Patent ID: 12246678

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures, there are shown several, but not the only, embodiments of a retractable catwalk, such as may be mounted on and used on various vehicles and/or equipment. For example, the catwalk may be mounted on a truck, trailer, utility vehicle and/or a construction vehicle. The preferred embodiments meet OSHA safety requirements while embodying an effective, efficient, and sleek design that provides a walkway with few to no obstacles or trip-hazards when deployed and that retracts to a very compact, vertical profile with a small footprint.

Certain embodiments of the catwalk are adapted for mounting on one or more sides, and/or on any side, of the vehicle/equipment, for example, to the right, left, rear, and/or front side of a vehicle/equipment bed/platform is that is hard or impossible to reach unless the person is elevated above the road/ground. Typically, the catwalk is connected to a structure at or near an outer side of the vehicle/equipment at least several feet above the road/ground, either by connection of a mounting frame of/for the catwalk to the vehicle/equipment, or by direct connection of the catwalk to the vehicle/equipment without the use of a mounting frame. Typically the catwalk is not mounted above and does not extend up above the top extremity horizontal plane of the vehicle/equipment, which is one of several ways that the catwalk is differentiated from railings provided on top of a tanker.

Therefore, the preferred embodiments provide safe access to much or all of the vehicle/equipment from positions at or near the upper and side perimeters of said vehicle/equipment. The preferred embodiments increase the ease and safety of work, monitoring and maintaining of equipment, and movement between areas of the truck/equipment. These benefits are accomplished without affecting, or, at most only very minimally affecting, the outside dimensions of the vehicle/equipment on which the catwalk is installed.

Catwalk Embodiments of FIGS.1-18

A catwalk10according to certain embodiments of the technology is shown inFIG.1. The catwalk10may be described as comprising, or being connected to, a mounting frame11for connection to the vehicle/equipment (hereafter “vehicle”) and preferably for providing a hand-hold and/or barrier to prevent the user from falling off the catwalk toward/onto equipment in/on the vehicle, that is, in a direction opposite the catwalk outer railing. Further, the catwalk10comprises a floor12and at least one railing14that, together with the mounting frame11, form/define the walkway of the catwalk. Further, the catwalk10comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator system (not visible inFIG.1) for moving the catwalk between a retracted configuration and position and a deployed configuration and position. Further, the catwalk10comprises a guide arm system16for guiding/controlling the pivoting of the railing14relative to the floor12, and therefore the pivoting of the railing14relative to the mounting frame11and the vehicle/equipment, during said moving and when the catwalk is in both the retracted and the deployed positions. The catwalk10inFIG.1is about midway between the retracted and deployed positions, so that the floor12(or “main plane of the floor”) is at about 45 degrees from horizontal. When the catwalk is in this midway position, each of the inner portion/end and the outer portion/end of the guide arm16are at obtuse angle(s) to the middle portion/arm of the guide arm16, for example, at about 135 degrees to the middle portion/arm.

FIGS.2-9portray an alternative catwalk20that is longer from front to rear compared to catwalk10ofFIG.1, but otherwise is similar in function and operation compared to catwalk10.FIG.2(with detailFIG.3) andFIG.4illustrate a left-side perspective view and a top view of the deployed catwalk, respectively.FIGS.5-8, which are end views, show to best advantage the pivotal connections between the frame21and the floor22, between the railing14and the floor22, and between the three portions41,42, and43of the guide arm system26. Throughout this document, the term “pivotal connection” is used to denote hinges, pivot/rotation axles, and/or other connecting structure that allows members to pivot or rotate at least to some extent relative to each other. In certain embodiments, pivot pins or axles may extend through holes at one or more locations on two members to allow said relative pivoting. While the term “pivotal connection” may be written in the singular in this document, it will be understood from the drawings that multiple pivotal connections may be provided to accomplish said relative pivoting/rotation, for example, in the case of an elongated catwalk that requires or is best manufactured or operated with multiple pivot connections performing the same function in locations near two ends of the catwalk or otherwise-spaced along the catwalk

FIGS.5-8also show to best advantage the relationships and movement of these structures, as the catwalk20moves from the deployed position (FIG.5) toward (FIGS.6and7) and then into (FIG.8) the retracted position. One may see that the piston rod35of the cylinder is fully-retracted/shortened inFIG.5, partially-extended in a “half-stroke” position inFIGS.6and7, and then fully-extended in a “full-stroke” position inFIG.8. Thus, as discussed above in the Summary, supply of pressure to the cylinder, and consequent extension of the piston rod, is required to retract the catwalk20. In the deployed position ofFIG.5, the floor22is horizontal or generally horizontal, and the railing24is vertical or generally vertical. In the “half stroke” position ofFIGS.6and7, the floor22is about 45 degrees from horizontal and the railing24is still vertical or generally vertical. In the “full-stroke” position ofFIG.8, the floor22and the railing24both are vertical or generally vertical, and are preferably parallel to each other and co-planar. The end view ofFIG.8, the side perspective view ofFIG.9, and the top view ofFIG.10illustrate the compact, vertical configuration and the thin/small footprint of the retracted catwalk20. “Generally vertical” and “generally horizontal” mean within 10 degrees of vertical and horizontal, respectively.

The mounting frame21of catwalk20preferably extends along most of the length of the catwalk, for example, along 70-100 percent of the length of the catwalk. This way, the frame21may provide an inner hand-railing along most of the catwalk, and/or may provide multiple, longitudinally-spaced pivotal mounting points for the floor22and longitudinally-spaced mounting points for multiple guide arm systems26. The mounting frame21is preferably elongated and rectangular or generally rectangular, to provide said inner hand-rail and to provide said longitudinally-spaced mounting points, but it may be shaped otherwise in certain embodiments. The floor22, is pivotally connected to the mounting frame21at hinge(s)23. The railing24is pivotally connected to the floor22at hinge(s)25.FIGS.5and7illustrate to best advantage end views of one hinge23and one hinge25.

The actuator system30comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder32having a cylinder housing pivotally mounted at a first end connection33to a rigid, fixed bar/bracket member34that is fixed to, and does not pivot or move relative to, the mounting frame21. The piston rod35of the cylinder32is pivotally connected at second end connection36to the inner edge37of the floor22. Therefore, extension of the piston rod35from the cylinder will force the floor22to pivot (at23) clockwise inFIGS.5-7, moving the inner edge37of the floor downward and the outer edge38of the floor upward. Certain embodiments of the actuator system30may be described as comprising actuator control(s) C1, for example an operator/user's switch/lever/button in the cab of a truck/vehicle controlling hydraulic or pneumatic valve(s); hydraulic or pneumatic pump/equipment and/or controllers/electronics, and associated fluid lines, wiring or wireless-equipment C2, wherein C1and C2cooperate/control the catwalk as described herein, for example, upon the operator actuating said switch/lever/button. In some embodiments, actuator system30may further comprise monitors, status-indicators, and/or alarms, which may be a part of control(s) C1for example. Controls, hydraulics or pneumatics, controllers/electronics/programming, wiring/wireless-equipment, monitor(s), status indicator(s) and/or alarms will be understood by those of skill in the art after reading and viewing this document and the drawings. See schematic, exemplary structures C1, C2inFIGS.5,23, and43.

As retraction of the catwalk continues by extension of the piston rod35, the floor22moves toward and into a vertical orientation, and the railing24pivots relative to the floor22also toward and into a vertical orientation. By the time of full retraction (full piston rod extension), the floor22and railing24are generally or entirely coplanar with each other and parallel to the vertical mounting frame21, with the railing24substantially or entirely above the floor22, as shown to best advantage inFIG.8. “Generally coplanar” means within 10 degrees of being coplanar.

