Patent ID: 10780831

Abstract:
A catwalk includes a mounting frame or other connection to a side of a vehicle/equipment, a floor, and at least one railing/railing-portion; an actuator system to move the catwalk enclosure between retracted and deployed positions; and a guide arm for guiding/controlling pivoting of the at least one railing/railing-portion relative to the floor. The actuator system and guide arm are preferably substantially or entirely outside of the catwalk walkway space, for easy movement along the walkway, easy access to the walkway at one or both ends, and obstacle/barrier-free passage from one catwalk to another on the same vehicle/equipment. The actuator system prevents the catwalk from collapsing/retracting when a person is on the catwalk, for example, by the lift capacity of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder being controlled/tuned so that the cylinder does not have the capacity/capability to lift and retract the catwalk when the catwalk is occupied.