drive device and a link mechanism, the link mechanism including control link means mounted for pivotal movement about a control link pivot mounting, the control link being operatively connected to the drive device at a first connecting point, coupling link means operatively connecting the main body to the control link means, the coupling link means being connected to the main body at a second connecting point, the arrangement being such that actuation of the drive means causes the connection between the coupling means and the main body to be displaced upwardly or downwardly to move the main body between the access position and the stowed position.
In one preferred form, the arrangement is such that the upwards/downwards displacement of the first connection point being substantially less than the upward/downward displacement of the second connection point during movement between the access and the stowed positions.
In one preferred form, the connection between the control link means and the coupling link means is such to cause the coupling link means to move towards a generally upright orientation when the main body is moved towards the stowed position. Preferably, the first connection point is adapted to swing through a substantially flat arc with respect to the horizontal when moving between the two positions.
In one preferred form, the drive device comprises a linear actuator pivotally mounted to a fixed structure and operatively connected to the control link means at the first connecting point.
In one preferred form, when in the access position, the first connecting point is disposed above the connecting point between the control and coupling links and, when in the stowed position, the first connecting point is disposed below the connecting point.
In one preferred form, the main body includes an elongated member which, in the access position, extends between the upper and lower positions with one end thereof being adjacent or resting on the lower level and the other end being adjacent the upper level and in this position, the main body being inclined with respect to a vertical axis and, in the stowed position, is disposed generally upright above the upper level and preferably vertically above the main body pivot mounting point.
Preferably, the control link pivot mounting and the first and second connecting points are spaced from one another so that a line drawn from the first connecting point to the control link pivot mounting and then from the control link pivot mounting to the second connecting point is generally "V"-shaped.
Preferably, the main body comprises an elongated member, which may be in the form of a ladder, stairs, or a ramp. The main body is preferably pivotally mounted to a structure which, in use, is fixed relative to the main body.
Preferably, the drive member is in the form of a piston/cylinder assembly which is hydraulically and/or pneumatically operated.
The control link means may take any suitable shape. For example, it may comprise a plate, an elongated bar or a "V"-shaped member.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand rail assembly suitable for use with an access device as described above, the hand rail assembly including a frame section operatively connected to the main body by at least one support arm, or each arm being pivotally mounted between the main body and a fixed support so that it can pivot during movement of the main body between the access and stowed positions thereby permitting displacement of the frame section and a guide arm operatively connected between the fixed support and the main body or support arm to regulate the displacement of the main body.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level the access de~~ice including a main body mounted for pivotal movement about a main body fixed pivot mounting between an access position in which it enables access between the upper and lower levels and a stowed position in which a substantial part thereof is disposed above the main body pivot mounting; a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the main body between the operative and stowed positions, the drive mechanism including a drive device and a link mechanism, the drive device comprising a linear actuator which includes a body portion pivotally mounted to a fixed structure and a drive member which can move in the direction of its longitudinal axis in a linear fashion relative to the body portion, the link mechanism including control link means mounted for pivotal movement about a control link fixed pivot mounting, the control link means being operatively connected to the drive member at a first connecting point, the main body fixed pivot mounting and the control link fixed pivot mounting being laterally disposed to the same side by longitudinal axis of the drive member, coupling link means operatively connecting the main body to the control link means, the coupling link means being connected to the main body at a second connecting point, spaced from the main body fixed pivot mounting, the arrangement being such that actuation of the drive member l~ causes linear movement thereof which causes the connection between the coupling means and the main body to be displaced upwardly or downwardly to move the main body between the access position and the stowed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
15 The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will 3a now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of an access device according to one preferred form of the present invention with the ladder in the operative position;
Figure 2 is a similar view to that of Figure 1 with the ladder in the stowed position;
Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation of one form of a drive mechanism for the access device of the invention with the ladder in the operative position;
Figure 4 is a similar view to that of Figure 3 with the ladder in the stowed position;
Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of one form of drive device according to the invention in the operative and stowed positions;
Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation showing one application of the access device according to the invention;
Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of an access device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 9 and 10 are schematic side elevations of the device shown in Figure 8 in the stowed and access positions; and Figure 11 is a similar schematic perspective view of the device shown in Figure 8 in the stowed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
Referring to the drawings, there is shown an access device generally indicated at 10. As shown in Figure 7, the access device 10 can be mounted to a vehicle which, in the particular form shown, comprises an excavating vehicle which includes an upper main body 82 and a lower ground engaging track laying section 84, the upper body 82 being capable of rotation about a generally upright axis relative to the track laying section 84.
