Retractable access means having a folding handrail assembly - Patents.com

Abstract

An access system (10) for a vehicle, equipment, or facility, the access system (10) including at least one section having a plurality of steps / steps (56), a storage mechanism having at least one actuator (28), and at least one handrail assembly (32), the storage mechanism arranged to store an access means (12) and enable its deployment, the handrail assembly (32) pivotally connected to the access means (12) to fold about the at least one section for storage and to expand to provide a handrail for supporting a user when the access means (12) is deployed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a retractable access system.

[0002] One or more specific, non-limiting aspects of the present invention relate to stowable access systems for earthmoving and construction vehicles.

[0003] A stowable access system includes an access means (such as a stowed step or ladder) that is deployable from a stowed position and stowable from a deployed position.

[0004] The terms "stowable" or "deployable" include at least pivoting movement of the access means (stairs or ladder) and may include folding / unfolding or nesting / unnesting sections of the access means relative to one another. [Background technology]

[0005] Systems using deployable / retractable access means may be provided on large earthmoving and construction vehicles. For example, deployable / retractable access means (e.g., stairs or tilted ladders) are provided to allow the vehicle operator to access the cab without climbing a vertical ladder that may have a negative slope, unless the equipment is parked on level ground.

[0006] It will be appreciated that the access means can be deployed from a stowed position (so that the vehicle can be safely moved when the access means is stowed) and can be stowed from a deployed position (e.g. when entry / exit to the vehicle is required and the vehicle is stationary).

[0007] When the operator is on the machine, the access means (stairs or ladder) is stowed so that the access means is not hanging downwards and / or outwards, increasing the ground clearance of the machine, thereby minimizing the probability of damage from contact with rocks when the machine is moving.

[0008] The access means must also be retracted so that other personnel cannot climb onto the machine without the operator's knowledge. If a person is on the access means without the operator's knowledge, there is a very high chance that the person will be injured. Possible injuries can range from the person losing balance and falling to the person being crushed or trapped between the working parts / wheels of the equipment and the bodywork adjacent to the equipment.

[0009] The systems used to stow the access means can be very varied, but generally rely on either electrical or hydraulic systems that are manually actuated by an operator.

[0010] In particular, vehicles may have limited storage space for stowed access means, and full-length access means deployment or stow movement may cause clearance issues with vehicle components and / or infrastructure / personnel adjacent to the vehicle. Such clearance issues may also exist in non-vehicle applications of deployable / stowable access means.

[0011] Access systems are safer for workers to use when they have handrails. Handrails provide protection and stable support for workers ascending or descending the access means. Handrails may be required to meet national or international safety or operational standards, such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or AS (Australian Standards).

[0012] However, the space required by handrails, as well as the need to deploy and retract them with the access means, pose technical robustness and reliability challenges when developing suitable handrails for retractable access systems.

[0013] For mining and heavy vehicle applications, the handrails of known access systems are physically connected to the vehicle and the access means, resulting in the need for complex structural folding and telescopic connections and shapes to compensate for changes in positional and angular relationships between the handrail and the access means. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stowable access system including a foldable handrail device that is attached to an access means of the system, stowed and deployed in conjunction with the access means, and operated by a stowage mechanism of the access means.

[0015] Where any prior art is referred to in this specification, it should be understood that such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this invention pertains, in Australia, or in any other country. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] In view of the above, an aspect of the present invention provides an access system for a vehicle, equipment or facility, the access system including at least one section having a plurality of steps / floors, a storage mechanism for storing and enabling deployment of the access means, and at least one handrail assembly, the handrail assembly being pivotally connected to the access means to fold against the at least one section for storage and to extend to provide a handrail for supporting a user when the access means is deployed.

[0017] When the handrail is attached to the side of the vehicle, a telescoping handrail is required to prevent the handrail from folding overcentre, as is the case with known access systems. If the handrail folds overcentre, it cannot easily re-extend from its folded position unless complex joints and telescoping devices are provided to offset the overcentre problem caused by the handrail being attached to the vehicle.

[0018] One or more aspects of the present invention overcome such limitations by having a handrail assembly that is operable to fold / extend with a storage mechanism and that is attached to the access means.

[0019] Beneficially, a coupling device extending from the storage mechanism to the handrail / handrail balusters and operatively connected to the storage mechanism avoids the need to connect the handrail to a vehicle, equipment, or facility.

