Patent · US Active

Tailgate access step

US8936266B2 · kind B2 · utility

47Cited by
181References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 25, 2013
Grant dateJan 20, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 25, 2033

Classification

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

Abstract

A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a rear portion of a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time.

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