With reference particularly to Figures 1 and 2, the access device 10 comprises a main body 12 which, in the form shown, includes a ladder 13 and hand rail 14. In the operative position, as shown in Figure 1, the device provides access between a lower level 50 and an upper level 52. The upper level in the excavator 80 is the upper body 82 thereby enabling the vehicle operator to access the vehicle cabin from the ground.
The ladder 13 is mounted for pivotal movement about pivot mounting 16 between an operative position as shown in Figure 1 in which the ladder 13 is inclined between the lower and upper level 50 and 52 and stowed position, as shown in Figure 2, in which the ladder 13 is disposed in a generally upright position above the upper level 52. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 there is further provided a platform 15 at the upper level 52 having a hand rail 17.
The device further includes a drive mechanism 20 for moving the ladder 13 between the operative and stowed position. The drive mechanism 20 includes a support frame 21 which, in the form of the invention shown in Figure 7, is mounted to the upper body 82 of the vehicle 80. As best seen in Figures 3 and 4, the pivot mounting 16 for the ladder 13 is at one end of the ladder and mounted to the support frame 21.
The drive mechanism 20 includes a drive device 22 which, in the form shown, comprises an hydraulic and/or pneumatic piston/cylinder assembly, one end of which is mounted to the support frame 21. The drive mechanism further includes a link mechanism 24 interconnecting the ladder 13 with the drive device 22.
The link mechanism 24 includes a control link 25 pivotally mounted to the support frame 21 at control link pivot mounting 26. The link mechanism further includes a coupling link 28 having one end operatively connected to the control link 25 at connecting point 29 and the other end operatively connected to a connecting point 30 on the ladder, which is spaced from pivot mounting 16. The drive device 22 is operatively connected to the control link 25 at connecting point 27.
The links forming the link mechanism may take any suitable form. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the control link 25 is in the form of a generally triangular plate. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, the control link 25 is "boomerang"-shaped.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, two link mechanisms are provided, one to each side of the drive device. It will also be noted that, in addition to control link 25, there is an additional link 32 which extends between mounting points 26 and 29. Line 50 shows the position of the ladder in its operative and stowed positions.
As best seen in Figures 3 and 4, when the ladder 13 is in the operative position, the drive device 22 is in a contracted position with the connecting point 27 being above connecting point 29. When the drive device 22 is actuated the piston/cylinder assembly adopts its extended position causing pivotal movement of the control link 25 about pivot mounting 26 thereby causing point 29 to move to a position above point 27. This arrangement provides for substantial movement of link 28 which enables the ladder to move into the stowed position.
This drive mechanism can be disposed within a relatively small space while at the same time causing the ladder to move through a relatively large arc.
Referring to Figures 8 through 11 of the drawings, there is shown an access device generally indicated at 110. The access device 110 comprises a main body 112 which, in the form shown, includes a ladder or stairway 113 having a hand rail assembly 114. The ladder or stairway 113 is mounted for pivotal movement about pivot mounting 116 between an access position as shown in Figures 8, in which the ladder 113 is inclined between lower and upper levels and stowed position as shown in Figure 11, in which the ladder 113 is disposed in a generally upright position above the upper level.