The frame21is rigid and is typically installed and secured to beam(s), brace(s), chassis component(s), or other rigid and strong member(s) on the vehicle/equipment that are not part of the moving equipment of, or on, the vehicle/equipment. Said installation and securement may be done by bolts, welding, or other fastenings means, in order to place the frame21in a vertical or generally vertical orientation on the side of the vehicle or equipment, for example, with the catwalk floor, railing, and actuator already fixed to the frame21. This way, the frame21and the other catwalk components may be installed as a single unit by “hanging” the frame21on the vehicle/equipment. This way, in the retracted position, both the catwalk floor and railing are compactly placed against the side of the frame21, which is itself compact and narrow-in-width. Thus, the frame and the catwalk fill minimum horizontal space, when installed and collapsed against the side of the vehicle, for travel on public roads and for compact storage of the vehicle when not in use. SeeFIGS.8-10. For example, certain embodiments of the catwalk, when installed and collapsed against the right or left side of the vehicle in the retracted configuration/position, may add 0-12 inches, 0-9 inches, or 0-3 inches to the total width of the vehicle/equipment. For example, certain embodiments of two catwalks, when installed and collapsed against the right and left side of the vehicle in the retracted configuration/position, may add 0-24 inches, 0-18 inches, or 0-6 inches to the total width of the vehicle/equipment. For example, certain embodiments installed and collapsed against the rear or front side of the vehicle in the retracted configuration/position may add 0-12 inches, 0-9 inches, or 0-3 inches to the total length of the vehicle/equipment, or two catwalks installed and collapsed against the rear and front side of the vehicle in the retracted configuration/position, may add 0-24 inches, 0-18 inches, or 0-6 inches to the total length of the vehicle/equipment.

Referring to the catwalk embodiments10,20ofFIGS.1-10, the guide arm system16,26is used to guide/control movement of the railing14,24relative to the floor12,22and hence relative to the mounting frame11,21and the vehicle/equipment on which the frame21and catwalk10,20are mounted. Referring especially to the catwalk20ofFIGS.2and5-8, guide arm system26comprises multiple portions, that is, a guide arm inner end41, an outer end42, and a middle arm43. Guard arm inner end41is rigid and rigidly-fixed to the mounting frame21so that the inner end41does not pivot or move relative to the frame21. The guide arm outer end42is rigid and its inner surface46is rigidly-fixed to the railing24, at the lower outer surface44of the rigid railing24. This way, the outer end42does not pivot, slide, or otherwise move relative to said lower outer surface44or relative to any portion of the railing24. Between said inner end41and outer end42, the guide arm comprises a rigid middle arm43pivotally connected at pivotal connections48and49, to the inner end41and outer end42, respectively.

The entire guide arm26(41,42,43collectively guide arm/system26) may be described as outside of the walkway W of the catwalk20, because it is located below and/or out from the outer surfaces of the railing24and the floor22, that is, below and/or toward the left on the drawing sheets relative the floor and railing inFIGS.5-8. None of the guide arm system26is fastened directly to or contacting the floor22, and the middle arm43does not fasten directly to, or contact any of, the mounting frame21, floor22, or railing24. The floor22is moveable relative to the guide arm26.

By viewing the transition fromFIG.5, toFIGS.6and7, and finally toFIG.8, it will be understood that the guide arm system26, by means of its structure, placement and geometry, continues to guide/control the railing24relative to the floor22, and therefore relative to the frame21and vehicle/equipment, throughout the retraction process, throughout the deployment process that is the reverse process ofFIGS.5-8, and while the catwalk is stationary in the retracted position and the deployed position. The preferred guide arm system does not power retraction or deployment, but guides/controls the railing24orientation during retraction and deployment that are both powered by the actuator system30. For example, the relative lengths of each of inner end41, outer end42, and middle arm43, and the relative location of the pivot axis (25) of the railing24relative to the floor22, and the pivot axis (49) of the outer end42relative to the middle arm43, the guide arm26, serve to control the movement of the railing24relative to the floor22. To illustrate this, see the catwalk element positions and relationship inFIG.5, as follows. When the cylinder32is fully shortened (piston rod35fully retracted), the floor22will be generally horizontal and will pivot no further than its position inFIG.5. The railing24is generally perpendicular to the floor22, with the floor22and pivot25spaced from the middle arm43and pivot49, respectively. The inner end41and middle arm43are parallel to each other and horizontal. The outer end42is perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the middle arm43. Thus, in the position inFIG.5, given that the floor22is retained in its position by the cylinder piston rod35and that the railing24is fixed to the outer end42, one may see that the railing24cannot continue to pivot in either a counterclockwise or clockwise direction. “Generally horizontal” and “generally perpendicular” mean within 10 degrees of horizontal and perpendicular, respectively.

Further illustrating the preferred structure and function of the guide arm system, it may be noted that, if the outer end42where slidable relative to the outer surface44of the railing (instead of being fixed to the railing), the railing could continue to pivot in either direction (counterclockwise or clockwise) independently of the outer end42. Furthermore, in this scenario, the outer end42could also pivot independently of the railing because the inner surface46of the outer end42and the outer surface44of the railing24could move/slide relative to each other during that continued independent pivoting.

The actuator system is adapted to enhance safety. The hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinder(s) is/are in a retracted condition when the catwalk is deployed. Therefore, the cylinder(s) must extend/lengthen in order to retract the catwalk and the preferred actuator system is designed/tuned to ensure that the catwalk does not retract and trap a user on the catwalk. The lift capacity of the cylinder is controlled/tuned so that the cylinder does not have the capacity/capability to retract the catwalk when occupied. For example, the lift capacity of the hydraulic cylinder is controlled by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid applied to the cylinder. The pressure of the preferred catwalk actuator system is pre-set by tuning the hydraulic valve that supplies the cylinder so that it has enough applied pressure to operate the cylinder and lift the catwalk but not enough to overcome the added weight of a person on the catwalk. Said tuning can be done to account for the minimum expected adult worker's weight, for example, an additional 90 pounds. This safety feature is therefore accomplished automatically after the cylinder has been tuned before or during installation of the catwalk, so that accidental actuation of the cylinder will not cause the catwalk to retract. This safety feature is therefore provided without complex controls, safety switches, or locks that must be remembered and properly operated by personnel. The chance of improper use, damage, or tampering with this safety feature is very small or non-existent.

FIGS.11-18illustrate catwalk embodiments200,300,400according to the invention that are mounted on the right side, left side, and rear side of a cable reel truck100. This way, user(s) may safely work on any or all three catwalks and may walk easily between the catwalks. The catwalks200,300, and/or400ofFIGS.11-18may have many or all of the elements, functions, and benefits described above regarding the embodiments ofFIGS.1-10, even though an alternative means for connecting the catwalks to the vehicle/equipment is used, that is, direct connection to rigid and strong member(s) of the vehicle/equipment. Also, the three catwalks200,300,400may all share similar or the same elements, functions, and benefits, so that certain embodiments may be interchangeably installed on various sides/locations of the vehicle/equipment. The main differences between embodiments200,300,400may be: a) different lengths, for example, left- and right-mounted embodiments being longer than front- or rear-mounted embodiments, and/or b) railings modified in shape, for example, to include an extension such as the generally triangular extension shown to best advantage inFIGS.1,2,9, and18.

