Vehicle structure
US7703784B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle side panel step structure includes a step, a mounting structure and a sub-side body panel. The mounting structure movably couples the step to the structural support for movement of the step between a retracted step position and an extended step position relative to a structural support of the vehicle. In the extended step position the step is approximately horizontally oriented relative to a main side body panel of the vehicle. A sub-side body panel is coupled to the mounting structure to move between a fascia mating position when the step is in the retracted step position and a non-fascia mating position when the step is in the extended step position. The sub-side body panel includes a contoured edge configured such that in the retracted step position the contoured edge of the sub-side body panel and a contoured edge of the main side body panel at least partially define the wheel well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.