Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Utility Patent
1998-12-23
2001-01-02
Mai, Lanna (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
C280S164100, C280S166000, C182S088000, C182S091000, C182S095000, C182S096000, C296S050000, C296S057100, C296S151000
Utility Patent
active
06168176
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to access steps which are movable from a first operative position in which the step extends generally horizontally to a second retracted storage position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
While many prior art constructions of this type have been patented for use on the rear bumpers of vehicles such as trucks to facilitate access to the load bed of the truck, none of the previous designs have, to my knowledge, enjoyed any substantial material commercial success in the market place.
One of the principal reasons for this, in my view, has been the noise generated by the step assembly when the vehicle was driven over rough roads or rough terrain, because the step assembly was not locked in its several positions. Not only did the bouncing and jouncing encountered cause annoying rattling, with many such prior art constructions, it was possible for the step to swing down from retracted position when an undue bounce or jounce moved the step assembly sufficiently to cause it to move from retracted position. Prior art constructions, to my knowledge, were also not accommodatable to the downwardly curved bumpers now used on many vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Whereas applicant has a copending application for a step designed to be used with a bumper having a substantially flat rear face, and wherein the mount device permitting pivoting of the step operates to automatically provide gravity locking of the step in both its operative and storage positions, the present invention is directed to a step of different character. The present invention provides a pivotally mounted step with lockable connector mechanism between the step and the mount for the step, which locks up in both operative and retracted positions of the step.
One of the many objects of the present invention is to provide a bumper step assembly suitable for bumpers having vertically downwardly curved surfaces which is readily shiftable between a lower locked position of use and a retracted storage position adjacent to the inwardly curved vertical face of the bumper.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pivoted bumper step which is controlled by mechanism connecting the step and mount bracket, and which automatically locks up when the step reaches horizontal position to prevent further downward pivoting of the step and provide a rigid support platform for the step.
A further object of the invention is to provide a step or tread which is pivotal between its use and storage positions, while being connected to its mount by mechanism which locks to prevent swinging movement of the step downwardly beyond use position and while permitting the step to be readily flipped up to its storage position.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a step assembly of the character described wherein the mechanism connecting the step and its mount bracket automatically locks the step in its retracted storage position when the step moves to the storage position.
Another object of the invention is to provide a step assembly incorporating rigidifying brace mechanism for rigidly securing the step mount assembly to the vehicle frame.
A further object of the invention is to design a step assembly with a step which is prevented from contacting the bumper in both its use and storage positions.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a step which is stable and rigid in its lowered position of use.
Another object of the invention is to provide a very durable step which is relatively economical to manufacture and assemble, and which can be conveniently secured to the bumper or frame of an automotive vehicle such as a truck, camper, or trailer.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a bumper step which is safe and reliable in use and rugged in construction.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings and the accompanying descriptive matter.
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Bad River, Inc.
Mai Lanna
Reising Ethington, Barnes, Kisselle, Learman & McCulloch, P.C.
To Toan C
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