Patent · US Expired

Concealable vehicle bumper step

US5678872A · kind A · utility

24Cited by
10References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 8, 1996
Grant dateOct 21, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 8, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T292/0839
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An automotive vehicle with a vehicle body surrounding a storage area and a storage surface has a bumper with a concealable step side and a fascia side. The bumper is mounted to the vehicle for movement between a fascia position and a step position. In the fascia position, the fascia side is substantially vertical and rearwardly facing, and the step side is substantially concealed from view with respect to the vehicle body. In the step position, the step side is presented substantially horizontal and vertically below the storage area surface to permit step access to the storage surface. The bumper is releasably latched to the vehicle when in the fascia position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.