Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a step system. It particularly relates to a transportable step system. It more particularly relates to a step system for allowing safe stepping up to a road truck or rail truck. The system can be used in more general applications for stepping up to platforms.

Background On a farm or in the mining industry many hours are spent climbing on and off large work vehicles. In this regard the work vehicles whether large tractors or bulldozers or tip trucks have inbuilt steps to the drivers cabin.

However there are a multitude of contract owner-drivers who have tray trucks for hauling cargo. Typically this can be a 12 tonne rigid chassis tray truck.

There is a high risk associated with access and egress to truck trays and there are dangerous practices often used by truck drivers to get access to their truck trays - common ways to get access to the tray include climbing on the wheels of the truck and using load gate trays as temporary and highly unstable ladders to climb on the tray.

Fitted tray access ladders are commonly too high and positioned to cause awkward postures when used and are without adequate handholds and require a lot of effort to use. (see the Worksafe publication "Safety by Design - Eliminating manual handling injuries in road transport" pg 6.) In addition the loads on trucks often make it impossible to use the fitted steps.

Frequent access to a truck tray (particularly general cargo trucks) is necessary to initially secure loads, releasing loads prior to unloading and re-securing loads after a delivery. Farmers also need to often get access to farm trucks for work such as fencing and stock feeding. Falls, slips and trips are risks associated with getting on and off truck trays. Those risks are increased significantly when improvised access methods are used. Drivers will use improvised and unsafe access methods for simple reasons of convenience or may be obliged to do

so if the fixed in-built point is unusable because it is blocked by a load on the tray. The latter reason to improvise access to the tray is very common in general cargo transport work or in any situation where the load on the tray changes throughout the day (e.g. farmer using a truck to carry out a range of tasks throughout a day's work).

It is therefore important to attack this safety problem by providing a safe, easily relocated access system.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a safe truck tray access.

Summary of the Invention

The inventor has realised that a relocatable ladder is needed. Over a two year period the applicant has explored better, smarter options for getting safe and convenient access to a truck tray and eventually the invention evolved.

According to the invention there is provided an innovative relocatable ladder for providing safe access to a truck tray.

The transportable system for use in mounting a platform such as a truck tray, the transportable step system can have an elongated step section with a plurality of steps and a connection means attached to an upper part of the elongated step section; wherein the connection means includes an adjustable anchor means for engaging the platform to support the elongated step section and allow a user to climb onto the platform.

The plurality of steps can extend within two stiles with the connection means attached to an upper part of the stiles. However in another form the plurality of steps can extend across a central elongated support post and the connection means is attached to an upper part of the cental post.

The anchor means can engage a perimeter rim of the platform as is presently on new truck trays. However the anchor means can engage perimeter slots of the platform as still in use on some trucks. The adjustable anchor means includes an upper anchor means and a lower anchor means for engaging above and below a platform such that the elongated step section is supported and extends at an acceptable climbing angle relative to the vertical. The acceptable climbing angle is preferably between 10° and 15° as is recommended for ladder arrangements according to occupational health and safety considerations.

The upper anchor means can be a protrusion head adjustably mounted on a cross arm to provide an alterable horizontal anchor point to allow adjustment of the elongated step section to the acceptable angle.

The lower anchor means can be adjustable in use in a substantially vertical manner to cooperate with the upper anchor means and allow engagement of the anchor means above and below a platform such that the elongated step section is supported and extends at an acceptable climbing angle relative to the vertical.

The upper anchor means and the lower anchor means are offset to provide the acceptable climbing angle of the elongated step section.

The step system can include a hand rail means extending from an upper part of the elongated step section or extending from the connection means. To make the step system more portable the hand rail means is pivotally connected such that in use it extends above the upper part of the elongated step section to allow support to a user climbing the steps and can in a storage position fold to substantially coextend with the elongated step section.

It can be seen that the step system is designed to be placed anywhere on a common truck tray which is fitted with either a load restraint perimeter rim or load restraint gate slots.

The step system has been designed to provide a safe and ergonomically efficient climbing and descent angle. This is achieved through the carefully considered relationship between the handlebar and the foot tread system.

The handlebar provides an effective grip and is angled to contribute to the user maintaining a vertical position while on the Step system. Footsteps on the [adder provide a positive and secure foot position. The length of the ladder is adjustable and suits truck trays in the range of 3-4 tonne trays to B-Doubles. The ladder fixing method ensures that dislodgement of the ladder while in use is impossible. By attaching to the tray the ladder eliminates the risk, common with ordinary ladders, of slips through improper placement of the feet of the ladder.

