ROTATABLE STAIR-DECK SYSTEM

Abstract

A stair-deck system integrates the deck system and stair system. The deck system seamlessly integrates several components, including the top hatch, deck, stair system, and handle link. The handle link establishes a connection between the top hatch and the deck, offering the operator control over the open and close processes. The stair system, situated on the deck, can be deployed as needed. In its fully deployed configuration, the top hatch functions as a roof, and the stair system can be rotated to multiple orientations for enhanced convenience. The stair system integrates a foldable stair, stair platform, and handle posts, forming a comprehensive system mounted on the deck. Following the full deployment of the deck system, the operator can manually unfold the stairs, rotate the entire system to one of three orientations based on the user's preference and convenience and place the handle post.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to stair and deck systems. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a deck for a structure that can be folded into the structure and that can be deployed with the stairs being able to be positioned at a selected one of multiple sides of the deck.

2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Traditional foldable stairs for recreational vehicles (RVs) necessitate external space for installation. Moreover, their typical perpendicular orientation to the door opening wall demands additional parking space. An alternative system combining stairs and a deck exists, but it is non-foldable and involves a complex installation and disassembly process.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need to integrate the advantages of both stair and deck systems, thereby enhancing overall living quality and minimizing operating difficulty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention aim to solve the aforementioned problems in conventional stairs and/or decks in RVs by providing a structure that can be folded into the structure and that can be deployed with the stairs being able to be positioned at a selected one of multiple sides of the deck.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a stair and deck system comprising a deck platform convertible between a folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and a use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure; a stair system rotatably attached to the deck platform, the stair system operable to selectively provide steps from a selected one of multiple sides of the deck platform; a top hatch convertible between the folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and the use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure; and a handlebar interconnecting the deck platform and the top hatch.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a stair and deck system comprising a deck platform convertible between a folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and a use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure; a stair system rotatably attached to the deck platform, the stair system operable to selectively provide steps from a selected one of multiple sides of the deck platform; a stair platform rotatably attached to the deck platform; stair support arms, the stair support arms extending outward from the stair platform to rotatably support the stairs, wherein at least a portion of the steps are disposed directly adjacent the upper surface of the deck platform in the folded state; deck rail posts positionable into holes in the deck platform; a top hatch convertible between the folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and the use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure; and a handlebar interconnecting the deck platform and the top hatch, wherein the deck rail posts are operable to extend through holes in the stair platform to fix the rotation of the stair platform relative to the deck platform once a desired stair location is chosen.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a stair and deck system comprising a deck platform convertible between a folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and a use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure; a stair system rotatably attached to the deck platform, the stair system operable to selectively provide steps from a selected one of multiple sides of the deck platform, the stair system including upper steps and lower steps, the lower steps foldable against the lower steps in the folded state; a linkage extending linearly between the upper and lower steps to fix the relative positions thereof in the use state; a linkage pin to lock the linkage into the use state; stair legs extending downward from sides of the lower stairs, the stair legs operable to extend between the lower stairs to contact a ground surface; a stair leg pin operable to lock the stair legs in a desired position when in the use state; a top hatch convertible between the folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and the use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure; and a handlebar interconnecting the deck platform and the top hatch.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary RV or expandable home structure with a stair-deck system in a folded state;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary structure of FIG. 1 with the stair-deck system in a deployed state;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary module, such as a kitchen module, having the stair-deck system in a folded state;

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the module of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the module of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary module, such as a kitchen module, having the deck-stair system in a deployed state with a left side positioned stair system;

FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the module of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the module of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 illustrates a partially cut-away cross-sectional view of the stair-deck system in a partially deployed state;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the stair-deck system;

FIG. 7 illustrates a pictorial representation showing the deployment of the stair-deck system;

FIG. 8 illustrates a back side view of the stair-deck system in a deployed state;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the stair-deck system, focusing on the stair sub-system thereof;

FIG. 10 illustrates a pictorial representation showing deployment of the stair subsystem;

FIG. 11A illustrates a front view of the stair-deck system with the stairs disposed at a left side thereof;

FIG. 11B illustrates a perspective view of the stair-deck system of FIG. 11A, with the stairs disposed at the left side thereof;

FIG. 12A illustrates a front view of the stair-deck system with the stairs disposed to extend away from the structure;

FIG. 12B illustrates a perspective view of the stair-deck system of FIG. 12A, with the stairs disposed to extend away from the structure;

FIG. 13A illustrates a front view of the stair-deck system with the stairs disposed at a right side thereof;

FIG. 13B illustrates a perspective view of the stair-deck system of FIG. 13A, with the stairs disposed at the right side thereof;

FIG. 14A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stairs in a partially deployed state; and

FIG. 14B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stairs in a fully deployed state.

The illustrations in the figures may not necessarily be drawn to scale.