The device further includes a drive mechanism 120 for moving the ladder 113 between the access and stowed positions, the drive mechanism 120 including a support frame 121 which is mounted to or forms part of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 8, the pivot mounting 116 for the ladder 113 is at one end of the ladder and mounted to the support frame 121.
The drive mechanism 120 includes a drive device 122 which, in the form shown, comprises a linear actuator such as an hydraulic and/or pneumatic piston/cylinder assembly, one end of which is pivotally mounted to the support frame 121. The linear actuator is disposed generally horizontally and its vertical displacement is limited during operation thereof. The drive mechanism further includes a link mechanism 124 interconnecting the ladder 113 with the drive device 122. The link mechanism 124 includes a control link 125 pivotally mounted to the support frame 21 at control link pivot mounting 126. the link mechanism further includes a coupling link 128 having one end operatively connected to the control link 125 at connecting point 129 and the other end operatively connected to a connecting point 130 on the ladder which is spaced from pivot mounting 116.
The links 125 and 128 are curved so that they will no interfere with other components during movement thereof. The drive device 122 is operatively connected to the control link 125 at connecting point 127.
The hand rail assembly includes a frame section 118 operatively connected to the ladder or stairway 113 by support arms 115. The arms 115 are pivotally mounted to both the stairway 113 and the frame section 118 so that they can pivot during movement of the stairway 113 between the access and stowed positions, thereby permitting displacement of the frame section 118. To this end, there is provided a guide arm 117 operatively connected between support frame 121 and the frame section or support arms to regulate the displacement of the frame section 118 of the assembly. The displacement of the frame section 118 relative to the stairway 113 is best shown in Figures 9 and 10. In the stowed position, the frame section 118 is displaced upwardly so that it can be accommodated above the frame 121.
Other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates generally to an access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level. More particularly, the invention is concerned with an improved drive mechanism for moving the access device between an operative position and a stowed position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART:
Access devices of the general type to which the present invention relates are known. One such device is described in Australian Patent No. 672706. The device described provides for access between a lower level and an upper level by providing a pair of rigid arms on each side member of the access device, such that, the device is pivotally moveable from a stable lower position to a stable upper position.
It is desirable that, in some circumstances, the drive mechanism be relatively compact and an object of the present invention is to provide an access device which can meet this requirement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level, the access device including a main body mounted for pivotal movement about a main body pivot mounting between an access position in which it enables access between the upper and lower levels and a stowed position in which a substantial part thereof is disposed above the main body pivot mounting; a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the main body between the operative and stowed positions, the drive mechanism including a drive device and a link mechanism, the link mechanism including control link means mounted for pivotal movement about a control link pivot mounting, the control link being operatively connected to the drive device at a first connecting point, coupling link means operatively connecting the main body to the control link means, the coupling link means being connected to the main body at a second connecting point, the arrangement being such that actuation of the drive means causes the connection between the coupling means and the main body to be displaced upwardly or downwardly to move the main body between the access position and the stowed position.
In one preferred form, the arrangement is such that the upwards/downwards displacement of the first connection point being substantially less than the upward/downward displacement of the second connection point during movement between the access and the stowed positions.
In one preferred form, the connection between the control link means and the coupling link means is such to cause the coupling link means to move towards a generally upright orientation when the main body is moved towards the stowed position. Preferably, the first connection point is adapted to swing through a substantially flat arc with respect to the horizontal when moving between the two positions.
In one preferred form, the drive device comprises a linear actuator pivotally mounted to a fixed structure and operatively connected to the control link means at the first connecting point.
In one preferred form, when in the access position, the first connecting point is disposed above the connecting point between the control and coupling links and, when in the stowed position, the first connecting point is disposed below the connecting point.
In one preferred form, the main body includes an elongated member which, in the access position, extends between the upper and lower positions with one end thereof being adjacent or resting on the lower level and the other end being adjacent the upper level and in this position, the main body being inclined with respect to a vertical axis and, in the stowed position, is disposed generally upright above the upper level and preferably vertically above the main body pivot mounting point.
