Patent ID: 6986402

Claim:
A retractable access device providing access between a substrate surface and an elevated surface of a vehicle, said access device comprising: a first ladder member having opposite first and second ends; pivot means pivotally connecting the first end of the first ladder member to the vehicle so that said first end is substantially level with the elevated surface; a second ladder member having a first end pivotally attached to the second end of the first ladder member, and a second end; a linear actuator having first and second ends; means pivotally connecting the first end of said actuator to the vehicle below the elevated surface; means pivotally connecting the second end of the actuator to the first ladder member between the ends thereof; a rigid guide member having a first end pivotally connected to the second ladder member between the ends thereof, and means pivotally connecting the second end of the guide member to the vehicle below said actuator whereby said device is moveable between a storage position and an access position in a single movement step, wherein as said actuator is extended, said first ladder member is pivoted outwardly from the vehicle and, under the influence of said guide member, said second ladder member is simultaneously rotated outwardly relative to the first ladder member so that said ladder members are aligned in outwardly inclined position at an angle of between 60° and 75° relative to the substrate surface with the second end of the second ladder member being located adjacent the substrate surface, and as said actuator is retracted, said first and second ladder members are folded in a substantially upright disposition in a compact and overlapping manner adjacent the vehicle.