Instead of the catwalk comprising a frame that is secured to the vehicle/equipment (“indirect connection” to the vehicle/equipment), the catwalks ofFIGS.11-18are connected directly (or “attached directly”) to beam(s), brace(s), chassis component(s), or other rigid and strong member(s) on the vehicle/equipment (hereafter called “rigid chassis member”) that are not part of the moving equipment of the vehicle or on the bad/platform. This is done by pivotally connecting the portions of the catwalk that are shown and described above as being connected to frame11,21or the fixed bar/bracket member34of the frame, instead, to the rigid chassis member(s). Specifically, the top (housing) end of the actuator cylinder(s), the floor, and the guide arm(s) are each pivotally connected to one or more rigid chassis members, in other words, to portions of the vehicle/equipment frame/chassis instead of to a mounting frame11,21that is added to the vehicle/equipment. One may understand that this direct-connection option may be workable in many embodiments, but that using an intermediate frame11,21with bar/bracket member34may increase the ease and vehicle-to-vehicle consistency of retrofitting an existing vehicle with one or more catwalks.

A catwalk200is mounted on the left side of a cable reel truck100, and is shown in deployed position inFIG.11, partially retracted or “half-stroke” position inFIG.12, and retracted position inFIG.13. The cylinder232is installed on the vehicle100by pivotally connecting the top end of the cylinder housing to a rigid chassis member (not visible inFIGS.11-13), and pivotally connecting the second end of the piston235, via second end connection236, to the inner edge237of the floor222. Inner edge237, visible inFIG.13, is an extension bar/member extending from the main body of the floor222that fits and pivots in between multiple rigid chassis members RM. The main body of the floor222is pivotally connected to rigid chassis members RM at hinges223, as best seen inFIG.11.

As discussed above for catwalks10and20, the railing224pivots relative to the floor222, and is guided/controlled by guide arm system226, which is structured and operates similarly or the same as guide arm system26, as will be understood by one of skill in the art after reading this document and viewing the figures. Similarly as discussed above, the railing224remains perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the floor222in the deployed position (FIG.11), due to the structure, placement, and geometry of the guide arm system226and the fixed connection of its outer end242to the railing224. During retraction, again due to said structure, placement, and geometry, the railing224is then guided/controlled by said guide arm and its outer end242, into the fully retracted position shown inFIG.13, where the railing224is vertical or generally vertical, and parallel or generally parallel to, and preferably co-planar or generally co-planar to, the main plane of the floor222. “Generally perpendicular”, “generally vertical”, “generally parallel” and “generally co-planar” mean within 10 degrees of perpendicular, vertical, parallel, and co-planar, respectively.

A catwalk300is mounted on the rear side of the cable reel truck100, and, like catwalk200, is shown in deployed position inFIG.11, partially retracted or “half-stroke” position inFIG.12, and retracted position inFIG.13. Like catwalk200, catwalk300has a floor pivotally connected to rigid chassis members RM′, and a guide arm system326for guiding and controlling the pivoting and position of the324relative to the floor322. The cylinder, piston, and connections of the actuator system of catwalk300are not visible inFIGS.11-13, but will be understood to preferably be similar or the same as those discussed above.

By viewingFIGS.12,13, and17, it may be seen that catwalk200in the deployed and the retracted positions is entirely above the side beams SB, which are the outermost right and left structures of truck100. Further, in the retracted position, catwalk200does not extend horizontally out past the outer, vertical side surface VB of the side beam SB. Therefore, in such embodiments, the retracted catwalk200does not add any width, or any significant width, to the width of the vehicle100. For example, the retracted catwalk200adds only 0-1 inch of width on each side of the vehicle, so that that the vehicle width is not increased, or increased only a very minimal amount, for travel and storage.

FIGS.14-18show an embodiment wherein three catwalks are provided on the cable reel truck100. In addition to catwalks200and300being installed on the reel truck100, catwalk400is installed on the right side of the reel truck100. Catwalk400may be structured and may function similarly to the other catwalks, and preferably is a mirror image of catwalk200. This way, one or more users can access and work on three sides of the reels or other equipment on the truck100, by walking along each catwalk and stepping from catwalk to catwalk over the relatively small spaces S between the right and left catwalks and the rear catwalk. While the three-catwalk system shown inFIGS.14-18, or a four-catwalk system for all four sides of vehicle/equipment, may be particularly beneficial for excellent access to the vehicle bed and equipment, one may understand that one catwalk, or multiple catwalks on any combination of sides, may significantly improve access and safety. By providing at least one of a left- or right-side catwalk, plus at least one of a rear-side or a front-side catwalk, walkways W are provided for convenient movement along the entire or substantially the entire length and width of the vehicle/equipment.

Therefore, the preferred catwalks and their actuator system and guide arm systems are specially-adapted to provide sleek design and effective operation that can be applied to many different vehicles and pieces of equipment where the user needs to be safely elevated alongside the vehicle/equipment. The hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder(s) and associated connections and apparatus of the actuator system are provided substantially or entirely outside of the walkway space W. Furthermore, the guide arm system is also provided substantially or entirely outside of the walkway. For example, the guide arm system may be provided below the floor and out away from the outer surface of the railing. Thus, preferably no portion of the actuator system or guide arm system protrudes into, or obstructs, the walkway W or the walkway open ends. For example, there are no bars or protrusions that the user must walk over or around when moving from one end of the walkway to another. For example, there are preferably no obstructions or protrusions such as bars, chains, link members or other barriers protruding into or extending across the open ends of the catwalk walkway. Further, the catwalks preferably are arranged and sized so that at least one end of each catwalk is near (for example, within 3 feet or less of) the end of another catwalk, so a user can step just a few feet (the length or less than the length of a typical worker's stride) over the spaces S between the catwalks, and thus walk along multiple or all the catwalks without climbing down from a catwalk to climb up onto another.

Further, these above benefits are accomplished by the preferred catwalk without the retracted catwalk affecting, or, at most only very minimally affecting, the outside dimensions, and hence the normal footprint, of the vehicle/equipment on which the catwalk is installed. Thus, a vehicle built to satisfy size regulations should not be adversely affected by the addition/retrofit of the catwalk(s) onto the vehicle.

One may understand from the drawings and this document that, depending on the length of the catwalk and the location/structure available for attachment of the frame11,21or for the direct attachment to rigid chassis members RM, RM′, multiple actuation systems, cylinders, pivotal hinges/connections, and/or guide arms, spaced along the length of the catwalk, may be used to strengthen, stabilize, and/or effectively operate each catwalk and/or to effectively connect the catwalk to the vehicle/equipment.

Certain embodiments may be described as comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: a catwalk having an inner side for connection to a side of a vehicle/equipment and an outer side facing away from the side of the vehicle/equipment, the catwalk comprising: a floor that is pivotal relative to the vehicle/equipment, a railing that is pivotally connected to the floor, an actuator system that moves the floor and the railing from a deployed position wherein the floor is generally horizontal (0-10 degrees from horizontal, or “within 10 degrees of horizontal”) and the railing is generally vertical (0-10 degrees from vertical or “within 10 degrees of vertical”) to a retracted position wherein both the floor and railing are generally vertical (0-10 degrees from vertical or “within 10 degrees of vertical”) and close to the side of the vehicle/equipment with the railing above the floor, and a guide arm adapted to maintain the railing generally perpendicular (0-10 degrees from perpendicular or “within 10 degrees of perpendicular” or “at 80-100 degrees from each other”) to the floor in the deployed position and generally parallel (0-10 from each other or “within 10 degrees of each other”) to the floor the retracted position. The railing and the floor in the retracted position may be vertical and co-planar. In the deployed position, the floor may have a bottom side and the railing may have an outer side facing away from the vehicle/equipment, and the guide arm extends along said bottom side of the floor and up along said outer side of the railing. The actuator system may comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder that has an upper, inner end near said inner side for pivotal connection to the vehicle/equipment, and a lower, outer end that is pivotally connected to an inner edge of the floor, wherein extension of the cylinder pivots the floor from the deployed position to the retracted position. For safety purposes in certain embodiments, a maximum pressure may be supplied to the cylinder that is sufficient to retract the catwalk only if a person is not on the catwalk. For example, a maximum pressure may be supplied to the cylinder that is sufficient to retract the catwalk plus a weight on the floor of the catwalk of no more than 90 pounds. In certain embodiments, the guide arm has an inner end for connection to the side of the vehicle/equipment, a middle arm, and an outer end fixed and immovable relative to the railing, wherein none of the guide arm is attached to the floor and/or none of the guide arm contacts the floor. Said middle arm may be pivotally connected to the inner end of the guide arm, and the outer end of the guide arm may be pivotally connected to the middle arm.

