This the second time I’ve posted this query but I’m sure I’m not the oldest dog in the hunt. This has to trigger someone else’s memory, please, please.
Some time ago in an issue of FH there was an article about a home built on the coast that had a long stair or ramp that pivoted at the top. It was up when not needed and went down when required. I’ve searched the indices and apparently haven’t used the correct key words. Does anyone out there remember the article and be able to point me to the issue? Thanks in advance to all that ponder this. Doug
Addendum: I seem to rember that this stairway was itself outdoors. I seem to remember a picture in the article that showed the stair in a horizontal position extending out over the water which was quite a ways below the pivot point of the stair. It seems as though the stair was quite long (20-30 feet? or more). If I am recollecting correctly the stair was used to access a boat that was below the outboard end. A person could walk out the stair until their weight caused the stair to tip down ( scary thought to me). I seem to remember a tag line at the end of the stair that someone approaching by water could use to pull the stair down for access.
Replies
This the second time I've posted this query but I'm sure I'm not the oldest dog in the hunt. This has to trigger someone else's memory, please, please.
Some time ago in an issue of FH there was an article about a home built on the coast that had a long stair or ramp that pivoted at the top. It was up when not needed and went down when required. I've searched the indices and apparently haven't used the correct key words. Does anyone out there remember the article and be able to point me to the issue? Thanks in advance to all that ponder this. Doug
Addendum: I seem to rember that this stairway was itself outdoors. I seem to remember a picture in the article that showed the stair in a horizontal position extending out over the water which was quite a ways below the pivot point of the stair. It seems as though the stair was quite long (20-30 feet? or more). If I am recollecting correctly the stair was used to access a boat that was below the outboard end. A person could walk out the stair until their weight caused the stair to tip down ( scary thought to me). I seem to remember a tag line at the end of the stair that someone approaching by water could use to pull the stair down for access.
doesn't make sense, you'ld have to walk on the thin edge of the tread nosing until it tipped and you fell off, otherwise your basically describing a draw bridge ..
Sounds like simple project, with many variables.
A pivoted ramp with a counterweight. Rope and pipe handrails to keep the weight down.
Some sort of beam to mount a pulley system.
Big "Use at Your Own Risk" sign.
In my experience it is best to encase a counterweight in a box to keep it from swinging around.
Edit:
I should also mention this type of counterweighted ramp is exceedingly dangerous. As soon as a person steps off, the ramp rises.
"Perfect is the enemy of Good." Morrison
Edited 9/1/2008 6:27 pm by gordsco
You bring back memories ...
The first home I lived in had just such a stair - only indoors. In my case, the stair up from the 1st floor landing swung up to expose the stairs down to the basement. The whole thing was so well balanced that a 4-yr old could operate it.
Thanks for the reply. Any idea of the mechanics involved? - Doug
Nope - I was the 4-yr old :D
Made me chuckle!!!
SOunds like a fire escape set up.
No idea what issue though.