Step assembly with concealed lower tread
US6213486A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The step assembly (10) includes a housing (12) which is mountable to a recreational vehicle, typically underneath the door of the vehicle. A pair of linkage arms (14) and (16) are rotatably coupled at their lower ends to each side of the housing (12). The step assembly (10) contains an upper tread assembly (18), a center tread assembly (24), and a lower tread assembly (34), respectively including an upper step (20), a center step (28), and a lower step (40). The upper ends of the linkage arms (14) and (16) are rotatably connected to the upper portion of the upper tread assembly (18). The center tread assembly (24) is slidably engaged with the upper tread assembly (18) through a slideway assembly (26). The lower tread assembly (34) has a lower tread pivot arm (38) which is rotatably coupled to the center tread assembly (24) by a pin (30) mounted on the center tread assembly. The lower step (40) has a lower face (58) that substantially closes off the housing (12) when the step assembly is in a fully retracted position, forming a continuation of the vehicle outer surface. A linear actuator (42) is connected to the housing (12) and one of the tread assemblies, in order to extend and re…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.