Telescoping step assist system and method

A telescoping step system, comprising:

• at least one stringer assembly having at least first and second tubular components, where the second tubular component is telescopically extendable relative to the first tubular component, and where the at least one stringer assembly is operably associated with a structure to aid with ingress to and egress from the structure;
• a first actuator subsystem for causing telescopic movement of the at least one stringer assembly between extended and retracted positions;
• at least one step assembly associated with one of the first and second tubular components, the at least one step assembly being pivotally operatively coupled to the at least one stringer assembly and movable from a stowed position to an operative position;
• a second actuator subsystem for causing pivoting motion of the at least one step assembly between the stowed position and the operative position;
• wherein the at least one stringer assembly is telescopically collapsible into the retracted position to form a compact assembly at least one of adjacent to the structure or within a portion of the structure, and telescopically extendable into the extended position extending outwardly from the structure to present the at least one step assembly in an orientation which is easily accessible as a platform on which a user is able to step on to, and thus aid the user with ingress into and egress from the structure;
• and
• wherein the at least one step assembly is pivotally movable in response to control by the second actuator subsystem, to position the at least one step assembly in either the stowed or operative positions when the at least one stringer assembly is telescopically moved into the retracted or extended positions, respectively.

A method for controlling motion of a movable step associated with a fixed structure, the method comprising:

• supporting at least one stringer assembly having at least first and second tubular components from the structure, where the second tubular component is telescopically extendable relative to the first tubular component;
• supporting at least one step assembly from one of the first and second tubular components, so that the at least one step assembly is pivotally movable from a stowed position to an operative position, wherein in the operative position the at least one step assembly forms a platform on which a user may step;
• using a first actuator subsystem to cause telescopic motion of the at least one stringer assembly between extended and retracted positions;
• using a second actuator subsystem to cause pivotal movement of the at least one step assembly between stowed and operative positions, and
• wherein when the at least one stringer assembly is moved telescopically into the extended position the at least one step assembly will be pivotally moved into the operative position to form the platform upon which the user is able to step.

A method for controlling motion of a movable step associated with a fixed structure, the method comprising:

• supporting at least one stringer assembly having at least first and second tubular components from the structure, where the second tubular component is telescopically extendable relative to the first tubular component;
• supporting at least one step assembly from one of the first and second tubular components, so that the at least one step assembly is pivotally movable from a stowed position to an operative position, wherein in the operative position the at least one step assembly forms a platform on which a user may step;
• causing a telescopic motion of the at least one stringer assembly such that the at least one stringer assembly moves between extended and retracted positions;
• and
• causing a pivotal movement of the at least one step assembly between stowed and operative positions such that the at least one step assembly is presented as a generally horizontal platform for an individual to step on when the at least one stringer assembly is in the extended position.