An alternative design which exploits the key safety features is suitable for truck trays that have no load restraint perimeter rim of load restraint gate slots. In addition the step system can be made in aluminium to reduce the already relatively light weight of the unit. The unit when constructed with mild steel has a total weight of just less than 11 KG. When deployed and fully extended the step system is 1.85 metres long and when folded for storage the unit is 850 mm long.

In a related aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a transportable step system for allowing climbing access to a truck tray or the like, the step system including:

an elongate step section having a plurality of spaced apart steps and a connection means attached to an upper portion thereof, wherein the connection means includes an adjustable anchor means for engaging an edge portion of the truck tray; - a handlebar member pivotally connected to the connection means to allow movement of the handlebar between a storage and operating condition; and a locking means adjacent to the connection means wherein the locking means is operable to lock the handlebar in an operating

condition and allow return of the handlebar to a storage condition for transport; wherein in an operating condition, the handlebar is locked by the locking means such that it extends above the connection means at an obtuse angle relative to the step section.

In an operating condition, the step system allows an operator to gain easy access to a cargo area or truck tray whilst optimising safety and posture of an operator during climbing or descending. The step system can be easily positioned and anchored to a peripheral edge portion of a truck tray or the like. The step system also allows ready relocation in case a section of the tray is blocked by cargo. An even further advantage of the present system is that in an operating condition, the position of the handlebar relative to the step section provides a mechanical advantage to aid climbing or descending operations while maintaining the posture of the operator in an optimal orientation to substantially minimise stress related injuries.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention is more readily understood an embodiment will be described by way of illustration only with reference to the drawings wherein:

Figure 1

[photo I. Step system folded for storage]

[photo 2. Deployed ready for use. Note angle of Step system compared to fitted "loop " step at front of tray]

[photo 3. Load restraint perimeter rim also showing load restraint gate slots] [photo 4. Typical fitted loop step and the effort needed to use this type of step] [photo 5a Left side view of anchor points. Note ability to alter width of horizontal anchor point (on top of tray) and depth of vertical anchor point (fixed under tray)] [photo 5b Right view of anchor points] [photo 6a First step. Note secure hand hold and first easy step]

[photo 6b On the Step system. Note stable vertical position of body]

[photo 6c about to exit easily and safely]

[photo 6d Note how Step system handle doesn't obstruct safe ascending]

Description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings

Referring to the drawings there is shown a transportable step system (1) in accordance with the present invention in a folded/storage condition. Photo 2 shows the step system in an operating condition anchored to an edge portion (4) of truck tray (5). The step system (1) includes a step section (2) inter- engaged at an upper portion thereof (best seen in photo 2) with a handlebar (3) in pivoting relation so that the handlebar can move between an operating condition (see figs 5a and 5b) and a storage condition. The step section (2) includes a central elongated support post (b) of square cross-section and a series of spaced apart cross members (7) forming footholds for an operator.

As seen in photos 5a and 5b, the step system (1) further includes a connection means (8) attached to an upper portion of the central post to allow mounting of the system to a peripheral edge (4) of the truck tray. The connection means comprises upper (9) and lower (10) anchoring elements mounted adjacent to the upper end of the step section for engaging above and below a platform or tray edge. The upper and lower anchoring elements are offset with respect to each other such that in engagement with a tray edge portion, the step section is supported at an acceptable climbing angle of between 10 and 15 degrees.

The upper anchoring element is adjustably mounted on a cross arm (11), which is connected to the upper end of the central post. The upper anchoring element and lower anchoring element are adjustable in a horizontal and vertical direction respectively to allow engagement with a range of different sized edge portions of a truck tray.

The cross arm (11) is formed from two parallel spaced elements (12) and (12a) joined to the elongate post and extending therefrom. The spaced elements include a series of oppositely disposed openings therealong allowing horizontal adjustment of anchoring element (9) by removing and relocating a through-bolt (13) through mating openings in the cross arm (11) and anchoring elements. The upper anchoring element further includes a flange (17) which is adapted to engage an edge portion of the truck tray. As shown in photos 5a and 5b, the insert flange engages a protruding edge portion of the truck tray. Alternatively, in instances where truck trays provide gate slots (see photo 3), the flange can be inserted therein as an anchoring point.

The lower anchoring element (10) includes a mounting collar (14) slidably adjustable in the vertical plane about the central post by means of an adjustable clamping plate (15). The lower anchoring element further includes a locating plate (16) shaped to cradle corresponding lower edge portions of the truck tray. In combination the upper and lower anchoring elements secure the step section to a platform.