Preferably, the control link pivot mounting and the first and second connecting points are spaced from one another so that a line drawn from the first connecting point to the control link pivot mounting and then from the control link pivot mounting to the second connecting point is generally "V"-shaped.
Preferably, the main body comprises an elongated member, which may be in the form of a ladder, stairs, or a ramp. The main body is preferably pivotally mounted to a structure which, in use, is fixed relative to the main body.
Preferably, the drive member is in the form of a piston/cylinder assembly which is hydraulically and/or pneumatically operated.
The control link means may take any suitable shape. For example, it may comprise a plate, an elongated bar or a "V"-shaped member.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand rail assembly suitable for use with an access device as described above, the hand rail assembly including a frame section operatively connected to the main body by at least one support arm, or each arm being pivotally mounted between the main body and a fixed support so that it can pivot during movement of the main body between the access and stowed positions thereby permitting displacement of the frame section and a guide arm operatively connected between the fixed support and the main body or support arm to regulate the displacement of the main body.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level the access de~~ice including a main body mounted for pivotal movement about a main body fixed pivot mounting between an access position in which it enables access between the upper and lower levels and a stowed position in which a substantial part thereof is disposed above the main body pivot mounting; a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the main body between the operative and stowed positions, the drive mechanism including a drive device and a link mechanism, the drive device comprising a linear actuator which includes a body portion pivotally mounted to a fixed structure and a drive member which can move in the direction of its longitudinal axis in a linear fashion relative to the body portion, the link mechanism including control link means mounted for pivotal movement about a control link fixed pivot mounting, the control link means being operatively connected to the drive member at a first connecting point, the main body fixed pivot mounting and the control link fixed pivot mounting being laterally disposed to the same side by longitudinal axis of the drive member, coupling link means operatively connecting the main body to the control link means, the coupling link means being connected to the main body at a second connecting point, spaced from the main body fixed pivot mounting, the arrangement being such that actuation of the drive member l~ causes linear movement thereof which causes the connection between the coupling means and the main body to be displaced upwardly or downwardly to move the main body between the access position and the stowed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
15 The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will 3a now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of an access device according to one preferred form of the present invention with the ladder in the operative position;
Figure 2 is a similar view to that of Figure 1 with the ladder in the stowed position;
Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation of one form of a drive mechanism for the access device of the invention with the ladder in the operative position;
Figure 4 is a similar view to that of Figure 3 with the ladder in the stowed position;
Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of one form of drive device according to the invention in the operative and stowed positions;
Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation showing one application of the access device according to the invention;
Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of an access device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 9 and 10 are schematic side elevations of the device shown in Figure 8 in the stowed and access positions; and Figure 11 is a similar schematic perspective view of the device shown in Figure 8 in the stowed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
Referring to the drawings, there is shown an access device generally indicated at 10. As shown in Figure 7, the access device 10 can be mounted to a vehicle which, in the particular form shown, comprises an excavating vehicle which includes an upper main body 82 and a lower ground engaging track laying section 84, the upper body 82 being capable of rotation about a generally upright axis relative to the track laying section 84.
With reference particularly to Figures 1 and 2, the access device 10 comprises a main body 12 which, in the form shown, includes a ladder 13 and hand rail 14. In the operative position, as shown in Figure 1, the device provides access between a lower level 50 and an upper level 52. The upper level in the excavator 80 is the upper body 82 thereby enabling the vehicle operator to access the vehicle cabin from the ground.
The ladder 13 is mounted for pivotal movement about pivot mounting 16 between an operative position as shown in Figure 1 in which the ladder 13 is inclined between the lower and upper level 50 and 52 and stowed position, as shown in Figure 2, in which the ladder 13 is disposed in a generally upright position above the upper level 52. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 there is further provided a platform 15 at the upper level 52 having a hand rail 17.
