Patent ID: 6347686
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: B60R,E04F,E06C

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 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.