In certain indirect connection embodiments of the catwalk in the paragraph immediately above, the catwalk further comprises a frame at an inner side of the catwalk for connection to the vehicle/equipment, wherein an inner edge of the floor, an inner end of the guide arm, and a top end of the actuator system, are connected to said frame. In certain of these indirect connection embodiments, the frame, and the floor and the railing in the deployed position, define a walkway above the floor between the frame and the railing, and no portion of the actuator system extends into the walkway, and no portion of the guide arm extends into the walkway. In certain direct connection embodiments of the catwalk that is described in the paragraph immediately above, the catwalk is connected to the side of the vehicle/equipment by direct connection of the floor, guide arm, and actuator system, to rigid chassis members of the vehicle/equipment. In certain direct connection embodiments, the side of the vehicle/equipment, and the floor and the railing in the deployed position, may define a walkway above the floor between the side of the vehicle-equipment and the railing, wherein no portion of the actuator system extends into the walkway, and no portion of the guide arm extends into the walkway. In certain of these direct connection embodiments, the actuator system extends outward only as far as an inner edge of the floor, and no portion of the guide arm extends above the floor.

A catwalk system may comprise a plurality of catwalks to the two paragraphs immediately above. The system may comprise a first catwalk and a second catwalk, wherein the first catwalk is for connection to a right or left side of the vehicle/equipment, the second catwalk is for connection to a rear side or front side of the vehicle/equipment, wherein the floor of the first catwalk has a length and the floor of the second catwalk has a length that is perpendicular to the length of the first catwalk. The first catwalk may have an open end, and the second catwalk may have an open end near the open end of the first catwalk, for access between the first and second catwalks by a user stepping through the opens ends from the first catwalk floor to the second catwalk floor and from the second catwalk floor to the first catwalk floor. The railing and the floor of the first catwalk in the retracted position may be vertical and co-planar. The railing and the floor of the second catwalk in the retracted position may be vertical and co-planar. Preferably, for safety purposes, each of the first and second catwalks is adapted to not retract if a person is on the catwalk. The guide arm of the first catwalk may have an inner end for connection to the right or left side of the vehicle/equipment, a middle arm, and an outer end fixed and immovable relative to the railing of the first catwalk, wherein none of the guide arm of the first catwalk is attached to (and/or none of the guide arm contacts) the floor of the first catwalk. The guide arm of the second catwalk may have an inner end for connection to the rear side or front side of the vehicle/equipment, a middle arm, and an outer end fixed and immovable relative to the railing of the second catwalk, wherein none of the guide arm of the second catwalk is attached to (and/or none of the guide arm contacts) the floor of the second catwalk.

Certain embodiments may be described as a catwalk having an inner side for connection to a side of a vehicle/equipment and an outer side for facing away from the side of the vehicle/equipment, the catwalk comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: a floor that is pivotal relative to the vehicle/equipment; a railing that is pivotally connected to the floor; an actuator system that moves catwalk between a retracted position for storage and travel and a deployed position for use; wherein, in the retracted position, both the floor and railing are close to the side of the vehicle/equipment with the railing above the floor; wherein, in the deployed position, the floor is pivoted down for use as a walkway and the railing upends at or near an outer edge of the floor; and wherein the catwalk further comprises a guide arm that controls pivoting of the railing relative to the floor in, and during movement between, the deployed position and the retracted position. The railing and the floor in the retracted position may be vertical and co-planar. The floor in the deployed position may be pivoted to within 10 degrees of horizontal. The floor in the deployed position has a bottom side and the railing in the deployed position has an outer side facing away from the vehicle/equipment, and the guide arm in deployed positon may extend along said bottom side of the floor and up along said outer side of the railing. The actuator system may comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder that has an upper, inner end near said inner side for pivotal connection to the vehicle/equipment, and a lower, outer end that is pivotally connected to an inner edge of the floor, wherein shortening of the cylinder pivots the floor from the retracted position to the deployed position, and lengthening of the cylinder pivots the floor from the deployed position to the retracted position. In certain embodiments, for safety purposes, a maximum pressure supplied to the cylinder may be only sufficient to retract the catwalk plus a weight on the floor of the catwalk of no more than 90 pounds.

Especially-Preferred Embodiments

Catwalk Embodiment of FIGS.19-36

FIGS.19-36illustrate another catwalk500and methods of using the catwalk500. When installed and used on a truck or utility, construction or industrial vehicle/equipment, such as a reel truck100, catwalk500shares many of the structural and operational features and benefits of previously-discussed embodiments, as will be apparent fromFIGS.19-36and/or the following description. Further, additional or alternative structures and features of catwalk500that are modified/enhanced compared to the previously-discussed catwalks also will be apparent from the drawings and/or the following description.

Catwalk500comprises a floor522and at least one railing524that together form the walkway of the catwalk; an actuator system530for actuating/controlling the catwalk to move between a retracted position/configuration and a deployed position/configuration; and a guide arm system for guiding/controlling the pivoting of the railing relative to the floor, during movement of the catwalk and also when the catwalk is in the deployed and/or retracted positions/configurations. Certain embodiments of the actuator system530may be as described regarding C1and C2, above, with an example schematically portrayed inFIG.23. The catwalk500may comprise a mounting frame, or other means of connection to a vehicle or equipment. Certain embodiments of the catwalk500may be adapted for installation and use in various locations on the vehicle/equipment, for example, to serve as front-mounted, left or right side-mounted, and/or rear mounted catwalks. The railing may be generally rectangular or other shapes, for example, including generally triangular extension(s) or other extension(s) to assist a user with safe movement on the catwalk and/or between catwalks.

The actuator system530and guide arm system526of the catwalk500are specially-adapted to provide a sleek design combined with effective operation. A hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder(s) and actuator linkage(s) are provided substantially or entirely outside of the walkway. Furthermore, the guide arm system is provided substantially or entirely outside of the walkway, for example, substantially or entirely below and/or outside the floor and the railing. Thus, preferably no portion of the actuator system or guide arm system of catwalk500protrudes into or across the walkway or the walkway ends. For example, there are preferably no bars or protrusions that the user must walk over or around when moving from one end of the walkway to another. For example, there are preferably no obstructions or protrusions bars, chains, link members, or other barriers protruding into or extending across the open ends of the catwalk walkway. Therefore, catwalk500may be described as “a supported catwalk” that is supported in both deployed and retracted positions/configurations, and during transition between these positions/configurations, by guide arm and/or actuator systems that are substantially or entirely below and/or outside the walkway of the catwalk.

Catwalk500preferably lacks barriers/obstruction at the ends of the walkway and therefore provides one or more of the benefits described above regarding such barrier-free walkways. Catwalk500preferably hinders or prevents the catwalk from retracting when a person is on the catwalk, as discussed for embodiments above, by means of designing and tuning the actuator system so that it is not capable of retracting the catwalk when a person is on the catwalk.

