US 6,068,277 AGranted

Access platform system for earth-moving machinery

AssigneeAccess Innovations Pty, Ltd.

InventorMichael W Magnussen

Life of this patent

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Abstract

An access platform system for an earth-moving machine, such as a grader including a frame, plural ground-engaging drive members, an earth working tool and an operator station, which access platform system includes a first deck structure including deck members adapted to move between an upright storage position and a flat deployed position, stairs for providing access for personnel from ground level to the first deck structure and associated safety barriers. The first deck structure extends, in the deployed position, from the stairs to the operator station and the first deck structure allows, in the storage position, a substantially unobstructed view of at least a front portion of either a ground engaging drive member or the earth working tool from the operator station. The access platform system also includes a second deck structure interposed between the stairs and the first deck structure. The first deck structure includes a deck member adapted to extend along said frame adjacent to an engine compartment and substantially over at least one ground engaging drive member. The second deck structure may be mounted on a suspension beam of the machine such that it moves in cooperation with ground engaging drive members.

Claims21

Dependent claims

An access platform system for mounting on a mobile earth-moving machine including a frame, a plurality of ground engaging members supporting the frame, a tool means and an operator station mounted on the frame, said access platform system comprising:

(a) a first deck structure mountable on a frame of a mobile earth-moving machine and adapted to move between a deployed position and a storage position with the assistance of powered actuating means;
(b) a second deck structure mountable on a frame of said mobile earth-moving machine and adapted to extend along such frame and substantially over at least one ground engaging member;
(c) step means attached to the second deck structure and providing access from ground level to the deck structures;
(d) safety barrier means associated with the deck structures and the step means;
(e) wherein the first deck structure is arranged
(i) where in the deployed position, to extend from the second deck structure to at least adjacent the operator station, and
(ii) when in the storage position, to allow a substantially unobstructed view of an operative portion of the earth-moving machine to which the structure is attached from the operator station of the machine;
and
(f) wherein the second deck structure is arranged for movement in cooperation with suspension travel of at least one ground engaging member.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/206,256Filed 20 Nov 1998 · continuation
Priority: AU 993120 May 1996
Granted: 30 May 2000
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification4 codes

B60R 3/02
Arrangements of steps or ladders facilitating access to or on the vehicle, e.g. running-boards: retractable steps or ladders, e.g. movable under shock
E02F 9/0833
Superstructures; Supports for superstructures: improving access, e.g. for maintenance, steps for improving driver's access, handrails
B60R
Vehicle fittings and parts
E02F
Dredging