Patent ID: 6131225
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: B61B

Abstract:
A docking assembly for a platform of a passenger shuttle system, the passenger shuttle system including a shuttle having an end wall, the docking assembly including a movable plate disposed on the platform, the movable plate including a tread surface for passengers transferring between the shuttle and the platform, the plate being supported by a bearing for movement relative to the platform and having a resting position in which it extends outward from the platform, the plate including a contact surface that engages the end wall upon sufficient motion of the shuttle, and wherein the engagement with the end wall positions the plate such that it extends from the platform to the shuttle, further including a guard rail disposed on the platform in a pivoting relationship, the guard rail extending outward from the platform such that it blocks excessive lateral motion of the passengers transferring between the shuttle and the platform, and wherein the guard rail is connected by a linkage means to the plate such that upon sufficient motion of the plate away from its resting position the guard rail pivots away from the shuttle.