[0020] The access means, storage mechanism, and folding handrail assembly may be provided as an assembly for connecting the handrail directly to a vehicle, equipment, or facility, or for mounting to a vehicle, equipment, or facility without the need for complex joints and telescoping devices.

[0021] A linkage connecting the at least one actuator to a balusters to which the handrail is pivotally attached is configured such that over-center problems are avoided.

[0022] The at least one handrail assembly may be operable to fold and extend with respect to the at least one section by a mechanical connection to the storage mechanism.

[0023] This mechanical connection may be provided via a pivotable linkage, which may include a link between each handrail assembly and a portion of the storage mechanism.

[0024] The folding and / or extension of the at least one handrail assembly may be actuated by operation of at least one actuator to stow and / or deploy the access means.

[0025] The at least one actuator may include at least one hydraulic actuator, at least one pneumatic actuator, and / or at least one electric actuator.

[0026] The linkage between the handrail assembly and the storage mechanism may include a linkage connected to a balusters or a portion of a balusters of each handrail assembly.

[0027] A balusters will be understood to refer to a vertical member (upright / extended) connected directly or indirectly between a respective handrail and a horizontal member that extends along a side of a section to support the steps / treads of that section. A balusters may be pivotally connected to the handrail and horizontal member / side, for example by a pivot connection to a bracket or a direct pivot connection.

[0028] It is preferred that the access means and the balusters connected between the actuator and the handrail rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting platform / vehicle, equipment or facility during stowing and deployment.

[0029] During stowing or deployment, it is preferred that the balusters connected to the actuators rotate through a smaller angle or at a slower speed than the access means.

[0030] During storage, the access means rotates upwards and the respective handrails fold towards the access means, whilst both the access means and the balusters connected to the actuators preferably rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting.

[0031] During deployment, the access means rotates downwards and each handrail is moved outwardly from the access means, whilst preferably both the access means and the balusters connected to the actuators rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

[0032] A balusters may be operatively connected to at least one actuator of the storage mechanism and to the handrail.

[0033] The balusters may be positioned and configured such that they rotate (via at least one pivot connection) relative to the mounting in the same direction that the stairs rotate during stowing or deployment of the access means.

[0034] The access means and balusters may be arranged and configured to rotate (via at least one pivot connection) in the same direction relative to the mounting platform / vehicle, equipment or facility during stowing and deployment.

[0035] The balusters, which may be operatively connected to at least one actuator, are configured to rotate at a smaller angle or at a slower speed than the access means during stowing or deployment.

[0036] During storage, the access means is arranged and configured to rotate upwardly and each handrail folds towards the access means, while both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting.

[0037] During deployment, the access means is arranged and configured to rotate downward and each handrail is moved outwardly from the access means, while both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

[0038] Preferably the balusters include a member extending between the connection to the handrail and the connection to the access means.

[0039] The connection to the handrail and / or the connection to the access means may include a respective pivot connection.

[0040] Preferably the balusters are connected to a linkage which is pivotally connected to at least one actuator.

[0041] The balusters may be operatively connected to at least one further balusters by means of a handrail and / or at least one intermediate handrail, which relates to a safety handrail extending between at least two adjacent balusters and positioned away from the handrail and the access means.

[0042] The distance between the main pivot connecting the access means to the mounting base and the connection between the access means and the at least one actuator is greater than the distance between the connection between the linkage and the access means and the connection between the linkage and the at least one actuator.

[0043] The term "baluster" refers to an element / member (such as an extension member) that provides a physical connection (direct or indirect) between the respective handrail and the access means, similar to the vertical member between the handrail and the horizontal member of a conventional fixed staircase, but it will be understood that in the present invention the balusters are pivotally connected to the access means such that they are upright when deployed and pivot towards the access means during stowage (e.g. for storage of the access means with the handrail assembly folded up).

[0044] The access means may rotate through an angle greater than the rotation angle of at least one balusters / handrail assembly between the fully deployed and fully stowed positions of the access means. The shape and length of one or more links / links, such as the spacing and / or location of pivot connections, may be arranged and configured to produce the required angle values, for example as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The access means can be retracted or deployed through a rotational angle of up to 175°, preferably up to 160°, more preferably up to 150°, and even more preferably up to about 135° between the fully deployed and fully retracted positions, each angle being determinable relative to a mounting on which the access means is pivoted.

