Retractable vehicle step
US9944231B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2036 |
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 vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold, interior, or roof of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step may provide 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. Advantageously, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. 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. Finally, the vehicle step may be configured into at least two different arrangements for attachment to a vehicle utilizing the same components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.