GB1471256A - Retractable steps for public service vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

1471256 Retractable steps for vehicles BRITISH LEYLAND UK Ltd 8 Jan 1975 [11 Jan 1974] 01414/74 Heading B7B A vehicle is provided with a step member 6 movable between a raised and a lowered position, the latter position being vertically between the former. In one arrangement the step is connected to the vehicle by a parallelogram linkage 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d at each end of the step, the linkages being pivoted to the vehicle by parallel arms 8a, 8b. A driving member 11a is pivoted on the vehicle and is connected to either link 7d or link 7c (Fig. 1, not shown). When in its raised position the step 6 forms a continuation of a fixed step 5, and if member 11a is connected to link 7d, the linkage prevents movement towards the lower position when a weight is placed on the step. The link 7a may be fixed to or formed by an end of the step. In a further arrangement, Fig. 4, the step is supported at each end by parallel members 12a, 12b pivoted to the vehicle and a mounting link 13. The linkages at each end of the stop member are interconnected by a torsion bar 16. A toggle or over centre linkage 14, 15 is provided to hold the step in the raised position. The mechanism for lowering the step may be arranged to be actuated automatically when the vehicle doors 3 open.