Modular power step
US6149172A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A power-retractable step assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a substantially sealed housing assembly, a pivoting structure including a step structure, a gear assembly, and a motor assembly. The step structure presents an upper load carrying surface, and the pivoting structure is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis. The gear assembly is disposed in the sealed housing assembly and coupled to the pivoting structure. The motor assembly is drivingly coupled with the gear assembly and is constructed and arranged to pivot the pivoting structure about the axis and thereby drive the pivoting structure between deployed and stored positions. The step structure is moved in an outboard vehicle direction when the pivoting structure is moved from the stored position to the deployed position, and is also moved in a fore-aft vehicle direction when the pivoting structure is moved between the stored and deployed positions. The axis is disposed at an angle such that, as the axis extends upwardly, i) the axis extends in the outboard vehicle direction and ii) the axis extends in a same fore-aft vehicle direction as the fore-aft direction that the step structure moves when the pivoting structur…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.