The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal configuration of a commercial implementation of any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a stair-deck system that integrates the deck system and stair system. The deck system seamlessly integrates several components, including the top hatch, deck, stair system, and handle link. The handle link establishes a connection between the top hatch and the deck, offering the operator control over the open and close processes. To facilitate an easier opening process, a gas spring is also incorporated into the top hatch. The stair system, situated on the deck, can be deployed as needed. In its fully deployed configuration, the top hatch functions as a roof, and the stair system can be rotated to multiple orientations for enhanced convenience. The stair system integrates a foldable stair, stair platform, and handle posts, forming a comprehensive system mounted on the deck. Following the full deployment of the deck system, the operator can manually unfold the stairs, rotate the entire system to one of three orientations based on the user's preference and convenience, and place the handle post.

The entire process is manual and mechanical. A chain serves a dual purpose, connecting the mounting point on the kitchen module, handle posts, and mounting points on the stairs, while also functioning as a handle for operation.

The conventional center-oriented stair design demands a larger parking area footprint. In contrast, the innovative stair platform, according to aspects of the present invention, allows seamless rotation with the stair system, presenting users with the option to orient the stairs in three distinct positions. The handle post serves a role as a locking pin for the stair system, affording users the flexibility to select their preferred stair orientation based on individual preferences and spatial constraints.

The stair brace and lower stair support are seamlessly integrated into the upper and lower stairs, collectively enhancing the stability and support of the stair system. The stair brace establishes a connection between the upper and lower stairs, predominantly mounted on the upper stair. Meanwhile, the lower stair support is affixed to the lower stair. Both components are equipped with a locking pin mechanism to effectively secure their positions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a structure 10 may include a main section 11 and an expansion section 13. A stair-deck system 12, as described in greater detail below, may be used to provide access to an interior of the structure 10. It should be understood that the stair-deck system 12 may be used in various structures, including the expandable structure, as illustrated, as well as other fixed structures and structures that may expand in different directions, for example. The stair-deck system 12 can include a top hatch 20 that is convertible between the folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure 10, and the use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure 10. A deck platform 22 is convertible between the folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure 10, and a use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure 10. A stair system 24 is rotatably attached to the deck platform 22 via a stair platform 26. The stair system 24, along with the stair platform 26, are operable to selectively provide steps 24A, 24B from a selected one of multiple sides of the deck platform 22.

FIGS. 3A through 3C show a module 14, such as a kitchen module, of a recreational vehicle, upon which the stair-deck system 12 can be utilized. In these figures, the stair-deck system 12 is in the collapsed/folded state. FIGS. 4A through 4B show the module 14 with the stair-deck system 12 in the expanded/use state. Once fully deployed, deck rail posts 40 may be placed on a distal end at corners of the deck platform 22 and a stair rail post 42 may be placed in the stair system 24. A top rail (not shown) may be placed on the rail posts 40, 42 to provide a safety rail system.

As shown in FIG. 5, a handlebar 30 may be attached to the top hatch 20 and the deck platform 22 to help move the stair-rail system 12 between the collapsed and expanded states. The handlebar 30 may also help lock the stair platform 30 in a desired configuration, as discussed below. A hydraulic or gas cylinder 28 may also be deployed between the structure and the top hatch 20 to help move the top hatch 20 into the desired position.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the stair-deck system, showing the top hatch 20, the deck platform 22, the stair platform 26, the stair system 24, the hydraulic or gas cylinder 28 and the handlebar 30. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the stair platform 26 may rotatably positioned within a portion of the deck platform 22, with stair attachment arms 26A extending upward so that the stair system 24 can be folded on top of the deck platform. Further, the stair platform 26 can rotate relative to the deck platform 22, permitting the stairs to extend from the left side of the deck platform 22 (FIGS. 11A, 11B), the front (distal end) of the deck platform 22 (FIGS. 12A, 12B) or the right side of the deck platform 22 (FIGS. 13A, 13B).

The deck platform 22 and the stair platform 26 can include holes 22A, 26B formed therein. The deck rail posts 40 may fit into the holes 22A of the deck platform 22 and align with at least one of the holes 26B of the stair platform 26, thus fixing the relative rotation of the deck platform 22 and stair platform 26. In certain positions, the handlebar 30 may fit into one of the holes 26B of the stair platform 26, further fixing the motion of the stair platform 26. Thus, once the user selects the desired stair position, the deck rail posts 40 may be deployed to lock the stair platform 26 (and thus, the stair system 24) in the desired position.

FIG. 7 shows the deployment of the stair-deck system, where the first image shows the stair-deck system in the collapsed state, and the last image shows the stair-deck system with the top hatch 20 and deck platform 22 fully expanded, with the stair system 24 ready for positioning and unfolding.

FIG. 8 shows the fully deployed stair-deck system, with the stair system 24 unfolded and positioned to extend to the right hand side of the deck platform 22.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the stair-deck system, focusing on the components of the stair system 24. The stair system 24 can include upper stairs 24A and lower stairs 24B. The upper stairs 24A can fold to be positioned on top of the deck platform 22 in the collapsed state. The lower stairs 24B can fold to be positioned on top of the upper stairs 24A in the collapsed state. When expanded, the upper stairs 24A and the lower stairs 24B provide a continuous set of steps from the deck platform 22 to the ground. Also referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, a linkage 24C can move from the upper stairs 24A into a slot 50 formed in the lower stairs 24B to fix the angular position of the upper stairs 24A and lower stairs 24B. In some embodiments, the stair rail post 42 can fit into the upper stairs 24A as shown. Pins 24E may also be used to lock the linkage 24C into the deployed position. Stair legs 24D can extend from a slot 52 in the lower stairs 24B. The length of deployment of the legs 24D can be adjusted to provide contact with the ground when the stair system 24 is deployed. Pins 24F can be used to lock the legs 24D at the desired extension length.

