Fold-down step for vehicles
US5375864A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fold-down step arrangement is mountable to a vehicle to provide an intermediate step for the vehicle chassis. The invention includes a step plate that is pivotably mounted by parallelogram swing arms to a bracket secured to the vehicle chassis. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined to enable the step plate to be moved between a down and outward operative position and an up and inward inoperative position. A spring normally urges the step plate and arms attached thereto to the storage position. A connector linkage cable is also provided between the step plate and vehicle door such that the sliding enclosed cable will move in response to opening and closing of the vehicle door. The arrangement is such that opening of the door will cause corresponding motion of the step plate from the elevated storage position to the lowered operative position. Thus, when the door is open, the step plate is in an operative position for use. When the door is closed, the step plate is positioned in an inoperative position substantially at the ground clearance height of the vehicle chassis. A safety release is provided to allow separation of the cable from its connection to the plate should the step …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.