Catwalk500features an alternative embodiment of the railing524and the guard arm system526for guiding/controlling pivoting of the railing524relative to the floor522. In the deployed position ofFIGS.20-23,30,33, and34, the floor522is horizontal or generally horizontal, and the railing524is vertical or generally vertical. In the “half stroke” position ofFIGS.19,25,31, and35, the floor522has pivoted on pivotal connection523(FIG.20) to be about 40 degrees from horizontal and the railing524is about horizontal. In the “full-stroke” position ofFIGS.27,28,29,32, and36, the floor522and the railing524both are vertical or generally vertical and are preferably parallel to each other and side-by-side rather than co-planar.

The end view ofFIG.27and the top view ofFIG.29illustrate the compact, side-by-side configuration and the thin/small footprint of the retracted catwalk500. In the retracted position, the floor522(both the “main plane” of the floor and the floor walking surface522S) and the railing524(both the “main plane” of the railing and the railing inner surface524S) are typically in the range of 0-10 degrees from each other, and more preferably 3-7 degrees from each other. The retracted guide arm system526is folded/collapsed entirely or substantially between the floor522and the railing524, as shown to best advantage inFIGS.27and36where arms541,542, and543are between the floor522and the railing524and mostly hidden by end members of the floor and railing.

The footprint of the retracted catwalk500is not as thin/small as that of retracted catwalks10,20,200,300, and400in which the retracted railing is vertical and above the floor. Still, for example, the retracted catwalk500footprint may be in a range of about 6-15 inches, or 6-12 inches, or 6-10 inches.FIGS.30,32, and35illustrate that catwalk500may be mounted on the vehicle100so that, in the deployed and the retracted positions, catwalk500is entirely above the side beams SB, which are the outermost right and left structures of truck100. Further, in the retracted position, catwalk500may be seen to extend only 0-2 inches horizontally out past the outer, vertical side surface VB of the side beam SB. Thus, the retracted catwalk500adds only 0-2 inches of width on each side of the vehicle, so that that the vehicle width is not increased, or increased only a minimal amount, for travel and storage. It will be understood from the Figures showing the retracted catwalk500, for exampleFIGS.29,32and35, that the railing524is the outermost extremity of the retracted catwalk.

The retraction of catwalk500may be described as the pivoting of the floor upward to a vertical or generally vertical position and the “folding” of the railing524down to be vertical or generally vertical near/against the bottom side of the floor522, as shown inFIGS.27,32, and36. This side-by-side, parallel or nearly parallel relationship of the floor522and the railing524provides the thin/small footprint, and minimizes the height of the retracted catwalk500to store the floor and the railing lower than the top of the equipment on the truck/vehicle. As evident inFIG.27, the top extremity of retracted catwalk500is the pivotal connection525joining the railing524to the floor522. The bottom extremity of the retracted catwalk500is the retracted railing's handrail527. When certain embodiments of the catwalk500move from the deployed position to the retracted position: A) the floor522pivots from horizontal or generally horizontal, to vertical or generally vertical, or, in other words, pivoting 70 to 110 degrees or more preferably 80-100 degrees, and B) the railing pivots from upending vertically or generally vertically from the floor, to depend from a pivotal connection525at or near the outer edge538of the floor, in other words, pivoting 160-200 degrees, or more preferably 170-190 degrees. Also, by comparingFIG.23(deployed) toFIG.27(retracted) and viewingFIGS.24-26that represent the transition fromFIG.23toFIG.27, it will be understood that the railing524pivots, relative to the floor522that is also pivoting inFIGS.23-27(as opposed to the amount of railing pivot relative to the ground or relative to plumb), greater than 180 degrees, and, in the embodiment ofFIGS.23-27, almost 270 degrees.

The guide arm system526comprises multiple rigid arms. Upon actuation of retraction, the guide arm system526automatically pivots the railing524down to its retracted position. This is accomplished by means of the structure, placement and geometry of the multiple arms, and the pivotal connections of the multiple arms of the guide arm system526to each other and to the floor522and railing524, as will be further described below. The actuation system, and especially said one or more cylinders, accomplish this by powering movement of the floor522, without contacting or directly powering any part of the railing524or the guide arm system526.

Referring specifically to the Figures,FIG.19shows catwalk500in half-stroke position.FIGS.20-23show catwalk500in its deployed position.FIGS.24-26show catwalk500moving toward the fully-retracted position ofFIG.27. One may note in the sequence ofFIGS.23-27that the railing524is a single, rigid railing portion that does not itself bend or fold, but instead pivots, on its pivotal connection525with the floor522, from an upending position standing up from the deployed floor (FIG.23), to a depending position extending down along and below the retracted floor (FIG.27).FIG.27shows how the retracted railing524depends a substantial distance, for example, 1-3 feet, below the floor of the retracted catwalk500. For example, as shown inFIGS.32and36, retracted railing524tends to extend down along the side of the vehicle upon which it is mounted but not along-side the vehicle tires.FIG.29shows a top view of the retracted catwalk500that illustrates that folding the railing to be side-by-side with the floor adds several inches of width compared to catwalks10,20,200,300, and400in which the retracted railing is vertical and above the floor. For example, the railing524folded side-by-side with the floor adds 2-6 inches to the footprint of certain embodiments of the retracted catwalk, but not enough added inches/width to be problematic for travel or parking. Compare catwalk500inFIG.29to catwalk20inFIG.10.

FIGS.30-32are perspective views showing catwalk500installed on an exemplary reel truck100and moving from the deployed position to the retracted position.FIG.33is a perspective view showing two catwalks500installed on the right and left sides of the exemplary reel truck100.FIGS.34-36are rear views of two catwalks500installed on exemplary reel truck100and moving from the deployed positon to the retracted position.

A rigid mounting frame521is an example of various mounting structure/methods that may be used to install the catwalk500to the vehicle such as a reel truck100. Mounting frame521comprises a rigid main member531parallel to the length of the truck100for securement to the truck100, and rigid perpendicular extension members534extending from the main member531toward and through slots in the floor522, to provide pivotal connections (or “hinges”)523for pivotally connecting the floor522to the extension member(s)534extending from the mounting frame521. The mounting frame521further comprises rigid perpendicular extension member539extending toward the vehicle100to provide first end pivotal connection533for the piston rod535of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder532of actuator system530. The opposing end of the cylinder532comprises a housing pivotally connected, at second end connection536, to the inner edge537(or a rigid extension537′ therefrom) of the floor522. Therefore, lengthening of the cylinder, by extension of piston rod535from the housing, will force the floor522to pivot relative to the mounting frame521at pivotal connection523, clockwise inFIGS.23-27. This pivoting of the floor serves to move the inner edge537of the floor downward and the outer edge538of the floor upward, and continues until the floor reaches its fully-retracted position inFIG.27.

During, and as a consequence of, the floor' movement from the deployed to the retracted position, the guide arm system526automatically pivots the railing524from its deployed to its retracted position. The guide arm system526comprises a combination of multiple arms that are pivotally connected to each other and to the floor522and the railing524, that, as a result of the floor pivoting, force the railing to pivot relative to the floor in an opposite direction and a greater amount/degrees than the floor's pivoting.

The guard arm system526comprises three elongated rigid arms, namely inner arm541, outer arm542, and middle arm543, wherein connections of these arms to each other, railing(s), floor, and/or the mounting frame521are labeled with reference numbers inFIGS.19,21,22,24and/or51. The guide arm system526may be described as articulating, in response to the floor pivoting, to push and pull the railing524into its deployed and retracted positions, respectively.

