Tanker handrail system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tanker handrail system (1), comprising a handrail (2) configured to be provided on a tanker. The handrail (2) comprises a railing (6) and support bars (4) that at an upper end (8) thereof are rotatably connected to the railing (6), wherein each support bar (4) at a lower end (10) thereof is rotatable around a fixed position rotation axis. The handrail furthermore comprises a moveable handle (14) provided at a vertical distance below the fixed position rotation axis of the support bars (4), and an actuating mechanism that comprises a first rack (16) and pinion (18) co-rotatable with the at least one support bar (4) around the fixed position rotation axis and a motion transfer assembly, such as the rod assembly and / or the cable assembly, connected to both the handle (14) and the first rack (16). The motion transfer assembly (24) is configured for transferring movement of the handle (14) to the first rack (16) and pinion (18), such that the first pinion (18) and the at least one support bar (4) co-rotate around the fixed position rotation axis and thereby displace the handrail (2) between the folded and unfolded position.

Description

[0001] Title: Tanker handrail system

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a tanker handrail system and a tanker having said handrail system.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] A tanker is a specialized motor vehicle specifically designed for transporting liquids or gases on roadways. Tankers come in numerous variations to accommodate the diverse range of liquids that can be transported. Tankers can be designed with a combination of handrails on top of the tanker and handles for operating the handrail located at the side of the tanker. The handrails on the tanker provide a secure grip, prevent falls, and facilitate efficient access and movement around the tanker.

[0006] Such tanker handrail systems are known from for example CN201099207Y. CN201099207Y discloses a tank-type vehicle-linked foldable ladder and handrail. The handrail is a parallelogram linkage mechanism with a horizontal bar and vertical bars. The lower end of the vertical bar is connected to a fixed hinge fulcrum, while the upper end of the vertical bar is connected to the crossbar through a hinge fulcrum. The folding handrail includes a traction point offset from the fixed hinge fulcrum. A connecting rod is connected to the traction point, and the other end of the connecting rod is linked to a swinging control handle. When the operator rotates the swinging control handle on the ground, the control handle pushes the connecting rod, thereby exerting a force on the foldable handrail to rotate the handrail around the fixed fulcrum.

[0007] A disadvantage of the tank-type vehicle-linked foldable ladder and handrail according to CN201099207Y is that the use of the connecting rod to the traction point offset from the fixed hinge fulcrum system in this design forms an unstable structure that is prone to breaking. Additionally, when the handrail is folded, the rod system protrudes above the tanker, which can be inconvenient during transport and storage.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome those disadvantages at least partly or to provide a usable alternative. In particular the present invention aims to provide a tanker handrail systems that is more robust and requires less force during operation. According to the present invention this aim is achieved by a tanker handrail system, comprising a handrail configured to be provided on a tanker, the handrail comprising a railing and support bars that at an upper end thereof are rotatably connected to the railing, wherein each support bar is at a lower end thereof rotatable around a fixed position rotation axis at which fixed position rotation axis the support bar is configured to be connected to a supporting structure; a moveable handle provided at a vertical distance below the fixed position rotation axis of the support bars; and an actuating mechanism that is configured for, during operation of the handle, displace the handrail between an unfolded position wherein the support bars have an upright position and a folded position wherein the support bars have a horizontal or an inclined position,

[0010] According to the inventive thought, the actuating mechanism comprises a first interlocking rack and pinion, wherein the first pinion is provided at the lower end of at least one of the support bars and is configured for co-rotating with the at least one support bar around the fixed position rotation axis. A motion transfer assembly, such as a rod assembly and / or a cable assembly, is furthermore connected to both the handle and the first rack. During operation of the handle, the motion transfer assemblyis configured for transferring movement of the handle to the first rack and pinion, such that the first pinion and the at least one support bar co-rotate around the fixed position rotation axis. As a result, when rotating around the fixed position rotation axis, the handrail is displaced between the folded and unfolded position.

[0011] The tanker handrail system according to the invention can be used for various types of tankers, depending on the design and purpose of the tanker. Some common types of tankers where a handrail may be used include, oil tankers, chemical tankers or bulk liquid tankers.