[0046] At least one balusters of the handrail assembly connected for rotation relative to the access means, preferably an active balusters connected to the stowage mechanism, rotates through an angle equivalent to 15% to 40%, preferably 20% to 35%, of the total angle of rotation of the access means between the fully deployed and fully stowed positions.

[0047] The handrail assembly may be rotated through a rotation angle of 15% to 40% of the rotation angle of the access means, preferably 20% to 35%.

[0048] One or more intermediate handrails extend between successive balusters. The one or more intermediate handrails may be pivotally connected to a respective balusters at each end of the intermediate handrail.

[0049] The access system may include multiple sections, each having multiple steps / steps. Preferably, at least a first and second said sections are pivotally connected, such as for compact storage.

[0050] A linkage may be provided to transfer motion between the first and second sections. The coupling may include a first transfer link and a second transfer link pivotally connected to one another. At least one of the transfer link may be connected to a mid-handrail or balusters of the second section.

[0051] The retracting action of the retraction mechanism can raise the distal (lower) end of the first (upper) section and cause the handrail assembly engaged with the first section to begin folding relative to the first section.

[0052] When stored, multiple sections may be next to each other.

[0053] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of storing an access system incorporating at least one foldable handrail assembly, the method comprising the steps of operating a storage mechanism having an actuator for driving storage of the access means, the storage mechanism driving folding of the handrail assembly relative to the access means.

[0054] Retraction of the access means may involve pivoting of a second section of the access means relative to a first section of the access means, each said section including multiple steps / floors of the access means.

[0055] The first section may include a first handrail assembly and the second section may include a second handrail assembly, and retraction of the access means folds the first and second handrail assemblies.

[0056] It is preferred that folding of the second handrail assembly is driven by a mechanical connection of the second handrail assembly to the first section and / or the first handrail assembly.

[0057] A linkage may transmit motion to the handrail assembly of the second section to drive the handrail assembly engaged with the second section to fold relative to the second section.

[0058] It will be appreciated that deployment of the access means may be the reverse of the steps of retracting and using the retraction mechanism.

[0059] Power for the at least one actuator may be provided by the vehicle, equipment, or utility system, such as an on-board hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical source. Alternatively, a dedicated power source can be provided.

[0060] The folding of the second handrail assembly may be driven by a mechanical connection of the second handrail assembly to the first section and / or the first handrail assembly.

[0061] A storage mechanism may be positioned and configured to operate between the access means and a mounting that connects the access means to a vehicle, equipment, or facility.

[0062] Preferably, at least one handrail assembly is pivotally mounted to the access means.

[0063] The access means may be attached to a mounting base attached to the vehicle, equipment, or facility, and the storage mechanism may be operatively connected between the mounting base and the access means.

[0064] A balusters may be operatively connected to at least one actuator of the storage mechanism and to the handrail.

[0065] The balusters may be rotated relative to the mounting in the same direction that the access means is rotated during stowing or deployment of the access means.

[0066] The access means and balusters can be rotated in the same direction relative to the mounting platform / vehicle, equipment or facility during stowing and deployment.

[0067] The balusters, operatively connected to the at least one actuator, are rotated through a smaller angle or at a slower speed than the access means during stowing or deployment.

[0068] During storage, the access means may be rotated upwards and the respective handrails folded towards the access means whilst both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

[0069] During deployment, the access means may be rotated downwards and each handrail moved outwardly from the access means while both the access means and balusters are rotated in the same direction relative to the mounting.

[0070] The balusters may include members extending between the connection to the handrail and the connection to the access means. The connection to the handrail and / or the connection to the access means may include respective pivot connections.

[0071] The balusters may be connected to a linkage that is pivotally connected to at least one actuator. The balusters and linkage may be one component, such as a continuous member / element, preferably made of metal.

[0072] A baluster may be operatively connected to at least one further baluster by a handrail and / or at least one intermediate handrail.

[0073] The distance between the primary pivot connecting the access means to the mounting and the connection of the access means to the at least one actuator may be greater than the distance between the connection of the linkage to the access means and the connection of the linkage to the at least one actuator. Such a difference in leverage distance allows the access means to rotate angularly further and / or faster than the balusters (and thus retraction of the access means spans a greater angle than folding of the handrail assembly).

