CA2438489A1 - Retractable vehicle step - Google Patents
Retractable vehicle step Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2438489A1 CA2438489A1 CA002438489A CA2438489A CA2438489A1 CA 2438489 A1 CA2438489 A1 CA 2438489A1 CA 002438489 A CA002438489 A CA 002438489A CA 2438489 A CA2438489 A CA 2438489A CA 2438489 A1 CA2438489 A1 CA 2438489A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- retractable
- rearward
- frame
- stepping deck
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R3/00—Arrangements of steps or ladders facilitating access to or on the vehicle, e.g. running-boards
- B60R3/002—Running boards
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R3/00—Arrangements of steps or ladders facilitating access to or on the vehicle, e.g. running-boards
- B60R3/02—Retractable steps or ladders, e.g. movable under shock
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Abstract
A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position.
The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it. In another embodiment, a retractable vehicle step assist comprises a rigid frame, a forward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a forward upper connection width, and a rearward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a rearward upper connection width. The retractable vehicle step further comprises a rigid step member having a stepping deck. The step member is pivotably connected to the forward planar linkage along a forward lower connection width, and is pivotably connected to the rearward planar linkage along a rearward lower connection width and on a side of the forward planar linkage opposite the stepping deck.
The stepping deck is substantially wider than any of the forward upper connection width, the rearward upper connection width, the forward lower connection width, and the rearward lower connection width.
The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it. In another embodiment, a retractable vehicle step assist comprises a rigid frame, a forward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a forward upper connection width, and a rearward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a rearward upper connection width. The retractable vehicle step further comprises a rigid step member having a stepping deck. The step member is pivotably connected to the forward planar linkage along a forward lower connection width, and is pivotably connected to the rearward planar linkage along a rearward lower connection width and on a side of the forward planar linkage opposite the stepping deck.
The stepping deck is substantially wider than any of the forward upper connection width, the rearward upper connection width, the forward lower connection width, and the rearward lower connection width.
Claims (83)
1. A retractable step for a vehicle, said step comprising:
a first arm having an upper portion rotatably mountable to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to an adjacent lower edge of said vehicle;
a second arm having an upper portion rotatably mountable to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to an adjacent lower edge of said vehicle and located rearward of said first axis; and a step member connected to said first and second arms so as to be movable between a retracted position at least substantially entirely under said vehicle and an extended position extending outward from said vehicle;
wherein said step member comprises a stepping deck defining an upper surface thereof and a connection region which is located rearward and upward from said stepping deck when said step member is in said extended position, and wherein at least one of said first and second arms is connected to said step member at said connection region.
a first arm having an upper portion rotatably mountable to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to an adjacent lower edge of said vehicle;
a second arm having an upper portion rotatably mountable to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to an adjacent lower edge of said vehicle and located rearward of said first axis; and a step member connected to said first and second arms so as to be movable between a retracted position at least substantially entirely under said vehicle and an extended position extending outward from said vehicle;
wherein said step member comprises a stepping deck defining an upper surface thereof and a connection region which is located rearward and upward from said stepping deck when said step member is in said extended position, and wherein at least one of said first and second arms is connected to said step member at said connection region.
2. The step of Claim 1, wherein said step member is located behind said lower edge of said vehicle when said step member is in said retracted position.
3. The step of Claim 1, wherein said first arm is connected to said step member at a third axis and said second arm is connected to said step member at a fourth axis, said step member, said arms and said axes shaped and positioned such that as said stepping deck reaches said deployment position, said stepping deck has a downward rotational component about said third axis.
4. The step of Claim 1, wherein said first and second arms are mountable directly to said underside of said vehicle.
5. The step of Claim 1, further comprising a rigid frame mountable to said underside of said vehicle, wherein said first and second arms are mountable to said underside via said frame.
6. The step of Claim 1, wherein said first arm is connected to said connection region so as to be rotatable about a third axis and said second arm is connected to said connection region to as to be rotatable about a fourth axis, said third and fourth axes being oriented generally parallel to said first and second axes, and wherein said fourth axis is located rearward and upward from said third axis when said step member is in said extended position.
7. The step of Claim 6, wherein, as said step member is viewed from the side, said third and fourth axes comprise points in said connection region and a line extending through said points defines an angle of between 10 and 50 degrees with respect to said upper surface of said stepping deck.
8. The step of Claim 6, wherein, as said step member is viewed from the side, said third and fourth axes comprise points in said connection region and a line extending through said points defines an angle of between 5 and 20 degrees with respect to said upper surface of said stepping deck.
