Deployable vehicle rear access step apparatus and method
US7377563B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle step includes an appearance surface; a pair of step surfaces; a lock for securing the step within a bumper; and a pivoting mechanism for rotating the step. The appearance face forms an external bumper surface when the step is stowed. The pivoting mechanism alternately deploys and stows the step manually or using a motor. A vehicle access method includes configuring a bumper with an affixable portion and connecting thereto a rotatable portion having an appearance surface and two step surfaces. The rotatable portion has a step surface formed on opposite surfaces of a first member, and an appearance surface formed on a surface of an intersecting second member. One step surface and the appearance surface are exposed when the rotatable portion rotates to one position, and the other step surface is exposed when the rotatable portion rotates to another position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.