Extruded bunk step for bunk bed

Details Extruded bunk step for bunk bed Extruded bunk step for bunk bed

2000-01-25

2001-11-27

Trettel, Michael F. (Department: 3628)

Beds

Vehicle attached

C005S193000, C005S663000, C005S507100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06321399

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a bunk bed for use in a sleeper portion of a tractor used to haul a semi trailer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many tractors used to haul semi trailers, such as the common 18-wheeler, are provided with sleeping quarters for the operators. A common configuration is a bunk bed arrangement with a lower bunk extending lengthwise across the width of the tractor and an upper bunk directly thereabove.
The lower bunk is commonly mounted on hinges to allow the bunk itself to be lifted up to expose a storage area thereunder. Also, often elaborate devices and ladders are utilized to provide access to the upper bunk. These devices are complicated, expensive and occupy critical space within the sleeper compartment. A need exists for an improved design which minimizes cost, maximizes use of the available space and is attractive to the operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a bunk front is provided for a bunk used in a vehicle. The bunk has a portion formed of a uniform thickness adjacent to the front edge of a bunk. The bunk front has a first portion having an opening for placement over the portion of the bunk, the first portion having engagement members to engage the portion of the bunk to secure the first portion on the bunk. A second portion forms a step thereon.
In accordance with additional aspects of the present invention, the engagement members of the first portion are in the form of teeth which engage the portion of the bunk. Adhesive can also be used to assist the engagement between the first portion of the bunk front and the portion of the bunk. The bunk front can be extruded of a material, such as aluminum. A pad can be placed over at least the first portion of the bunk front. When the bunk front is used as a step, the pad can have a cutout to expose the step.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2127442 (1938-08-01), Dowdy
patent: 3008534 (1961-11-01), Von Canon, Jr.
patent: 3629881 (1971-12-01), Hinshaw
patent: 4084276 (1978-04-01), Trexler et al.
patent: 4193146 (1980-03-01), Fredman et al.
patent: 4514871 (1985-05-01), Fisher
patent: 5203040 (1993-04-01), Hochschild, III
patent: 5867853 (1999-02-01), Feld

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