9. The step of Claim 6, wherein, as said step member is viewed from the side, said third and fourth axes comprise points in said connection region and a line extending through said points defines an angle of between 20 and 80 degrees with respect to said upper surface of said stepping deck.
10. The step of Claim 6, wherein, as said step member is viewed from the side, said third and fourth axes comprise points in said connection region and a line extending through said points defines an angle of between 40 and 60 degrees with respect to said upper surface of said stepping deck.
11. The step of Claim 1, wherein said connection region comprises a bracket extending rearward and upward from said stepping deck when said step member is in the extended position.
12. The step of Claim 1, wherein said upper surface of said stepping deck defines a substantially horizontal plane when in said extended position and in said retracted position.
13. A retractable step for a vehicle having a body with a lower edge, said step comprising:
a rotatable linkage connectable to said vehicle; and a step member connected to said rotatable linkage;
said step member having a deployed position, and a retracted position in which said step member and said rotatable linkage are located behind said lower edge of said body.
a rotatable linkage connectable to said vehicle; and a step member connected to said rotatable linkage;
said step member having a deployed position, and a retracted position in which said step member and said rotatable linkage are located behind said lower edge of said body.
14. The step of Claim 13, further comprising a rigid frame configured for attachment to said vehicle, wherein said rotatable linkage is connectable to said vehicle via said frame.
15. The step of Claim 13, wherein said rotatable linkage is connectable directly to said vehicle.
16. A vehicle, comprising:
a body having a lower edge; and a retractable step assist attached to said vehicle, said retractable step assist comprising:
a rotatable linkage connected to said vehicle; and a step member connected to said rotatable linkage;
said step member having a deployed position, and a retracted position in which said step member and said rotatable linkage are located behind said lower edge of said body.
a body having a lower edge; and a retractable step assist attached to said vehicle, said retractable step assist comprising:
a rotatable linkage connected to said vehicle; and a step member connected to said rotatable linkage;
said step member having a deployed position, and a retracted position in which said step member and said rotatable linkage are located behind said lower edge of said body.
17. The vehicle of Claim 16, wherein said retractable step assist further comprises a rigid frame attached to said vehicle, wherein said rotatable linkage is connected to said vehicle via said frame.
18. The vehicle of Claim 16, wherein said rotatable linkage is connected directly to said vehicle.
19. The vehicle of Claim 16, wherein said body includes a doorjamb and said lower edge of said body is part of an integrally-formed panel extending upward to said doorjamb.
20. A retractable step for a vehicle having an underbody with a substantially vertical outer surface, said step comprising:
a linkage connectable to said vehicle; and a step member connected to said linkage;
said step member having a deployed position, and a retracted position in which a forward edge of said step member is spaced rearward from said outer surface of said underbody by at least 1.5 inches.
a linkage connectable to said vehicle; and a step member connected to said linkage;
said step member having a deployed position, and a retracted position in which a forward edge of said step member is spaced rearward from said outer surface of said underbody by at least 1.5 inches.
21. The retractable step of Claim 20, further comprising a rigid frame configured for attachment to said vehicle, wherein said linkage is connectable to said vehicle via said frame.
22. The retractable step of Claim 20, wherein said linkage is connectable directly to said vehicle.
23. The retractable step of Claim 20, wherein said forward edge of said step member is spaced rearward from said outer surface of said underbody by at least 3 inches.
24. The retractable step of Claim 20, wherein said forward edge of said step member is spaced rearward from said outer surface of said underbody by at least 4.5 inches.
25. The retractable step of Claim 20, wherein said forward edge of said step member is spaced rearward from said outer surface of said underbody by between 1.5 and 4.5 inches.
26. The retractable step of Claim 20, wherein said linkage comprises a rotatable linkage.
27. The retractable step of Claim 20, wherein said step member is not visible to an adult standing outside of said vehicle.
28. A retractable step for a vehicle, said step comprising:
a forward linkage having an upper portion connectable to said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a first axis;
a rearward linkage having an upper portion connectable to said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a second axis, said second axis located rearward of said first axis, said first and second axes being oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of said vehicle; and a step member connected to said forward and rearward linkage so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position;
wherein at least a portion of said rearward linkage extends forward of said first axis when said step member is in said extended position.
a forward linkage having an upper portion connectable to said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a first axis;
a rearward linkage having an upper portion connectable to said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a second axis, said second axis located rearward of said first axis, said first and second axes being oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of said vehicle; and a step member connected to said forward and rearward linkage so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position;
wherein at least a portion of said rearward linkage extends forward of said first axis when said step member is in said extended position.
