Patent · US Expired

Retractable aircraft step

US4440364A · kind A · utility

88Cited by
10References
18Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 8, 1981
Grant dateApr 3, 1984
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 8, 2001

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64C1/24
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A retractable aircraft step module comprises a streamlined fairing having a recess for receiving a retractable step member which is connected to the fairing by spaced apart pivot links which together with the step member and the body member form a four bar linkage. The linkage includes a deflectable pivot connection between one of the links and the step member which provides a biasing force to maintain the step member in the retracted position. The deflectable pivot connection is provided by a pivot beam mounted on the step member and including a counterdeflection adjustment for preselecting the maximum biasing force. The step member and the fairing are adapted to mount on the exterior of an aircraft fuselage and are preferably constructed of reinforced plastic.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.