Step system on vehicle bumper for accessing truck beds and methods of making and operating the step system
US6170842A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A step assembly in combination with a vehicle having a frame and a rear bumper, with an upper surface and a generally vertical outer face, attached to the vehicle frame has an attachment leg with a generally perpendicularly extending step portion. A step bracket supported on the outer face of the bumper mounts the step for swinging movement from a first operative position in which one side of the attachment leg is disposed generally vertically adjacent the bumper face and the step portion extends generally perpendicularly to a retracted second position in which the opposite side of the attachment leg lies vertically adjacent the bumper and the step portion is inversely disposed and extends along the upper surface of the bumper. A lock device is automatically operative between the mount and step under the influence of gravity for releasably locking the step in both positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.