Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-23
2001-01-09
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
C280S166000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170842
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to steps of the type which can be used at the rear of a truck vehicle below the tailgate on the rear bumper for accessing the truck bed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention is concerned with certain new and useful improvements in steps of this character which have been previously proposed. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,627,350, granted to Denver F. Cross, Jul. 14, 1971, a bumper step is disclosed which in one position functions as a horizontally rearwardly extending tread plate and in a second position disposes the tread plate in inverted position above the generally horizontal upper surface of the bumper. This angular bumper step has not, to applicant's knowledge, enjoyed significant commercial favor and the present inventor believes that one reason for this is that, in both positions, the step will move and rattle when traversing rough roadways and rough terrain. In fact, not only will noisy and annoying rattling occur with this prior art construction, which I incorporate herein by reference, the bouncing and jouncing of the truck may well cause the step to swing down from its upper position.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The bumper step of the present invention provides an integrated locking mechanism as a connection between the step mount and step attachment leg wherein pivoting of the step is permitted only when the leg is generally linearly raised from either of the operative and storage positions, but is prohibited unless the step is so raised. The construction is such as to automatically gravity lock the step in both its operative and storage positions.
One of the prime objects of the invention is to provide a bumper step assembly which is shiftable between a lower position of use and a rotated folded over storage position, and is automatically locked in both positions.
Another object of the invention is to provide a step attachment leg and mount mechanism which automatically locks the step in position, utilizing the forces of gravity, when the step is moved to either of its operative or storage positions.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a relatively simple step construction of this character in which the locking mechanism is provided as a function of the mount of the step and locking occurs automatically so that no manual engagement or disengagement of a separate locking mechanism is necessary.
A further object of the invention is to design a step which is held out away from the bumper in both use and storage positions by the same functioning element and cannot mar the bumper surfaces.
Another object of the invention is to provide a step which is very stable in its lowered position of use and is relatively economical to manufacture and assemble.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a very durable step which can be readily mounted in position by the vehicle owner.
Another object of the invention is to provide a safe and reliable step designed to be conveniently secured to the bumper of an automotive vehicle such as a truck, camper, or trailer to enable a ready ascent or descent to or from a vehicle.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a bumper step which is rugged in construction and easy to move to and from locked storage and use positions.
REFERENCES:
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Avery Bridget
Bad River, Inc.
Johnson Brian L.
Reising Ethington, Barnes, Kisselle, Learman & McCulloch, P.C.
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