[0012] The handrail of the tanker handrail system may be connected to the supporting structure, for example through a mounting plate. The supporting structure may include platforms, walkways, and ladders that provide safe access to the top of the tank. The handrail has a railing that is the main horizontal or sloping component of the handrail that individuals can hold onto for support. It is usually round, oval, or rectangular in shape, providing a comfortable grip. Support bars are spaced along the length of the handrail and provide structural support and stability to the handrail. Each of the support bars is rotatably, in particular pivotably, connected to the railing, preferably at an upper end of each of the support bars. This allows the support bars to be rotated, or pivoted, relative to the railing around an upper end rotation axis that is substantially horizontal. Each support bar is also with a lower end of the support bar rotatably connected to the supporting structure. This allows the support bar to be rotated relative to the supporting structure around a lower end rotation axis, which is a fixed rotation axis that is also substantially horizontal.

[0013] The moveable handle for operating the handrail is provided at a vertical distance below the fixed position rotation axis at which the support bars are connected to the supporting structure. The handle may be located on a side of the tanker, preferably at a suitable height for personnel to operate the handle from the ground. This eliminates the need for personnel to climb onto the top of the tanker, for example, using a ladder, before the handrail can be folded and unfolded. As a result, folding and unfolding using the handrail becomes much safer. The handle is preferably a pivot or hinged handle that may be operated manually. Such a handle allows for rotational movement of the handle around a handle rotation axis, said handle rotation axis preferably also having a fixed position that is substantially horizontal. The handle typically consist of a handle grip or lever attached to a mounting plate or bracket. The mounting plate is connected to the supporting structure or other equipment through the fixed pivot point, which enables the swinging motion. Alternatively however, buttons or push / pull handles may be used. They are typically designed for simple and quick push or pull actions to initiate a specific function or trigger a response. Buttons can be small and discreet, while pull handles offer a larger gripping surface for easier operation.

[0014] During operation of the handle, the actuating mechanism is configured for displacing, for example rotating, the handrail between an unfolded position and a folded position. In the unfolded position, the support bars of the handrail are in the upright positioned, meaning that the support bars are positioned substantially perpendicular to the railing. In particular, the railing is substantially horizontal, while the support bars are positioned substantially vertical. In this unfolded position the railing may be used as an armrest by personnel during operations on top of the tanker. In the unfolded position, the support bars are substantially parallel to the railing. In particular, the railing often remains horizontal, while the support bars are rotated around the fixed position rotation axis. In the folded position, the support bars will therefore typically be positioned horizontally or have an inclined position, preferably an inclined position at a small angle.

[0015] The actuating mechanism comprises a first rack and first pinion, wherein the first pinion is provided at the lower end of at least one of the support bars, preferably by welding the first pinion to the support bar. The first pinion is configured for co-rotating with the at least one support bar around a first pinion rotation axis that is parallel or equal to the fixed rotation axis. When the first pinion rotates around its first pinion rotation axis, it engages with the teeth of the first rack, resulting in a linear movement of the first rack along its length. The actuating mechanism furthermore comprises a motion transfer assembly, such as a rod assembly and / or a cable assembly, that is connected to both the moveable handle and the first rack. During operation of the handle, the motion transfer assembly is configured for transferring the movement of the handle to the first rack, such that the first rack performs a translational movement which causes the first pinion to rotate around the first pinion rotation axis. Through the rotation of the pinion, the handrail will co-rotate and displace, or rotate, between the folded and unfolded states. This co-rotation minimizes energy losses through friction, resulting in less wasted energy and improved overall efficiency in the system. As a result, less force is required by the personnel to fold and unfold the handrail. With the co-rotation, the handrail can be unfolded when needed and folded back just as easily when not in use.

[0016] Moreover, the rigid structure and meshing of teeth provide a more robust and stable torque transmission path. This stiffness helps to maintain accurate positioning and prevents excessive deflection or misalignment, especially under heavy loads. The first rack and pinion provide multiple teeth that engage simultaneously, distributing the load and torque across multiple points of contact. This shared load distribution helps to prevent localized stress concentration and minimizes the risk of failure.

[0017] Optionally, the handrail system may comprise two handrails configured to be provided on respective sides of the tanker, and the actuating mechanism may be configured for folding and unfolding both handrails, preferably simultaneously, during operation of the handle.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the motion transfer assembly, such as the rod assembly and / or a cable assembly, may comprise a first connecting member (e.g. a rod or cable) rotatably connected to first rack and a second connecting member (e.g. a rod or cable) rotatably connected to the handle. The first and the second connecting members are advantageously connected to each other via a linkage mechanism, e.g. a rod and / or cable linkage mechanism that is pivotable around a fixed pivot point.