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the structure, showing the progression in unfolding the stair system 24 in a right hand side position.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.

The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.

Claims

1. A stair and deck system comprising: a deck platform convertible between a folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and a use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure;a stair system rotatably attached to the deck platform, the stair system operable to selectively provide steps from a selected one of multiple sides of the deck platform;a top hatch convertible between the folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and the use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure; anda handlebar interconnecting the deck platform and the top hatch.

2. The stair and deck system of claim 1, further comprising a stair platform rotatably attached to the deck platform.

3. The stair and deck system of claim 2, wherein the stair platform is disposed below an upper surface of the deck platform.

4. The stair and deck system of claim 3, further comprising stair support arms, the stair support arms extending outward from the stair platform to rotatably support the stairs, wherein at least a portion of the steps are disposed directly adjacent the upper surface of the deck platform in the folded state.

5. The stair and deck system of claim 1, further comprising a gas or hydraulic cylinder assisting an upward movement of the top hatch when moving from the folded state to the use state.

6. The stair and deck system of claim 1, further comprising deck rail posts positionable into holes in the deck platform.

7. The stair and deck system of claim 6, wherein the deck rail posts are further operable to extend through holes in the stair platform to fix the rotation of the stair platform relative to the deck platform once a desired stair location is chosen.

8. The stair and deck system of claim 1, wherein the stair system includes upper steps and lower steps, the lower steps foldable against the lower steps in the folded state.

9. The stair and deck system of claim 8, wherein the stair system include a linkage extending linearly between the upper and lower steps to fix the relative positions thereof in the use state.

10. The stair and deck system of claim 9, further comprising a pin to lock the linkage into the use state.

11. The stair and deck system of claim 8, wherein the stair system includes stair legs extending downward from sides of the lower stairs, the stair legs operable to extend between the lower stairs to contact a ground surface.

12. The stair and deck system of claim 11, further comprising a pin to lock the stair legs in a desired position when in the use state.

13. The stair and deck system of claim 8, further comprising a stair rail post removably attachable to the upper steps.

14. A stair and deck system comprising: a deck platform convertible between a folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and a use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure;a stair system rotatably attached to the deck platform, the stair system operable to selectively provide steps from a selected one of multiple sides of the deck platform;a stair platform rotatably attached to the deck platform;stair support arms, the stair support arms extending outward from the stair platform to rotatably support the stairs, wherein at least a portion of the steps are disposed directly adjacent the upper surface of the deck platform in the folded state;deck rail posts positionable into holes in the deck platform;a top hatch convertible between the folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and the use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure; anda handlebar interconnecting the deck platform and the top hatch,wherein the deck rail posts are operable to extend through holes in the stair platform to fix the rotation of the stair platform relative to the deck platform once a desired stair location is chosen.

15. The stair and deck system of claim 14, wherein the stair platform is disposed below an upper surface of the deck platform.

16. The stair and deck system of claim 14, wherein: the stair system includes upper steps and lower steps, the lower steps foldable against the lower steps in the folded state; andthe stair system include a linkage extending linearly between the upper and lower steps to fix the relative positions thereof in the use state.

17. The stair and deck system of claim 16, further comprising a pin to lock the linkage into the use state.

18. The stair and deck system of claim 16, further comprising: stair legs extending downward from sides of the lower stairs, the stair legs operable to extend between the lower stairs to contact a ground surface; anda pin operable to lock the stair legs in a desired position when in the use state.

19. A stair and deck system comprising: a deck platform convertible between a folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and a use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure;a stair system rotatably attached to the deck platform, the stair system operable to selectively provide steps from a selected one of multiple sides of the deck platform, the stair system including upper steps and lower steps, the lower steps foldable against the lower steps in the folded state;a linkage extending linearly between the upper and lower steps to fix the relative positions thereof in the use state;a linkage pin to lock the linkage into the use state;stair legs extending downward from sides of the lower stairs, the stair legs operable to extend between the lower stairs to contact a ground surface;a stair leg pin operable to lock the stair legs in a desired position when in the use state;a top hatch convertible between the folded state, positioned adjacent a side of a structure, and the use state, positioned to extend outward from the structure; anda handlebar interconnecting the deck platform and the top hatch.

20. The stair and deck system of claim 19, further comprising: a stair platform rotatably attached to the deck platform;stair support arms, the stair support arms extending outward from the stair platform to rotatably support the stairs, wherein at least a portion of the steps are disposed directly adjacent the upper surface of the deck platform in the folded state; deck rail posts positionable into holes in the deck platform;wherein the deck rail posts are operable to extend through holes in the stair platform to fix the rotation of the stair platform relative to the deck platform once a desired stair location is chosen.