Photos 5a and 5b further show the handlebar (3) disposed rearwardly of the upper anchoring element and pivotally connected to the cross arm (12). The handlebar is releasably locked by a locking element (not seen), in an angular position relative to the step section. In the locked condition as shown in photo 5a, the handlebar extends upwardly from the cross arm (11) at an obtuse angle to the central post.

In an operating condition (see photos 5a and 5b), the step section and upper anchoring elements are angled with respect to the plane of the edge portion of the truck tray.

Referring to photos 4 and 6a to 6d there is shown a comparative examples of climbing action wherein photo 4 represents a common practice involving use of a truck fitted loop step. By comparison photos 6a to 6d show an operator climbing a step system according to the invention. The step system is stably

mounted to an edge portion of a truck tray and during ascent, the operator uses a mechanical advantage provided by the handlebar and the angular disposition of the step section to assist the climb while maintaining an upright posture.

The step system has been designed to be transferable between truck tray of different types. The two anchor points on the unit are capable of being adjusted to fit the most common tray perimeter configurations in use at present. (Approximately 80% of general cargo trucks - excluding specialised container carriers - on the road now have the raised tray perimeter rim). The horizontal anchor point can be adjusted to suit tray perimeter rims from 5 - 50 mm which is the range of widths for most tray rims. The vertical anchor point can also be adjusted to accommodate the most common depth of tray and to be fitted on trays fitted with under-tray rope fixing rails. Orders have already made for the Step system by owner-drivers with different tray set-ups to the one shown in the photos shown here.

There is a recent trend for some truck tray manufacturers to omit both the raised tray perimeter rim and load gate slots. As a result there is an alternative fixing system for the step system for this type of tray. The alternative will exploit the key features of the current design of the Step system. However, it should be noted that trucks tend to have a significantly longer operational life as compared with domestic vehicles so it is expected that the conventional tray perimeter set-up will continue to be in common use for many years.

The step system resolves the problems associated with other types of tray access ladders by being capable of being positioned quickly and easily where it's needed. Free space available to access the truck tray varies throughout a working day as loads are removed from or added to the tray. Fitted steps, either the more conventional 'loop' style steps (see photo 4) or retractable fitted steps all suffer from the problem of being unusable if a load on the tray blocks access. Relocatable ladders that are designed to hook on to the tray with the foot of the ladder on the ground must use round rungs to accommodate different angles the ladder may describe when placed on the ground. Round

rungs don't provide a secure foothold and can be uncomfortable to use over a full day of repeated use. In addition, the stability of these types of ladders, despite hooking on the truck, still relies on the evenness of the ground. Plus, the size of hook ladder systems make them awkward to store and move. The step system resolves all these problems with alternative access systems by being relocatable and providing a secure foothold that maintains a safe climbing angle irrespective of varying ground conditions.

In use stepping up to a truck with the step system is made safe. The Step system is also relatively light and compact in it's stored position and when deployed for use. The robustness of the step system and the speed that it can be deployed is an important factor given the nature of the product's intended working environment. (The step system can be attached to the tray and fully deployed in a few seconds).

These characteristics of the step system mean that it is a major departure from all other tray access systems and from our research there is no other tray access system available that includes all it's positive features.

The hazards addressed by the step system are falls, slips, trips and crush injuries during loading and unloading from truck trays. It is an engineering risk control solution for these hazards.

It's important to note that the step system has not been designed to be used as a way to carry on, or remove loads from the tray: it's main intended use is to provide safe access for the purposes of organising, securing, and releasing loads. During a typical day doing general cargo work a driver can be obliged to get access to the tray up to 20 times. An energy efficient tray access system, like the step system, therefore also makes a significant contribution to reducing driver fatigue caused by inefficient tray access methods. The ease of use also encourages drivers to avoid the temptation to remain on the tray while loading and unloading processes are underway and therefore eliminating the risks associated with this dangerous practice. All these risk control contributions of the Step system apply equally to farmers who

sometimes need to get access to trays of their farm trucks even more often than cargo truck drivers, depending on the task, for e.g. during hand feeding of stock. For a farmer, the risks associated with fatigue can be particularly severe if that fatigue occurs while operating dangerous machinery, a common practice in an ordinary farming day.

Evaluation of the product has occurred through practical use of the step system in exactly the sort of environment it is designed. Over the 6 months the unit has been in use there has been no safety incidents associated with its use, Alternatives to the current construction of the unit have been considered but those alternatives have been orientated towards designs to reduce construction time.