[0019] Using a rod as the first and / or second connecting member provides a rigid and strong motion transfer assembly. To however be more flexible with using the tanker handrail system on different tanker designs (such as tankers with different dimensions), it may be advantageous to use cables as first and / or second connecting members. It has especially been found that using a cable as first connecting member provides most flexibility with the design while still maintaining sufficient strength for transferring the mechanical forces from the handle to the handrail. In particular Bowden cables that have an inner cable (or wire) relative to a hollow outer cable housing may be suitable for use as connecting member in the motion transfer assembly. An advantage thereof is that design of a motion transfer assembly, such as the rod assembly and / or cable assembly, with a fixed pivot point consists of fewer moving parts, which can reduce the chances of mechanical failure and simplifies maintenance. Moreover, by adjusting the leverage and fixed pivot point, the motion transfer assembly can amplify the force applied by the operator, making it easier to manipulate or control heavy loads or resistance. This mechanical advantage reduces the amount of effort required by the operator. The fixed pivot point furthermore provides a stable pivot for the motion transfer assembly, ensuring smooth and controlled movement when operating the handle(s). This stability is helpful for maintaining a secure grip and reducing any potential wobbling or excessive movement while using the handles.

[0020] This fixed pivot point may be arranged at substantially the same height or at a vertical distance below the fixed position rotation axis of the support bars. This may ensure that all components of the actuating mechanism remain below the fixed pivot point. As a result, no parts protrude above the tanker or the supporting structure when the handrail is in the folded or unfolded position.

[0021] Optionally, the linkage mechanism is an L-shaped rigid lever having a first arm that is with an end thereof rotatably connected to the first connecting member and a second arm that is with an end thereof rotatably connected to the second connecting member. With an end thereof, in this context, is considered a connecting point between the lever arm and a respective connecting member located away from the fixed pivot point. An L-shaped rigid lever a vertical movement of the first connecting member can easily be converted into a horizontal movement of the second connecting member, or vice versa.

[0022] In an embodiment the actuating mechanism may comprise a rotational energy storage element that is preferably provided at the lower end of the at least one support bar for providing a rotational force during displacement of the handrail between the folded and unfolded position. The rotational energy storage element may for example be a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, but is preferably a torsion spring. Torsion springs efficiently store energy when twisted or wound, which allows them to provide a significant amount of torque or rotational force when released. Torsion springs can provide smooth and controlled motion due to their consistent torque characteristics. Torsion springs are designed to withstand repeated twisting and untwisting, making them highly durable and reliable in various mechanical systems.

[0023] In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism may comprise a second interlocking rack and pinion provided at the handle, wherein the second pinion is co-rotatable with the handle around a second pinion rotation axis that is parallel or equal to handle rotation axis. The second rack engages the second pinion and is rotatably connected to the second connecting member. The translational movement of the second rack induces a translational movement of the second connecting member, which is via the linkage mechanism, transferred to the first connecting member and the first rack and pinion. The design allows for a direct transfer of the rotational motion of the handle, through the second pinion, to the linear motion of the gear with minimal energy loss. The second pinion is preferably welded to the moveable handle.

[0024] In an embodiment, the handrail may comprise a first and a second handrail part which are connected by a connecting mechanism, wherein the connecting mechanism is configured for displacing, or folding and unfolding, the first and second handrail parts in opposite directions. The first and second handrail part may be provided parallel on the same side of a tanker. Having a handrail with multiple handrail parts that fold in opposite directions allows a relatively long handrail to be placed on a tanker, without the handrail protruding outside the tanker when it is in the folded position.

[0025] The actuating mechanism is preferably connected to one of the two handrail parts. When the moveable handrail is used, one of the two handrail parts will move, or rotate, between the folded and unfolded position. Due to the connecting mechanism, while one handrail part is moved, the second handrail part will simultaneously move in the opposite direction, such that both the first and second handrail part are folded and unfolded simultaneously. Preferably, during folding of the handrail parts, the handrail parts move, in particular rotate, towards each other, and during unfolding of the handrail, the handrail parts move, in particular rotate, towards each other. This allows for the most compact storage of the handrail on the tanker.