Inner arm541has an inner end pivotally connected to extension member534at pivotal connection545that is spaced from the floor's pivotal connection523(seeFIGS.19and22) to the extension member(s)534. Inner arm541extends generally parallel to but spaced from the floor, to a pivotal connection547that is generally centrally located on middle arm543. An inner end of middle arm543is pivotally connected to the floor522, near the outer edge538of the floor, at pivotal connection548(hidden in space within/under the floor structure inFIGS.19,21,22, and24, but visible inFIG.51) that is between the pivotal connection525of the railing to the floor and the pivotal connection523of the floor522to the extension member(s)534extending from the mounting frame521. The opposing end of middle arm543is pivotally connected at pivotal connection549to a first end of outer arm542. The opposing, second end of outer arm542is pivotally connected to the railing524at a pivotal connection551that is spaced from pivotal connection525connecting the railing to the floor. Therefore, middle and outer arms542and543form a V-shaped portion V1of the guide arm526connected to both the floor and railing on opposite sides of pivotal connection525.

Referring specifically toFIGS.24-26, pivoting of the floor522upward relative to the mounting frame521(arrow1) results in relative movement of the floor and the inner arm541, which may be described as the inner arm541moving longitudinally relative to the floor522(arrow2). This relative longitudinal movement of inner arm541pulls the middle arm543to pivot inward (toward the cylinder, arrow3), which in turn pulls the outer arm542generally in the direction of its longitudinal axis and toward arm543(arrow4), which in turn pivots/swings the railing524counterclockwise inFIGS.24-26(arrow5) until the catwalk500is in the retracted positon ofFIG.27. In other words, because the inner arm541is generally parallel to but spaced from the floor522, pivoting of the floor522changes the position of the inner arm541relative to the floor in a way that applies force to the middle arm543and the entire V-shaped portion V1to pivot the railing from the deployed to the retracted position. Upon actuation of the actuator system530in the opposite direction (shortening of the cylinder rather than extension of the cylinder), these movements occur in in reverse and move the catwalk500components from the retracted position to the deployed position. Therefore, when the floor pivots, the inner arm541pulls during retraction (or pushes during deployment) the V shaped portion of the guide arm526, in turn pulling or pushing the railing so that it pivots relative to the floor. During this process, the V-shaped portion V1moves from its members542and543being at angles to each other of about 30-35 degrees in the deployed position ofFIG.23, to about 65-70 degrees in the half-stroke position ofFIG.25, to about 10-15 degrees in the retracted position ofFIG.27.

It may be noted that the entire guide arm system526(arms541,542,543) may be described as outside of the walkway W of the catwalk500, because it is located below and/or out from the railing524and the floor522, for example, below and/or toward the left on the drawing sheets relative the floor walking surface522S and railing inner surface524S inFIGS.23-26.

It may be seen to best advantage by viewing the positions and actions of the catwalk ofFIGS.23-27, that lengthening of the actuator530retracts/collapses the catwalk500, shortening of the actuator530deploys the catwalk500, and the actuator530remains generally horizontal when in, and during movement between, the retracted/collapsed and deployed positions. Further, the catwalk500features configuration and center of gravity that may be described as assisting in shortening the actuator530and deploying the catwalk500, as further described below.

The catwalk configuration results in the retracted/collapsed floor extending vertically or substantially vertically upward from the pivotal connection/axle of the floor to the vehicle/mounting frame/extensions, placing the outer end/edge of the floor at or near the top end of the retracted catwalk. Thus, the outer end/edge of the in-use floor becomes the top end of the in-storage floor. The retracted/collapsed railing extends down from said top end of the floor and along-side the floor. See especiallyFIG.27.

The weight of the floor and railing of catwalk500, and any person or other weight on the floor, may be described as assisting in shortening (or maintaining the shortened condition) of the actuator and, therefore, as assisting in deployment (or maintaining the deployed condition). InFIG.27, the center of gravity of the retracted/collapsed floor is above the pivotal connection/axle523(also “floor pivotal connection”), and is at, or near preferably in the outward direction, the vertical plane VP through the pivotal connection/axle523. Specifically, center of gravity CG is shown schematically inFIG.27as above the pivot connection/axle523and outward from the vertical plane VP, for example, 0.25-2 inches or 0.5-1 inches, outward from the vertical plane VP. Further, the center of gravity of the combination of the floor and the railing inFIG.27will also be above the pivotal connection/axle523and outward from the vertical plane VP.

Therefore, it will be understood, especially in view of the locations of these centers of gravity, that shortening of the actuator may easily and smoothly start and continue pivoting of the floor from the position inFIG.27to full deployment. Also, it will be understood that that the maximum pressure set for the actuator system, due to the above-discussed safety considerations, will be sufficient, and, in most embodiments, greater than the minimum required to accomplish the deployment. In many embodiments, this contributes to the safety and reliability of the catwalk, because, as described elsewhere in this document, the pressure supplied to the actuator may be set/controlled to be a maximum amount that is only capable of lengthening the cylinder, and thereby only capable of retracting/collapsing the catwalk, if a person is not on the catwalk.

Catwalk Embodiment of FIGS.37-58

An alternative embodiment is portrayed inFIGS.37-58, specifically catwalk600and methods of using the catwalk600. Catwalk600shares many of the structural and operational features and benefits of previously-discussed embodiments, particularly of catwalk500. Alternative/additional structures and features of catwalk600comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, an additional/second railing portion that is pivotally connected to the first railing portion that is pivotally connected to the floor. For example, a railing portion624is pivotally connected to a railing portion524′ that is the same or very similar to railing524of catwalk500, for example, substantially the same as railing524except shorter so that it upends a smaller distance from the floor in the deployed position/configuration. Details of the second railing portion624, its pivotal connection to railing portion524′, and the additional guide arm system portion626for guiding and controlling railing portion624will be apparent from the drawings and/or the following description. Reference numbers inFIGS.37-58point out the main differences between catwalk500and catwalk600, but many of the elements of catwalk600are the same or very similar to those of catwalk500and so are not labeled with reference numbers.

The catwalk600is shown detached from any vehicle/equipment inFIGS.37-51. To illustrate the transition between deployment and retraction, catwalk600is shown in its deployed position/configuration inFIG.43, its retracted position/configuration inFIG.48, and moving between the deployed and retracted positions/configurations inFIGS.44-47. The thin/small footprint of the catwalk600is especially apparent inFIGS.49and50. The guard arm system526,626that operates the railing portions524′,624in an effective and out-of-the-walkway W manner is enlarged inFIG.51. One or more catwalks600are shown installed and operating on an exemplary vehicle, reel truck100, inFIGS.52-58.

Catwalk600may be described as comprising a floor and at least one railing that together form the walkway W of the catwalk, wherein said at least one railing comprises multiple railing portions524′ and624. As in previously-discussed catwalks, catwalk600further comprises an actuator system for moving the catwalk enclosure between a retracted position/configuration and a deployed position/configuration; and a guide arm system for guiding/controlling the pivoting of the railing portions relative to the floor, during movement of the catwalk and when the catwalk is in the deployed and/or retracted positions/configurations. Certain embodiments of the actuator system630may be as described regarding C1and C2, above, with an example schematically portrayed inFIG.43. Catwalk600may comprise a mounting frame, or other means of connection to a vehicle or equipment. Certain embodiments of the catwalk600may be adapted for installation and use in various locations on the vehicle/equipment, for example, to serve as front-mounted, left or right side-mounted, and/or rear mounted catwalks.

The actuator system630may be the same or substantially the same as actuator system530for catwalk500. The guard arm system of catwalk600is modified compared to that in catwalk500to accommodate the two portions524′,624of catwalk600. As in previously-discussed catwalks, the actuator system and guide arm system of catwalk600are specially-adapted to be substantially or entirely outside of the walkway. For example, the actuator system or guide arm system of catwalk600are substantially or entirely below and outside the floor/walking-surface, and the railing, so that there are preferably no obstructions or protrusions bars, chains, link members, or other barriers protruding into or extending across the open ends of the catwalk walkway. Therefore, catwalk600may be described as “a supported catwalk” and includes one or more of the benefits discussed above for previously-discussed catwalks. Also, like previously-discussed catwalks, catwalk600is adapted like to hinder or prevent the catwalk from retracting when a person is on the catwalk.

