Daniel L Friebel

US Patent:

55844936, Dec 17, 1996

Filed:

Feb 3, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/383271

Inventors:

Richard F. Demski - Appleton WI
Alan M. Iversen - Appleton WI
Kevin J. Quinn - Hortonville WI
Kenneth V. Kamprath - Menasha WI
Timothy C. Willett - Fond du Lac WI
J. Roger Lackore - Appleton WI
Daniel E. Friebel - Combined Locks WI
Russ Litscher - Kimberly WI

Assignee:

Pierce Manufacturing Inc. - Appleton WI

International Classification:

B60R 302

US Classification:

280166

Abstract:

A pivotable fold-down step system mounted to a vehicle, such as a fire truck or rescue truck, and synchronized to extend and retract by vehicle door motion. The step system is designed to easily achieve ingress and egress requirements stated within the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) guidelines. The step remains sealed and contoured to the vehicle profile when in the upright stowed position when the vehicle door is closed. The fold down step is operated by means of a pressurized fluid system which is integral to the vehicle. As the vehicle door opens the step is extended downward, under pressurized control, to allow for rapid and safe egress from the vehicle. As the vehicle door closes, the step is again operated by the pressurized integral fluid system and the step rises and folds into a stowed position within the vehicle body prior to transport of the vehicle.