[0026] The connecting mechanism preferably comprise a pair of interlocking gear wheels, wherein each gear wheel is connected, preferably welded, to a respective handrail part and configured for co-rotating with the respective handrail part. Therefore, when one of the handrail parts moves, the interlocking gear wheels will counter-rotate, causing the other handrail part to simultaneously move in the opposite direction. As the gear wheels interlock, the rotational motion of one gear is transmitted accurately to the other gear, ensuring simultaneous and coordinated movement in opposite directions. The gear wheels thus advantageously provide precise and synchronized movement between the two handrail parts. The interlocking gear wheels furthermore ensure that the two handrail parts move with equal magnitude, maintaining equilibrium and preventing any imbalances or uneven stresses on the components. The gear wheels can have teeth all around the circumference or only on a portion of the circumference, such as half of the circumference of the gear wheels.

[0027] Preferably, the handrail parts are arranged in a staggered manner. Preferably, the support bar with the gear wheel from the first handrail part is positioned ahead of the support bar with the gearwheel from the second handrail section when observed in the longitudinal direction of the tanker. This results in the first and second handrail parts partially overlapping each other. During the folding and unfolding process, the handrail parts therefore move past each other.

[0028] Optionally, the support bars comprise a support member, such as a support rod that extends parallel to the fixed position rotation axis. The gearwheels are preferably connected, in particular welded, to these support member.

[0029] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a tanker having a tanker handrail system as described above. In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for folding and unfolding a handrail of a tanker handrail system, comprising the steps of

[0030] - operating, in particular rotating, the handle, such that the motion transfer assembly , such as the rod assembly and / or the cable assembly, transfers the movement of the handle to the first rack and pinion,

[0031] - moving the first rack in a linear direction, such that the pinion rotates around the fixed position rotation axis, and

[0032] - co-rotating the handrail with the first pinion such that the handrail moves between the folded and unfolded position.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The invention shall now be explained in more detail below by means of describing some exemplary embodiments in a non-limiting way with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] - Fig. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of an unfolded tanker handrail system according to the invention;

[0036] - Fig. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of a folded tanker handrail system according to the invention;

[0037] - Fig. 3 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of an unfolded tanker handrail system according to the invention;

[0038] - Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of the actuating mechanism according to the invention;

[0039] - Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of the handle according to the invention;

[0040] - Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a tanker handrail system according to the invention having a torsion spring.

[0041] - Fig. 7 shows a handrail with two handrail parts that are connected via gear wheels.

[0042] In Fig. 1 a tanker handrail system is shown that has been given the reference numeral 1. The tanker handrail system 1 comprises a handrail 2 that may be provided on top of a tanker. The handrail 2 has multiple support bars 4, in this embodiment three support bars 4, that are spaced along the length of a railing 6. The railing 6 may be used as an armrest during use of the handrail 2. Each support bar 4 is with a first end, or an upper end 8, pivotably connected to the railing 6. A second end, or lower end 10, of each of the support bars 4 is rotatably connected to a supporting structure 12 around a fixed rotation axis X, e.g. by using a mounting plate. This allows the support bars 4 to be rotated around the fixed position rotation axis X relative to the supporting structure 12. The supporting structure 12 also provides the walking surface for personnel during operations on top of the tanker.

[0043] The handrail 2 may displace, for example rotate, between an unfolded position in which the support bars 4 are in an upright position, and a folded position, in which the support bars have an inclined or horizontal position, around the fixed position rotation axis X at the lower end 10 of the support bars 4. And since the support bars 4 are rotatably connected on both ends of the support bars 4, the railing 6 may remain substantially horizontal in both the folded as well as in the unfolded position.

[0044] To displace the handrail 2 between the unfolded and folded position, a handle 14 is provided at a vertical distance below the fixed position rotation axis X of the support bars 4. When operating the handle 14, the handrail is 2, via an actuating mechanism, folded or unfolded. According to the inventive thought, the actuating mechanism comprises a first rack 16 and pinion 18 provided at the lower end 10 of at least one of the support bars 4, in particular at the lower end 10 of the at least one support bar 4 that is closest to the handle 14. In this embodiment, the first rack 16 and the first pinion 18 are provided at the outermost support bar 4 which is closest to the handle 14. The first pinion 18 is configured for co-rotating with the at least one support bar 4 around the fixed position rotation axis X. The teeth of the first rack 16 face downwards and interlock with the first pinion teeth. The fixed position rotation axis X is positioned below rack.

