Patent · US Expired

Step assist box-side

US8056913B2 · kind B2 · utility

70Cited by
55References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 31, 2005
Grant dateNov 15, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 5, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R3/02
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A step assembly is provided for a bumper of a motor vehicle. The step assembly includes a mounting bracket fixedly secured to the bumper. A step is operatively coupled to the mounting bracket and is movable between a retracted position disposed adjacent the bumper and a deployed position extending away from the bumper. A pivot arm is pivotally interconnected between the mounting bracket and the step. A spring is secured between the mounting bracket and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm. The spring creates a tensile force. A lock arm is pivotally interconnected between the mounting bracket and the step. The lock arm defines a lock surface engaging the pivot arm while the tensile force of the spring locks the step in order to retain the step in one of the retracted and deployed positions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.