The device further includes a drive mechanism 20 for moving the ladder 13 between the operative and stowed position. The drive mechanism 20 includes a support frame 21 which, in the form of the invention shown in Figure 7, is mounted to the upper body 82 of the vehicle 80. As best seen in Figures 3 and 4, the pivot mounting 16 for the ladder 13 is at one end of the ladder and mounted to the support frame 21.
The drive mechanism 20 includes a drive device 22 which, in the form shown, comprises an hydraulic and/or pneumatic piston/cylinder assembly, one end of which is mounted to the support frame 21. The drive mechanism further includes a link mechanism 24 interconnecting the ladder 13 with the drive device 22.
The link mechanism 24 includes a control link 25 pivotally mounted to the support frame 21 at control link pivot mounting 26. The link mechanism further includes a coupling link 28 having one end operatively connected to the control link 25 at connecting point 29 and the other end operatively connected to a connecting point 30 on the ladder, which is spaced from pivot mounting 16. The drive device 22 is operatively connected to the control link 25 at connecting point 27.
The links forming the link mechanism may take any suitable form. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the control link 25 is in the form of a generally triangular plate. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, the control link 25 is "boomerang"-shaped.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, two link mechanisms are provided, one to each side of the drive device. It will also be noted that, in addition to control link 25, there is an additional link 32 which extends between mounting points 26 and 29. Line 50 shows the position of the ladder in its operative and stowed positions.
As best seen in Figures 3 and 4, when the ladder 13 is in the operative position, the drive device 22 is in a contracted position with the connecting point 27 being above connecting point 29. When the drive device 22 is actuated the piston/cylinder assembly adopts its extended position causing pivotal movement of the control link 25 about pivot mounting 26 thereby causing point 29 to move to a position above point 27. This arrangement provides for substantial movement of link 28 which enables the ladder to move into the stowed position.
This drive mechanism can be disposed within a relatively small space while at the same time causing the ladder to move through a relatively large arc.
Referring to Figures 8 through 11 of the drawings, there is shown an access device generally indicated at 110. The access device 110 comprises a main body 112 which, in the form shown, includes a ladder or stairway 113 having a hand rail assembly 114. The ladder or stairway 113 is mounted for pivotal movement about pivot mounting 116 between an access position as shown in Figures 8, in which the ladder 113 is inclined between lower and upper levels and stowed position as shown in Figure 11, in which the ladder 113 is disposed in a generally upright position above the upper level.
The device further includes a drive mechanism 120 for moving the ladder 113 between the access and stowed positions, the drive mechanism 120 including a support frame 121 which is mounted to or forms part of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 8, the pivot mounting 116 for the ladder 113 is at one end of the ladder and mounted to the support frame 121.
The drive mechanism 120 includes a drive device 122 which, in the form shown, comprises a linear actuator such as an hydraulic and/or pneumatic piston/cylinder assembly, one end of which is pivotally mounted to the support frame 121. The linear actuator is disposed generally horizontally and its vertical displacement is limited during operation thereof. The drive mechanism further includes a link mechanism 124 interconnecting the ladder 113 with the drive device 122. The link mechanism 124 includes a control link 125 pivotally mounted to the support frame 21 at control link pivot mounting 126. the link mechanism further includes a coupling link 128 having one end operatively connected to the control link 125 at connecting point 129 and the other end operatively connected to a connecting point 130 on the ladder which is spaced from pivot mounting 116.
The links 125 and 128 are curved so that they will no interfere with other components during movement thereof. The drive device 122 is operatively connected to the control link 125 at connecting point 127.
The hand rail assembly includes a frame section 118 operatively connected to the ladder or stairway 113 by support arms 115. The arms 115 are pivotally mounted to both the stairway 113 and the frame section 118 so that they can pivot during movement of the stairway 113 between the access and stowed positions, thereby permitting displacement of the frame section 118. To this end, there is provided a guide arm 117 operatively connected between support frame 121 and the frame section or support arms to regulate the displacement of the frame section 118 of the assembly. The displacement of the frame section 118 relative to the stairway 113 is best shown in Figures 9 and 10. In the stowed position, the frame section 118 is displaced upwardly so that it can be accommodated above the frame 121.