[0045] A second rack 20 and second pinion 22 are furthermore provided at the handle 14. The second pinion 22 is attached, preferably welded, to the handle 14 such that the second pinion co-rotates with the handle 14 when the handle 14 is operated. The second pinion 22 is therefore co-rotatable with the handle around a handle rotation axis Y. The teeth of the second rack 20 face sideways and interlock with the second pinion 22 teeth.

[0046] The first and second rack 16, 22 are rotatably attached to respective ends of a motion transfer assembly, such in this embodiment shown as a rod assembly 24. The motion transfer assembly 24 facilitates the transmission of motion from the second rack and pinion 20, 22 to the first rack and pinion, 16, 18. The motion transfer assembly 24 comprises a first connecting member 26, shown as a connecting rod in this embodiment, but alternately e.g. a cable may be used, that is rotatably connected to the first rack 16 and a second connecting member 28, which is again shown as a connecting rod in this embodiment, but alternatively e.g. a cable may be used, which is rotatably connected to the second rack 22. These connecting members 26, 28 are interconnected through a linkage mechanism 30 (e.g. a rod linkage mechanism). The linkage mechanism 30 operates by pivoting around a fixed pivot point P. When the first connecting member 26 moves in a certain direction, the second connecting member 28 moves, via the linkage mechanism 30, in a substantially perpendicular direction, and vice versa. In this embodiment, the linkage mechanism 30 comprises an L-shaped rigid lever arm, with the corner or junction of the L-shaped arm equipped with a fulcrum for pivoting around the fixed pivot point P. Each arm of the L-shaped rigid lever is attached to the respective first or second connecting members 26, 28.

[0047] By rotating the handle, either manually or automatically, the second pinion 20 corotates, causing the second rack 22 to undergo a translational movement in an upward or downward direction Z. This translational movement simultaneously induces the corresponding upward or downward movement of the second connecting member 28. The movement of the second member 28 is then transferred to an arm of the L-shaped rigid lever, which pivots around the fixed pivot point P. This rotation of the L-shaped rigid lever in turn causes a translational motion of the first connecting member 26, which is connected to another arm of the L-shaped rigid lever. As a result, the translational motion of the first connecting member 26 induces a translational motion in the first rack 16. This causes the first pinion 18 to rotate and the at least one support bar 4 to co-rotate simultaneously. This mechanism enables the support bar 4, along with the handrail, to displace, or rotate, between the folded and unfolded positions by rotation of the handle.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows the handrail according to fig. 1 in the folded position. In the folded position, the support bars 4 have been rotated around the fixed position rotation axis X such that the support bars 4 have an inclined position.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a tanker handrail system that is similar to the tanker handrail system of fig. 1 and 2, except for having cable as first connecting member 26. Having a cable as connecting member 26 allows for more flexibility when providing the handrail system on tankers with different dimensions.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of the actuating mechanism. The handrail has the fixed position rotation axis X at the lower end 10 of the support bar 4. A mounting plate 34 is provided with which the support bar 4 is mounted to the supporting structure 12. The first pinion 18 is provided at said lower end 10 of at least one of the support bars. Therefore, when the first pinion 18 rotates, the support bar 4 to which the first pinion 18 is connected corotates and causes the handrail to displace between the folded and unfolded position. Moreover, the first connecting member 26 is with respective ends rotatably connected to both the first pinion 16 and the L-shaped rigid lever.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of the second rack 20 and pinion 22 provided at the handle 14.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows a tanker handrail system having a tanker handrail system with a handrail having a rotational energy storage element 34, in this embodiment a torsion spring, provided at a bottom end of the handrail, in particular the lower end of support bar 4. The torsion spring stores energy when twisted and releases it as rotational force when untwisted Fig. 7 shows a handrail 2 having a first and a second handrail part 36, 38. The two separate handrail parts 36, 38 are positioned parallel to each other on the same side of the tanker. The handrail parts 36, 38 are connected by a connecting mechanism 40. The connecting means in this embodiment comprises a pair of interlocking gear wheels 42, 44. Each gear wheel 42, 44 is connected to a respective handrail part 36, 38. When the moveable handrail is used, one of the two handrail parts will move, in particular rotate, between the folded and unfolded position. Due to the gearwheels 42, 44, while one handrail part 36 is moved, the other handrail part 38 will simultaneously move in the opposite direction, such that both the first and second handrail parts 36, 38 are folded and unfolded simultaneously. The support bar 4 with the gear wheel 42 from the first handrail part 36 is positioned ahead of the support bar 4 with the gear wheel 44 from the second handrail section 38. This results in the first and second handrail parts 36, 38 partially overlapping each other. During the folding and unfolding process, the handrail parts therefore move past each other.