Catwalk600features an alternative railing system and a guard arm system specifically adapted for guiding/controlling pivoting of the railing system relative to the floor622. The floor622and the actuator system630of catwalk600preferably operate and are oriented the same or similarly as floor522and actuator system530in their deployed and retracted positions, and in-between the deployed and retracted positions, as may be seen in the deployed views ofFIGS.38-43,52,55and58, partially-retracted views ofFIGS.37,44-47,53, and56, and the fully-retracted views ofFIGS.48-50,54, and57. One may see in the deployed views, that railing portion624is vertical or generally vertical and above railing524′, preferably coplanar or coplanar with railing524′.

Due to the thin railing portions, their folding near to each other, and the orientation of railing portion624relative to railing portion524′, catwalk600provides a compact, side-by-side configuration and the thin/small footprint for travel and storage. In the retracted position, the floor622(including the “main plane” of the floor and the walking surface622S of the floor) and the railing portion524′ and the railing inner surface524S′ are typically in the range of 0-10 degrees (or 3-7 degrees) from each other, and railing portion624is typically parallel to railing portion524′ and so the railing portion624′ and the railing inner surface624S are also in the range of 0-10 degrees (or 3-7 degrees) from floor622. Thus, by viewing the end view ofFIG.48, one may see that the footprint of catwalk600is only slightly wider than that of catwalk500, for example adding 3-6 inches at the bottom of the railing assembly, due to the “folding” of railing portion624against railing portion524′ and the resulting slanted orientation of railing portion624.FIG.48also illustrates that guide arm system portion526and the inner arm641of guide arm system portion626are between, and mostly hidden by end members of, floor622and railing portion524′. It will be understood from the Figures showing the retracted catwalk600, for exampleFIGS.48,54and56, that the railing second portion624is the outermost extremity of the retracted catwalk.

By viewingFIGS.52,54,55, and57, it may be seen that catwalk600may be mounted on the vehicle100so that, in the deployed and the retracted positions, catwalk600is entirely above the side beams SB, which are the outermost right and left structures of truck100. Further, in the retracted position, catwalk600extends only 0-3 inches horizontally out past the outer, vertical side surface VB of the side beam SB. For example, the retracted catwalk600adds only 0-3 inches of width on each side of the vehicle. Therefore, while the railing portions524′,624are folded side-by-side with each other, and side-by-side/beside the floor, the catwalk600may be mounted inward relative to the outer perimeter of the vehicle100, so that the retracted catwalk600has little or no effect on the vehicle width during travel and storage.

Referring now toFIGS.43-48, it may be seen that during, and as a consequence of, moving of the floor622from the deployed upward to the vertical or generally vertical retracted position, the guide arm system portion526′ automatically pivots/folds the railing portion524′ down from its deployed to its retracted position, as in catwalk500. Consequently and automatically, guide arm system portion626forces railing portion624to pivot/fold relative to railing portion524′ upward in an opposite direction than the pivoting of railing portion524′ to reach its retracted position. This is accomplished by means of the structure, placement and geometry of multiple rigid elongated arms641,642,643of guard arm system portion626and the pivotal connections of these arms to each other, to railing portion524′, and to at least one of the arms of guide system portion526′, as will be further described below. The actuation system, and especially its one or more cylinders, accomplish this by powering movement of the floor622, which powers movement of guide arm system portion526′, which powers movement of guide system portion626, without contacting or directly powering any part of the railing portion524′ or any part of railing portion624. Therefore, guide arm system portion626may be described as articulating, in response to guide arm system portion526′ pushing and pulling portion626, to move the railing624into its deployed and retracted positions, respectively.

Referring again toFIGS.43-48, each of railing portion524′ and railing portion624is rigid and unbending. Railing portion524′ pivots, on its pivotal connection525with the floor622, as discussed previously for catwalk500, and railing portion624pivots on its pivotal connection625with railing portion524′. Railing portion524′ is shorter than railing524in catwalk500, and railing624is generally of the same dimension from connection625to its handrail627as railing portion524′ is from connection525to connection625. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the combination of railing portion524′ and railing portion624are the same, or about the same, size as railing524, so the two portions524′,624may be described as two rigid halves of a railing that pivots/folds in it middle. This way, the retracted railing (524′,624) depends little or no distance below the floor622of the retracted catwalk600and the cylinder of the actuation system. This limits the distance the retracted railing extends down along the side of the vehicle, for example, to keep the catwalk600in both deployed and retracted position entirely above the beams SB, which may be beneficial for mounting and operation on certain vehicles (seeFIGS.54and57).

Still referring especially toFIGS.43-48, outer arm642and middle arm643form a V-shaped portion V2of guard arm system626, and inner arm641pivotally connects V-shaped portion V2to a middle region of outer arm542that is spaced from the pivotal connection of outer arm542to railing portion524′. The pivotal connections of inner arm641to the V-shaped portion V2and to outer arm542are such that inner arm641is spaced from railing portion524′ all along the length of inner arm641with inner arm641is generally parallel to railing portion524′. Thus, a first end of inner arm641pivotally connects to outer arm542of V1, and the opposing second end of inner arm641connects to ends of both outer arm642and middle arm643at the “point” of V2. Outer arm642and middle arm643of V-shaped portion V2pivotally connect to railing portion624and railing portion524′, respectively. Therefore, similarly to how outer arm542and middle arm543pivotally connect to railing524′ and the floor622on opposite sides of pivotal connection525, outer arm642and middle arm643pivotally connect on opposite sides of pivotal connection625.

Still referring toFIGS.43-48, pivoting of the floor522results in pivoting/movement of guide arm system portion526′ as discussed earlier in this documents, which results in movement of guide arm system portion626to fold-down railing portion624. As railing portion524′ pivots (arrow5), the movement of outer arm542relative to railing portion524′ forces inner arm641(arrow6inFIGS.45-47) generally longitudinally, to push the point of V-shaped portion V2generally away from the floor622(arrow7on outer arm642inFIGS.45-47), which railing portion624to pivot/rotate clockwise (arrow8inFIGS.45-47). During this process, the V-shaped portion V2moves from its members642and643being at angles to each other of about 20-25 degrees in the deployed position ofFIG.43, to about 45-50 degrees in the partially-retracted position ofFIG.45, to about 75-80 degrees in the retracted position ofFIG.48. Upon actuation in the opposite direction, these movements occur in in reverse and move the catwalk600components from the retracted position to the deployed position.

It may be noted that the entire guide arm system including portion526′ and portion626(including arms641,642,643) may be described as outside of the walkway W of the catwalk600, because it is located below and/or out from the railing portions624,524′, for example, below and/or toward the left on the drawing sheets relative the railing inner surface524S′ and railing inner surface624S inFIG.43.

It may be seen to best advantage by viewing the positions and actions of the catwalk ofFIGS.43-48, that lengthening of the actuator retracts/collapses the catwalk, shortening of the actuator deploys the catwalk, and the actuator remains generally horizontal when in, and during movement between, the retracted/collapsed and deployed positions. Further, the catwalk features configuration and center of gravity that may be described as assisting in shortening the actuator and deploying the catwalk, as further described below.

