Patent ID: 8646400
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
1. Movable platform assembly, comprising a base portion, configured to be fixed to a support structure, at least one pivotable arm hinged at one end with said base portion, about a first hinging axis, and at the other end with a loading platform, about a second hinging axis, said at least one pivotable arm being configured to be rotated by means of actuating means, which are designed to allow said platform to maintain a constant inclination with respect to said base portion during rotation of said at least one pivotable arm, wherein said actuating means comprise a first and a second rotary actuator mounted on said first and second hinging axis, respectively, the first rotary actuator comprising a first part fastened to the base portion and a second part ( wherein said control means comprise a reference inclination sensor fixed to the base portion and configured to provide a reference inclination signal indicating the inclination of the base portion, an alignment inclination sensor fixed to the loading platform and configured to provide an alignment inclination signal indicating the inclination of the platform, and a control unit programmed to compare with each other the values of the reference inclination signal and the alignment inclination signal and perform rotation of said first and second rotary actuators depending on said comparison, and wherein said at least one pivotable arm is provided with a plurality of step elements which are mounted along a length of the at least one pivotable arm and are designed to allow easier access for persons to the loading platform; and alignment means which connect the first part of the first rotary actuator to a plurality of transmission members which are respectively fastened to said step elements and are rotatable about axes parallel to the first hinging axis so as to allow said plurality of step elements to maintain in a constant manner substantially the same inclination of said loading platform during rotation of said at least one pivotable arm.