[0053] Besides the shown and described embodiments, numerous variants are possible. For example the dimensions and shapes of the various parts can be altered. Also it is possible to make combinations between advantageous aspects of the shown embodiments. Instead of using an L-shaped rigid lever, other kinds of linkage mechanisms may be used. All kinds of materials can be used for the tanker handrail system. Preferably however they are made of steel.

[0054] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and therefore will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Tanker handrail system (1), comprising a handrail (2) configured to be provided on a tanker, the handrail (2) comprising a railing (6) and support bars (4) that at an upper end (8) thereof are rotatably connected to the railing (6), wherein each support bar (4) is at a lower end (10) thereof rotatable around a fixed position rotation axis (X) at which fixed position rotation axis the support bar (4) is configured to be connected to a supporting structure (12); a moveable handle (14) provided at a vertical distance below the fixed position rotation axis (X) of the support bars (4); and an actuating mechanism that is configured for, during operation of the handle (14), displace the handrail (2) between an unfolded position wherein the support bars (4) have an upright position and a folded position wherein the support bars (4) have a horizontal or an inclined position, characterized in that the actuating mechanism comprises a first interlocking rack (16) and pinion (18), wherein the first pinion (18) is provided at the lower end (10) of at least one of the support bars (4) and is co-rotatable with the at least one support bar (4) around the fixed position rotation axis (X); and a motion transfer assembly connected to both the handle (14) and the first rack (16), wherein the motion transfer assembly (24) is configured for transferring movement of the handle (14) to the first rack (16) and pinion (18), such that the first pinion (18) and the at least one support bar (4) co-rotate around the fixed position rotation axis (X) and thereby displace the handrail (2) between the folded and unfolded position.

2. Tanker handrail system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the motion transfer assembly (24) comprises a first connecting member (26) rotatably connected to the first rack (16); a second connecting member (28) rotatably connected to the handle (14); and a linkage mechanism (30) that is rotatably connected to both the first and second connecting members (26, 28), and wherein the linkage mechanism is pivotable around a fixed pivot point (P).

3. Tanker handrail system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first and / or second connecting members (26, 28) is a cable and / or a rod.

4. Tanker handrail system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the linkage mechanism comprises an L-shaped rigid lever having a first arm rotatably connected (preferably at itsend) to the first connecting member (26) and a second arm rotatably connected (preferably at its end) to the second connecting member (28).

5. Tanker handrail system (1) according to any one of the claims 2-4, further comprising a second interlocking rack (22) and pinion (20), wherein the second pinion (20) is co-rotatable with the handle (14), and wherein the second rack (22) is rotatably connected to the second connecting member (28).

6. Tanker handrail system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a rotational energy storage element (34), in particular a torsion spring, that is preferably provided at the lower end of at least one support bar (4) for providing a rotational force during displacement of the handrail (2) between the folded and unfolded position.

7. Tanker handrail system (1) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handrail (2) comprises a first and a second handrail part (36, 38) which are connected by a connecting mechanism (40), wherein the connecting mechanism (40) is configured for folding and unfolding the first and second handrail parts (36, 38) in opposite directions.

8. Tanker handrail system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises a pair of gear wheels (42, 44), wherein each gear wheel (42, 44) is connected to a respective handrail part (36, 38) and co-rotatable is with the respective handrail part (36, 38).

9. Tanker having a handrail (2) system according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Method for folding and unfolding a handrail (2) of a tanker handrail system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-8, comprising the steps of- operating, in particular rotating, the handle (14), such that the motion transfer assembly, such as the rod assembly and / or the cable assembly, transfers the movement of the handle (14) to the first rack (16) and pinion (18),- moving the first rack (16) in a linear direction, such that the first pinion (18) rotates around the fixed position rotation axis (X), and- co-rotating the handrail (2) with the first pinion (18) such that the handrail (2) moves between the folded and unfolded position.

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