Other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.
Claims (11)
1. An access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level the access device including a main body mounted for pivotal movement about a main body fixed pivot mounting between an access position in which it enables access between the upper and lower levels and a stowed position in which a substantial part thereof is disposed above the main body pivot mounting; a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the main body between the operative and stowed positions, the drive mechanism including a drive device and a link mechanism, the drive device comprising a linear actuator which includes a body portion pivotally mounted to a fixed structure and a drive member which can move in the direction of its longitudinal axis in a linear fashion relative to the body portion, the link mechanism including control link means mounted for pivotal movement about a control link fixed pivot mounting, the control link means being operatively connected to the drive member at a first connecting point, the main body fixed pivot mounting and the control link fixed pivot mounting being laterally disposed to the same side by longitudinal axis of the drive member, coupling link means operatively connecting the main body to the control link means, the coupling link means being connected to the main body at a second connecting point, spaced from the main body fixed pivot mounting, the arrangement being such that actuation of the drive member causes linear movement thereof which causes the connection between the coupling means and the main body to be displaced upwardly or downwardly to move the main body between the access position and the stowed position.
2. The access device according to claim 1 wherein the upwards/downwards displacement of the first connection point being substantially less than the upward/downward displacement of the second connection point during movement between the access and the stowed positions.
3. The access device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the connection between the control link means and the coupling link means is such to cause the coupling link means to move towards a generally upright orientation when the main body is moved towards the stowed position.
4. The access device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the first connection point is adapted to swing through a substantially flat arc with respect to the horizontal when moving between the two positions.
5. The access device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the drive device comprises an hydraulic piston/cylinder assembly, the cylinder being pivotally mounted to a fixed structure and the piston being operatively connected to the control link means at the first connecting point.
6. The access device according to claim 5 wherein in the access position the first connecting point is disposed above the connecting point between the control and coupling link means and when in the stowed position the first connecting point is disposed below the connecting point.
7. The access device according to claim 6 wherein the main body includes an elongated member which in the access position extends between the upper and lower positions with one end thereof being adjacent or resting on the lower level and the other end being adjacent the upper level and in this position, the main body being inclined with respect to a vertical axis and in the stowed position is disposed generally upright above the upper level and preferably vertically above the main body pivot mounting point.
8. The access device according to claim 7 wherein the control link pivot mounting and the first and second connecting points are spaced from one another so that a line drawn from the first connecting point to the control link pivot mounting and then from the control link pivot mounting to the second connecting point is generally V-shaped.
9. The device according to claim 6 wherein said linear actuator is generally horizontally disposed.
10. The device according to claim 1 further including a hand rail assembly which includes a frame section operatively connected to the main body by at least one support arm, the or each arm being pivotally mounted between the main body and a fixed support so that it can pivot during movement of the main body between the access and stowed positions thereby permitting displacement of the frame section and a guide arm operatively connected between the fixed support and the main body or support arm to regulate the displacement of the main body.
11
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUP04146/96 | 1996-12-11 | ||
| AUPO4146A AUPO414696A0 (en) | 1996-12-11 | 1996-12-11 | Access device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2224279A1 CA2224279A1 (en) | 1998-06-11 |
| CA2224279C true CA2224279C (en) | 2007-02-27 |
Family
ID=3798454
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224279 Expired - Lifetime CA2224279C (en) | 1996-12-11 | 1997-12-09 | Access device |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AUPO414696A0 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2224279C (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-12-11 AU AUPO4146A patent/AUPO414696A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
1997
- 1997-12-09 CA CA 2224279 patent/CA2224279C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2224279A1 (en) | 1998-06-11 |
| AUPO414696A0 (en) | 1997-01-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20171211 |