[0074] One or more embodiments or examples of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0075] [Figure 1A] 1A-1D show the stages of storage (reverse order, FIGS. 1D-1A show the stages of deployment) of a two-section access means with foldable handrails according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B]1A-1D show the stages of storage (reverse order, FIGS. 1D-1A show the stages of deployment) of a two-section access means with foldable handrails according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1A-1D show the stages of storage (reverse order, FIGS. 1D-1A show the stages of deployment) of a two-section access means with foldable handrails according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1D] 1A-1D show the stages of storage (reverse order, FIGS. 1D-1A show the stages of deployment) of a two-section access means with foldable handrails according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 2A-2E show the stages of storage (in reverse order, FIGS. 2A-2E show the stages of deployment) of an access means with foldable handrails according to a further embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2B] 2A-2E show the stages of storage (in reverse order, FIGS. 2A-2E show the stages of deployment) of an access means with foldable handrails according to a further embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2C] 2A-2E show the stages of storage (in reverse order, FIGS. 2A-2E show the stages of deployment) of an access means with foldable handrails according to a further embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2D] 2A-2E show the stages of storage (in reverse order, FIGS. 2A-2E show the stages of deployment) of an access means with foldable handrails according to a further embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2E] 2A-2E show the stages of storage (in reverse order, FIGS. 2A-2E show the stages of deployment) of an access means with foldable handrails according to a further embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0076] It will be appreciated that the access system will typically be powered by hydraulic, pneumatic or electric drives.

[0077] Similarly, the access means of the access system are attached to a vehicle or other equipment / installation requiring user entry / exit via the access means. Diagrammatic representations of vehicles, equipment or installations are shown in the figures as schematic examples of attachment of the access means.

[0078] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The exemplary embodiments described in this detailed description, illustrated in the drawings, and defined in the claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the presented subject matter. It will be readily understood that aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0079] 1A-1D show stages of storage (reversely, FIGS. 1D-1A show stages of deployment) of a two-section access means with foldable handrails according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 1A shows the access means 12 fully deployed, Figure 1B shows the access means partially retracted, Figure 1C shows the access means further retracted, and Figure 1D shows the access means fully retracted.

[0081] The access system 10 includes an access means 12 that is attached to a vehicle, equipment, or facility 14 .

[0082] The access means may include a single section incorporating a fixed or folding step / board, or multiple sections arranged and configured to pivot / hinged relative to one another, the sections being capable of folding or nesting together when stowed / stored.

[0083] The section or sections of the access means include a number of steps / steps 56 that are used to ascend or descend for walking on the access means.

[0084] In the example shown in Figures 1A-1D, the access means is provided as a two-section access means (e.g., a staircase) incorporating a first (upper when deployed) section 16 and a second (lower when deployed) section 18.

[0085] The first section 16 and the second section 18 are connected together by at least one pivot device 20. The pivot device 20 allows the first and second sections to fold relative to one another during stowing and deployment.

[0086] The access means is mounted to a vehicle, equipment, or facility 14. A primary pivot device 22 allows for pivotal movement of the access means 12 during stowage and deployment.

[0087] At least one actuator 24 (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, electric) connects between a linkage 26 and an actuator bracket 28. The linkage 26 connects the actuator to a main bracket 30 that is mounted to the vehicle, equipment, or facility. A collapsible handrail assembly 32 is pivotally mounted to each section 16, 18.

[0088] Each handrail assembly 32 includes a handrail 34 (34A, 34B) pivotally connected via one or more balusters 36 (36A, 36B, 36C). Each baluster is pivotally connected to a respective handrail and a respective section of the access means.

[0089] The first transfer arm 38 and the second transfer arm 40 are pivotally connected. The first transfer arm 38 is also pivotally connected to the lower end of the first section 16. The second transfer arm 40 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the second section 18.

[0090] The transfer link 42 transfers motion from the second transfer arm 40 to the handrail assembly 32 of the second section 18 .

[0091] During storage of the exemplary multi-section access means, as the first (upper) section is raised by operation of the actuator 24, the pivot of the top end (mounting end) and pivoting away from the second section initiates folding of the first section downwards.

[0092] Motion is transferred through link member 44 connected to baluster link 46 which is connected to upper balusters 36A. Upper balusters 36A are pivotally connected to handrails 34A and further pivotally connected to a first intermediate handrail 48.

[0093] The motion is transferred to the second balusters 36B via a pivotable connection and through the second intermediate handrail 50 to the third balusters 36C.