As shown to best advantage inFIG.48, one may see that the description above about the embodiment ofFIGS.23-27regarding configuration and center(s) of gravity also applies substantially or entirely to the embodiment ofFIGS.43-48, as will be understood by comparingFIGS.23-27and43-48. InFIG.48, the center of gravity CG of the floor is shown schematically, relative to the vertical plane VP passing through the floor pivotal connection/axle523. The center of gravity CG of the floor inFIG.48is at, or near and preferably outward from, the vertical plane VP. Compared to the railing ofFIGS.23-27, a second railing portion is added to the first railing portion inFIGS.43-48, as discussed above, and this moves the center of gravity of the combined floor and railing (first and second railing portions) further outward relative to the center of gravity of the combined floor and railing ofFIGS.23-27, while keeping the combined center of gravity still above the floor pivotal connection/axle523, so that shortening of the cylinder and deployment continue to be assisted by this configuration. The weight of the floor and railing of catwalk ofFIGS.43-48, and any person or other weight on the floor, may be described as assisting in shortening (or maintaining the shortened condition) of the actuator and, therefore, as assisting in deployment (or maintaining the deployed condition).

Therefore, especially in view of the locations of these centers of gravity, that shortening of the actuator may easily and smoothly start and continue pivoting of the floor from the position inFIG.48to full deployment. Similarly as discussed for the catwalk ofFIGS.23-27, the maximum pressure set for the actuator system, due to the above-discussed safety considerations, will be sufficient, and, in most embodiments, greater than the minimum required to accomplish the deployment. In many embodiments, this contributes to the safety and reliability of the catwalk, because, as described elsewhere in this document, the pressure supplied to the actuator may be set/controlled to be a maximum amount that is only capable of lengthening the cylinder, and thereby only capable of retracting/collapsing the catwalk, if a person is not on the catwalk.

Certain embodiments may be described as a catwalk having a pivotal floor and a railing that is controlled in position relative to the pivotal floor by a guide arm system, the guide arm system automatically moving and retaining the railing in desired positions in response to pivoting of the floor, for example, moving of the railing into a deployed in-use position when the floor pivots to its in-use position, and moving the railing into a retracted storage position when the floor pivots to its storage position. Certain embodiments may be described as: a catwalk having an inner side for connection to a side of a vehicle/equipment, the catwalk being moveable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, the catwalk comprising: a floor that is generally vertical in the retracted configuration, and that is generally horizontal in the deployed configuration so that the catwalk in the deployed configuration has a walkway above an upper surface of the floor; a railing that is pivotally connected to the floor and that has at least one railing portion; and a guide arm system adapted to pivot the railing from generally vertical and side-by-side with (and/or beside) the floor, to generally vertical and upending from the floor, when the floor pivots between the retracted configuration and the retracted configuration. The guard arm system preferably does not extend into said walkway when the catwalk is in the deployed configuration. The walkway in certain embodiments may be described above the upper surface of the floor and between the railing in the deployed configuration and said inner side of the catwalk. The catwalk may in certain embodiments further comprise an actuator system for pivoting the floor between the retracted and deployed configurations, wherein said actuator system does not move the guide arm system, and wherein the guard arm system has multiple rigid arms pivotally connected together that are forced, by the floor pivoting, to articulate to pivot the railing. The actuator system may comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder that has an upper, inner end near said inner side for pivotal connection to the vehicle/equipment, and a lower, outer end that is pivotally connected to an inner edge of the floor, wherein retraction, and extension, of the cylinder pivots the floor from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration, and from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration, respectively. In certain embodiments, a maximum pressure may be supplied to the cylinder that is sufficient to retract the catwalk only if a person is not on the catwalk, for example, the maximum pressure supplied to the cylinder may be sufficient to retract the catwalk plus a weight on the floor of the catwalk of no more than 90 pounds. In certain embodiments, said at least one railing portion comprises two railing portions that are pivotally connected to each other, that upend generally vertically in the deployed configuration, and that pivot relative to each other so that both railing portions are generally vertical and side-by-side relative to each other and side-by-side-with/beside the floor in the retracted configuration. In certain embodiments, the guide arm system comprises multiple rigid arms pivotally connected together, wherein said multiple rigid arms are forced, by the floor pivoting, to articulate to pivot the two railing portions relative to each other and also relative to the floor.

Certain embodiments may be described as: a catwalk for connection to a side of a vehicle/equipment, the catwalk being moveable between a deployed configuration and a retracted configuration, the catwalk comprising a floor that is generally horizontal in the deployed configuration and that pivots to be generally vertical in the retracted configuration, and a railing first portion that is pivotally connected to the floor at a floor-railing-connection to upend from the floor in the deployed configuration and to be lowered to be generally vertical and beside the floor in the retracted configuration, and the catwalk further comprising a guide arm system that extends from the floor to the railing first portion and comprises a first set of rigid arms that is adapted to articulate, in response to the floor pivoting to the retracted configuration, to lower the railing first portion.

The catwalk may further comprise a railing second portion that is pivotally connected to the railing first portion and that is generally vertical and above the railing first portion in the deployed configuration, and wherein the guide arm system further comprises a second set of rigid arms that is pivotally connected to said first set and that is forced by the articulation of the first set to articulate to pivot the railing second portion relative to the railing first portion to be side-by-side with the railing first portion in the retracted configuration. In certain embodiments, said railing first portion has an outer edge to which the railing second portion is pivotally connected and, in the retracted configuration, the railing second portions extends upward from said outer edge (FIGS.48,54,57). In certain embodiments, the first set of arms comprises two arms pivotally connected to each other to form a first V-shaped arm portion pivotally connecting the floor to the railing first portion. The second set of arms may comprise two arms pivotally connected to each other to form a second V-shaped arm portion pivotally connected the railing first portion to the railing second portion. In certain embodiments, the floor has a walking surface that faces upward in the deployed configuration, and the first set of rigid arms lowers the railing first portion to the retracted configuration, by pivoting the railing first portion in a first rotational direction to move the railing first portion away from the walking surface of the floor, and the second set of rigid arms pivots the railing second portion in a second rotational direction that is opposite said first rotational direction. In the retracted configuration of certain embodiments, said first set of rigid arms is between the floor and the railing first portion, and said second set of rigid arms is between the floor and the railing first portion and extending below bottom edges of the retracted railing first portion and railing second portion. In certain embodiments, the railing first and second portions in the deployed configuration are vertical and co-planar.

Certain embodiments may be described as: a catwalk having an inner side for connection to a vehicle/equipment, the catwalk comprising a floor and a railing, wherein an actuator system pivots the floor from a deployed horizontal position to a vertical retracted position, wherein the floor pivoting forces a guide arm system to articulate to move the railing from a deployed position upending from the floor to a retracted position generally parallel to the retracted floor. In certain embodiments, the railing may comprise multiple railing portions that are pivotal relative to each other, wherein the multiple railing portions all upend from the floor in the deployed position and all fold, in response to the guide arm system articulating, to be vertical, generally parallel, and beside the retracted floor. In certain embodiments, the actuator system comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder that pivots the floor, and wherein the guide arm system is forced to articulate only by the floor pivoting, and the guide arm system is not forced to articulate and not contacted by said at least one cylinder. In other words, the guide arm system articulation may be an automatic response to pivoting of the floor, so that the actuator system forces/controls the floor, and the floor forces/controls the guide arm system, and the guide arm system forces/controls the railing/railing-portions.

In certain embodiments, the catwalks of the above three paragraphs are controlled by activation/movement of a switch/lever/button on the vehicle, for example, by a user in the cab of the vehicle. This way, the catwalk may be deployed and retracted, without any contact by the user on any portion of the catwalk other than said switch/lever/button. The deployment and retraction may therefore be described as taking place “automatically” after (or except for) said activation/movement by the user.

In the Summary of the Invention, throughout the Detailed Description, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of certain embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, a particular embodiment, or a particular Figure, that feature can also be used, to the extent appropriate, in the context of other particular aspects, embodiments, and Figures, and in the invention generally. Further, although this disclosed technology has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosed technology is not limited to these disclosed particulars and extends instead to all equivalents within the broad scope of this disclosure and of following claims.