Removable stairway for an elevated platform and method

Abstract

A removable stairway device configured for attachment to a platform includes a removable step attachable to the platform and extendable from the platform in cantilever fashion. A gap is formed between the step and the elevated deck of the platform when the removable step is attached to the platform. A lock plate is pivotally coupled to the step. The lock plate pivots to cover the gap between the step and the elevated deck. A flange extends from the lock plate and engages a side of the platform to lock the step to the platform when the step is attached to the platform and the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap.

1 . A removable stairway device configured for a platform, comprising:
 a) a platform having an elevated deck and a plurality of legs supporting the deck;   b) a step removably attachable to the platform and extendable from the platform in cantilever fashion;   c) a gap between the step and the elevated deck of the platform;   d) a lock plate pivotally coupled to the step and pivotal to cover the gap between the step and the elevated deck; and   e) a flange extending from the lock plate and engageable with a side of the platform to lock the step against the platform when the step is attached to the platform and the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap.   
   
   
       2 . A device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the flange is positioned on the lock plate so as to form an interference fit with the side of the platform when the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap and the flange engages the side of the platform. 
   
   
       3 . A device in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the flange includes a beveled end that engages and guides the flange along the side of the platform as the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap. 
   
   
       4 . A device in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the flange resists rotation by the step due to upward and downward forces applied to the step when the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap and the flange engages the side of the platform. 
   
   
       5 . A device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the step further includes a cantilever support bracket having an attachment end removably attachable to the platform and extendable therefrom in cantilever fashion and configured to carry the step. 
   
   
       6 . A device in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a stair stringer extending downward from the step and including a plurality of relatively lower, substantially parallel, and approximately equally spaced steps with respect to the removable step.   
   
   
       7 . A device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the lock plate is positionable in a substantially flush position with respect to an upper surface of the elevated deck of the platform when the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap. 
   
   
       8 . A portable elevated platform, comprising:
 a) a deck elevatable to a desired height by a plurality of legs;   b) a stairway removably coupled to the deck and configured to provide access from a lower surface to the deck, the stairway further comprising:
 i) a step removably attachable to the deck and extendable from the deck in cantilever fashion; 
 ii) a stair stringer extending downward from the step and including a plurality of relatively lower steps with respect to the removable step; 
 iii) a gap between the step and the deck when the stairway is coupled to the deck; 
 iv) a lock plate pivotally coupled to the step and pivotal to cover the gap between the step and the deck; and 
 v) a flange extending from the lock plate and engageable with a side of the platform when the step is attached to the platform and the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap. 
   
   
   
       9 . A device in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the flange is positioned on the lock plate so as to form an interference fit with the side of the platform when the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap and the flange engages the side of the platform. 
   
   
       10 . A device in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the flange includes a beveled end that engages and guides the flange along the side of the platform as the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap. 
   
   
       11 . A device in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the step further includes a cantilever support bracket having an attachment end removably attachable to the platform and extendable therefrom in cantilever fashion and configured to carry the step. 
   
   
       12 . A device in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the lock plate is positionable in a substantially flush position with respect to an upper surface of the elevated deck of the platform when the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap. 
   
   
       13 . A method for coupling a removable stairway to a platform, comprising:
 a) coupling a removable step to an elevated deck of the platform such that the step extends away from the deck in cantilever fashion; and   b) pivoting a lock plate pivotally coupled to the step to lock a gap between the step and the elevated deck such that a flange extending from the lock plate frictionally engages a side of the platform when the step is attached to the platform and the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap.   
   
   
       14 . A method in accordance with  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a) positioning a plurality of lower steps coupled to the removable step below the removable step to form a stairway from a ground surface to the elevated deck.   
   
   
       15 . A method in accordance with  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a) pivoting the lock plate to an unengaged position where the flange is free from contact with the side of the platform to uncover the gap; and   b) removing the removable step from the elevated deck.