[0094] Motion is transferred from the transfer link 42 to the upper balusters 36D of the second section 18. A first mid-handrail 52 of the second section 18 transfers motion to the mid-balusters 36E and a second mid-handrail 54 transfers motion to the lower balusters 36F. The handrail 34B is also pivotally connected to the balusters and thereby has a pivotal connection with the mid-handrail and the transfer link 42.

[0095] As shown in Figure 1D, the multi-section access means 12 is stowed in a storage position with both the first and second sections folded up. The handrail assemblies are arranged such that the handrails 34 (34A, 34B) are folded up to reduce storage space, provide greater clearance around vehicles, equipment and facilities, and reduce leverage (bounce) and associated wear on the primary pivots that may otherwise be present in a full length stowed access means having the same overall length.

[0096] 2A-2E show stages of storage of an access means with foldable handrails according to a further embodiment of the invention (in reverse, FIGS. 2E-2A show stages of deployment).

[0097] The access means 12 of a single section 17 of an access system 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention is pivotally mounted to the vehicle, equipment or facility 14 via a primary pivot device 22. The primary pivot device preferably has a primary pivot axis.

[0098] Linkage 26 connects to one end of actuator 24. The opposite end of the actuator connects to actuator bracket 28. The actuator may be hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically powered.

[0099] The actuator 28 may be or include a single or double acting ram. In the case of a single acting ram, actuation can extend the ram, raising (stowing) the access means. Lowering can be by gravity, with optional pressure / flow control from the ram to brake / control the deployment motion / speed.

[0100] Motion is transferred through link member 44 connected to baluster link 46 which is connected to upper balusters 36A. Upper balusters 36A are pivotally connected to handrail 34A and further pivotally connected to first intermediate handrail 48.

[0101] The motion is transferred to the second balusters 36B via a pivotable connection and through the second intermediate handrail 50 to the third balusters 36C.

[0102] The handrail 34 is connected to balusters 36A, 36B, 36C and thereby pivotally connected to the section 17 of the access means and to intermediate handrails 48, 50.

[0103] When the actuator expands (see FIG. 2B), the distal (lower) end of the section rises. The link arm 44 and balusters link 46 pivot about the pivot connection to the access means. As that section rises, the handrail assembly 32 collapses.

[0104] Further extension of the actuator (see FIG. 2C) causes the handrail assembly 32 to further collapse as the section 17 of the access means 12 is raised (retracted).

[0105] The access means 12 is stowed upwards into an upright storage position (see FIG. 2E) and the handrail assembly is folded up for storage.

[0106] During stowing, the at least one actuator drives the access means to rotate upward relative to the mounting / vehicle, equipment, or facility to which the access means is attached. A handrail assembly is attached to the access means. The handrail assembly is driven to fold towards the access means via a baluster connection to the at least one actuator while rotating in the same direction as the access means.

[0107] It will be appreciated that during stowing, the handrail assembly rotates slower or at a smaller rotational angle than the access means, closing towards each other as both rotate upwardly relative to the mounting base, and the physical linkage connection between the handrail assembly and at least one actuator, and the pivotable connection of the handrail to the balusters (and any intermediate handrails), allows the handrail assembly to fold (and further extend during the reverse movement of deployment).

[0108] By avoiding direct / fixed connections between the handrail assembly and the vehicle, equipment, or facility, the need for complex pivoting and telescoping connections between parts of the handrail assembly is avoided.

[0109] Furthermore, a self-contained access system is beneficial in that the handrail assembly, access means, and at least one actuator can be provided as a complete system without requiring connection to a vehicle, equipment, or facility other than via attachment to the at least one actuator and any power source.

[0110] The access means is retractable or deployable through a rotational angle of up to 175°, preferably up to 160°, more preferably up to 150°, and even more preferably up to about 135° between the fully deployed and fully retracted positions.

[0111] At least one balusters of the handrail assembly connected for rotation relative to the access means, preferably an operational balusters connected to the stowage mechanism, rotates through an angle equivalent to 15% to 40% of the total angle of rotation of the access means between the fully deployed and fully stowed positions.

[0112] For an exemplary vehicle application, the access means has a rotation angle of 135°, with the balusters rotating approximately 30.5% of the access means rotation (approximately 47.25°).

[0113] The handrail assembly is capable of being rotated through a rotation angle of between 15% and 30% of the rotation angle of the access means.

