A step unit including a vertical frame and a plurality of linkages pivotally attached at different heights to the vertical frame by one end of each of the linkages, to provide lateral rotation to the linkages. A leg frame, with at least one leg, is pivotally attached to the opposite end of each linkage whereby laterally translating the leg frame simultaneously pivots the linkages from a first, vertical position to at least one second, horizontal position.

The present disclosure relates to stair systems and methods for allowing stair movement between building levels while maintaining the structural integrity of the stair system for safe egress passage. The systems and methods of the present disclosure allow for independent movement of the surrounding building walls, landings, floor slabs, and/or any other portion of the surrounding building structure or stair system. The embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for use in both new constructions as well as in existing constructions for retrofit applications to allow for movement between levels, landings, or within stairwell structures. The present disclosure reduces stair damage during building movement whether it is from wind, thermal, or seismic activity, and/or any other type of suitable force or experience, as the present disclosure allows for directional movement, or a combination thereof, including tension and compression, lateral, or vertical movement.

A traveling step structure is mounted to a warehouse rack to allow convenient access to elevated shelves without blocking shelving corridors. A rack track is mounted to a rack between vertical rack members and a support track is fixed to the surface which supports the rack. The traveling step structure has a first frame mounted with followers to the rack track, and a second frame positioned outwardly from the first frame, and connected to the first frame for movement from a retracted position to an extended position. A plurality of steps extend between the first frame and the second frame and are pivotably mounted to both frames. When a user desires to access an elevated rack shelf, the second frame is pulled outwardly and downwardly to bring the steps into a horizontal position. A damper assembly is mounted between the first frame and a step to cushion extension.

A retractable staircase having a first side stringer and a second substantially parallel side stringer connected to a plurality of steps. The first side stringer is fixedly attached to a wall and the second side stringer is pivotally movable about the first side stringer between an extended position, where the steps lie substantially horizontally between the stringers, and a retracted position where the steps lie substantially vertically between the stringers. The retractable staircase also includes a collapsible handrail and a gate that are interconnected with the side stringers and the pivoting steps so that when one of them is moved, the other two move substantially simultaneously.

The present disclosure relates to stair systems and methods for allowing stair movement between building levels while maintaining the structural integrity of the stair system for safe egress passage. The systems and methods of the present disclosure allow for independent movement of the surrounding building walls, landings, floor slabs, and/or any other portion of the surrounding building structure or stair system. The embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for use in both new constructions as well as in existing constructions for retrofit applications to allow for movement between levels, landings, or within stairwell structures. The present disclosure reduces stair damage during building movement whether it is from wind, thermal, or seismic activity, and/or any other type of suitable force or experience, as the present disclosure allows for directional movement, or a combination thereof, including tension and compression, lateral, or vertical movement.

A retractable staircase having a first side stringer and a second substantially parallel side stringer connected to a plurality of steps. The first side stringer is fixedly attached to a wall and the second side stringer is pivotally movable about the first side stringer between an extended position, where the steps lie substantially horizontally between the stringers, and a retracted position where the steps lie substantially vertically between the stringers. The retractable staircase also includes a collapsible handrail and a gate that are interconnected with the side stringers and the pivoting steps so that when one of them is moved, the other two move substantially simultaneously.

A step unit including a vertical frame and a plurality of linkages pivotally attached at different heights to the vertical frame by one end of each of the linkages, to provide lateral rotation to the linkages. A leg frame, with at least one leg, is pivotally attached to the opposite end of each linkage whereby laterally translating the leg frame simultaneously pivots the linkages from a first, vertical position to at least one second, horizontal position.

A retractable staircase having a first side stringer and a second substantially parallel side stringer connected to a plurality of steps. The first side stringer is fixedly attached to a wall and the second side stringer is pivotally movable about the first side stringer between an extended position, where the steps lie substantially horizontally between the stringers, and a retracted position where the steps lie substantially vertically between the stringers. The retractable staircase also includes a collapsible handrail and a gate that are interconnected with the side stringers and the pivoting steps so that when one of them is moved, the other two move substantially simultaneously.

The disclosure relates to a service pit having a head section and a foot section made from fiberglass, aluminum or other metal sheeting, molded plastic, or other suitable material. In one example embodiment, the service pit is equipped with a staircase pivotally mounted at one end of the service pit to accommodate a pivoting action of the staircase and permit access to the bottom of the pit for cleaning, maintenance or other operation.

An access system (10) for a vehicle, equipment or installation, the access system (10) including at least one section having multiple treads/steps (56), a retraction mechanism with at least one actuator (28), the retraction mechanism arranged to retract and allow deployment of the access means (12), and at least one handrail assembly (32), the at least one handrail assembly (32) being pivotably connected to the access means (12) such that the handrail assembly (32) collapses relative to the at least one section for stowage and extends to provide a handrail for supporting a user when the access means (12) is deployed.