Retractable sidestep
US7413205B2 · kind B2 · utility
59Cited by
17References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A manually retractable side step assembly for a vehicle includes a rotatable step having a latch mechanism and a spring system that work in concert to rotate the step from a stowed position to a deployed position. In a stowed position, the step is in line with the running board of the vehicle. However, depressing a release button automatically rotates the step 180°, thus exposing an enlarged step area for providing ease of access to a roof rack on a minivan, SUV, or sport wagon, or if used with a pick-up truck, ease of access to a toolbox that is located in the rear of the truck.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.