[0114] In the following claims and in the above description of the invention, unless the context requires otherwise by clear expression or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in the inclusive sense, i.e., to specifically describe the presence of stated features and not to exclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. An access system for a vehicle, equipment, or facility, said access system comprising: at least one section having a plurality of steps / floors; a storage mechanism having at least one actuator; and at least one handrail assembly for each of the at least one section; the storage mechanism is arranged to store and enable deployment of an access means; the handrail assembly is pivotally connected to each section of the access means so as to fold relative to the at least one section for storage and to extend to provide a handrail for support of a user when the access means is unfolded; the access means is attached to a mounting base attached to a vehicle, equipment, or facility, and the storage mechanism is operatively connected between the mounting base and the access means; an actuator link connecting a proximal end of the actuator to the mount and an actuator bracket connecting a distal end of the actuator to a first section of the at least one section; the at least one handrail assembly is operable to fold and extend relative to the at least one section via a mechanical connection to the storage mechanism; The mechanical connection is made via a pivotable linkage including a link between each handrail assembly and a proximal end of the actuator, the handrail assembly and the proximal end of the actuator being pivotally connected to the first section; An access system, wherein motion of the actuator is transmitted to the handrail assembly via the link portion.

2. 2. The access system of claim 1, wherein the link between the handrail assemblies and the storage mechanism includes the link device connected to at least one baluster or portion of the respective handrail assembly.

3. The access system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one actuator comprises at least one hydraulic actuator, at least one pneumatic actuator, and / or at least one electric actuator.

4. one or more intermediate handrails extend between successive said balusters; The access system of claim 2 , wherein the one or more intermediate handrails are pivotally connected to the respective balusters at each end of the intermediate handrail.

5. An access system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a number of sections, each having a number of steps / plates, pivotally connected to one another.

6. at least first and second said sections are pivotally connected together; At least one transfer linkage is provided to transfer motion between the first section and the second section; The access system of claim 5 , wherein the transfer linkage includes a first transfer link portion and a second transfer link portion pivotally connected to one another.

7. The access system of claim 6 , wherein at least one of the transfer linkages is connected to an intermediate handrail or balusters of the second section.

8. 8. The access system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the transfer linkage is positioned and configured to transfer movement to the handrail assembly of the second section.

9. An access system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein when stored, the sections are adjacent to each other.

10. The access system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a balusters is operatively connected to the at least one actuator of the storage mechanism and to the handrail via the linkage.

11. The access system of claim 10 , wherein the balusters rotate relative to the mounting in the same direction that the access means rotates during stowing or deployment of the access means.

12. 12. The access system of claim 11, wherein a balusters operatively connected to the at least one actuator are configured to rotate through a smaller angle or slower than the access means during stowing or deployment.

13. 13. An access system as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein during storage, the access means rotates upwards and the respective handrails fold towards the access means, whilst both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

14. 14. An access system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein during deployment, the access means is configured to rotate downwards and the respective handrails are moved away from the access means, while both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

15. An access system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the balusters include members extending between a connection to the handrail and a connection to the access means which form part of the link.

16. 16. An access system according to claim 15, wherein the connection to the handrail and / or the connection to the access means comprises a respective pivot connection.

17. The access system of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the balusters are pivotally connected to the at least one actuator via the linkage.

18. An access system according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the balusters are operatively connected to at least one further balusters by the handrails and / or at least one intermediate handrail.

19. 19. An access system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the distance between a primary pivot connecting the access means to the mounting base and the connection of the access means to the at least one actuator is greater than the distance between the connection of the linkage to the access means and the connection of the linkage to the at least one actuator, thereby allowing the access means to rotate angularly further and faster than the at least one balusters and limiting the overall rotation angle so as not to rotate over-centre.

20. The access system of claim 19, wherein the access means is retracted or deployed through a full rotation angle of up to 175° between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position.

21. An access system as described in claim 19 or 20, wherein at least one handrail connected for rotation relative to the access means rotates through an angle equivalent to 15% to 40% of the total rotation angle of the access means between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position.

22. An access system as described in any one of claims 21, wherein the handrail assembly is rotated through a rotation angle of between 15% and 40% of the rotation angle of the access means.

23. 23. The access system of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the access means, storage mechanism and foldable handrail assembly are provided as an assembly for mounting to a vehicle, equipment or facility.

24. 13. A method of storing an access system as described in claim 1 incorporating at least one collapsible handrail assembly, the method comprising the step of operating an actuator for driving storage of an access means, the storage mechanism driving folding of the handrail assembly relative to the access means.

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