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US 2014/0318892 A1Published application
Manually powered linkage ladder
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsThomas Meyen, Riley Albers, Jared E. Louis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A four-bar linkage ladder is used to provide access to the cab of a mobile machine. The ladder is light enough for manual operation and may include a spring assembly, but avoids the need for the electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuators of prior art moveable ladders. The ladder swings from bumper height to an ergonomically desirable height for access and egress and allows passage over uneven terrain without ground contact.
Claims20
A ladder for use with a mobile machine, the ladder comprising:
- a first rail and a second rail;
- rungs connecting the first rail and the second rail and a lift handle to form a step assembly, the lift handle attached to the first rail extending above a top rung wherein the lift handle includes a grip region at an upper portion of the lift handle;
- a baseplate for use in fixedly attaching the ladder to the mobile machine;
- at least one four-bar linkage that moveably attaches the step assembly to the baseplate;
- and
- a latch fastened to the baseplate that engages a feature of the step assembly when in an up position.
3 more elements
A method of using a ladder fixedly attached to a mobile machine, the method comprising:
- providing the ladder having at least one four-bar linkage with opposite linkages of the at least one four-bar linkage being approximately equal in length, a step assembly including a lift handle, a guide having a groove and a stop, and a latch;
- receiving a hand motion that releases the latch;
- lowering the step assembly;
- engaging a linkage of the at least one four-bar linkage in the groove of the guide;
- raising the step assembly by the lift handle;
- engaging a linkage of the at least one four-bar linkage against the stop of the guide;
- and
- engaging the latch at a feature of the step assembly.
5 more elements
A machine comprising:
- a bumper;
- grab rails attached to the bumper;
- a ladder mounted between the grab rails, the ladder including:
- a first rail and a second rail;
- rungs connecting the first rail and the second rail;
- a lift handle attached to the first rail extending above a top rung, the lift handle including a grip region at an upper portion of the lift handle, the lift handle, rungs, the first rail, and the second rail forming a step assembly;
- a baseplate for use in fixedly attaching the ladder to the bumper;
- and
- at least one four-bar linkage that moveably attaches the step assembly to the baseplate.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.