Patent · US Active

Vehicle step system

US9434317B2 · kind B2 · utility

28Cited by
40References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 13, 2014
Grant dateSep 6, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 13, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R19/48
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle step system and method incorporating an end of a vehicle bumper. The step system includes an end of the bumper movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. When placed in the second, open position the end of the bumper includes a step surface. One example of the vehicle step system and method includes positioning the step surface below the top of the bumper. The end of the bumper may be pivotally connected at the bottom wherein an actuator operates to move the end of the bumper between the first, closed position and the second, open position. In an additional example, a latch operates to prevent movement of the end of the bumper.

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