Retractable stairway assembly for a vehicle

US6264222A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Freightliner LLC · US

Inventors

• David Johnston · Chelmsford, US
• Michael K. Smith · Beaverton, US
• Nasser Zamani · Lake Oswego, US
• William G. Massey, III · Portland, US
• Luis A. Novoa · Portland, US
• Michael von Mayenburg · Lake Oswego, US
• Charles H. Blakewood, Jr. · Vancouver, US
• Paul M. Menig · Tigard, US
• Paul J. Delurey · Beaverton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 25, 1999
• Grant date: Jul 24, 2001
• Expiry date: Feb 25, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R3/02
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A stairway assembly is pivoted between deployed and stowed positions. The stairway in one form includes a sliding support from which the stairway is suspended at a location spaced from a stairway pivot. A link, which may be adjustable in length, couples the coupler to the stairway. A snubber is provided to limit vibration of the stairway when stowed. An actuator, which may comprise an electric motor, is positioned above and overlies a portion of a platform of the stairway. Extension and retraction of the actuator pivots the stairway between stowed and deployed positions.