29. The retractable step of Claim 28, further comprising a connection member configured for attachment to said vehicle, wherein said forward and rearward linkage are connectable to said vehicle via said connection member.
30. The retractable step of Claim 28, wherein said forward and rearward linkage are connectable directly to said vehicle.
31. A retractable step for a vehicle, said step comprising:
a first arm having an upper portion rotatably fixable with respect to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to an adjacent lower edge of said vehicle;
a second arm having an upper portion rotatably fixable with respect to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to an adjacent lower edge of said vehicle and located rearward of said first axis; and a step member connected to said first and second arms so as to be movable between a retracted position near said underside of said vehicle and an extended position remote from said underside;
wherein at least a portion of said second arm extends forward of said first axis when said step member is in said extended position.
a first arm having an upper portion rotatably fixable with respect to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to an adjacent lower edge of said vehicle;
a second arm having an upper portion rotatably fixable with respect to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to an adjacent lower edge of said vehicle and located rearward of said first axis; and a step member connected to said first and second arms so as to be movable between a retracted position near said underside of said vehicle and an extended position remote from said underside;
wherein at least a portion of said second arm extends forward of said first axis when said step member is in said extended position.
32. A retractable step for a vehicle, said step comprising:
a first arm having an upper portion rotatably fixable with respect to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation;
a second arm having an upper portion rotatably fixable with respect to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation; and a step member connected to said first and second arms so as to be movable between a retracted position under said vehicle and an extended position extending outward from said vehicle;
wherein at least one of said first arm and said second arm further comprises a stop member which extends toward the other of said first arm and said second arm and contacts said other arm when said step member is in said extended position.
a first arm having an upper portion rotatably fixable with respect to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation;
a second arm having an upper portion rotatably fixable with respect to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation; and a step member connected to said first and second arms so as to be movable between a retracted position under said vehicle and an extended position extending outward from said vehicle;
wherein at least one of said first arm and said second arm further comprises a stop member which extends toward the other of said first arm and said second arm and contacts said other arm when said step member is in said extended position.
33. The step of Claim 32, wherein said stop member extends toward said other arm throughout the range of motion of said step member.
34. A retractable step for a vehicle, said step comprising:
a first arm having an upper portion rotatably mountable to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation;
a second arm having an upper portion rotatably mountable to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to said first axis; and a step member connected to said first and second arms so as to be movable between a retracted position at least substantially entirely under said vehicle and an extended position extending outward from said vehicle;
wherein said first arm is connected to said step member so as to be rotatable about a third axis and said second arm is connected to said step member so as to be rotatable about a fourth axis, said third and fourth axes being oriented generally parallel to said first and second axes;
wherein said axes are arranged according to a first aspect ratio, which comprises a ratio of (1) the distance between said first axis and said second axis and (2) the distance between said first axis and said third axis, and said first aspect ratio is about 0.21.
a first arm having an upper portion rotatably mountable to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation;
a second arm having an upper portion rotatably mountable to an underside of said vehicle so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to said first axis; and a step member connected to said first and second arms so as to be movable between a retracted position at least substantially entirely under said vehicle and an extended position extending outward from said vehicle;
wherein said first arm is connected to said step member so as to be rotatable about a third axis and said second arm is connected to said step member so as to be rotatable about a fourth axis, said third and fourth axes being oriented generally parallel to said first and second axes;
wherein said axes are arranged according to a first aspect ratio, which comprises a ratio of (1) the distance between said first axis and said second axis and (2) the distance between said first axis and said third axis, and said first aspect ratio is about 0.21.
35. A retractable vehicle step assist, comprising:
a rigid frame;
a forward planar linkage pivotably connected to said frame along a forward upper connection width;
a rearward planar linkage pivotably connected to said frame along a rearward upper connection width; and a rigid step member having a stepping deck, said step member being pivotably connected to said forward planar linkage along a forward lower connection width; and pivotably connected to said rearward planar linkage along a rearward lower connection width and on a side of said forward planar linkage opposite said stepping deck;
wherein said stepping deck is substantially wider than any of said forward upper connection width, said rearward upper connection width, said forward lower connection width, and said rearward lower connection width.
a rigid frame;
a forward planar linkage pivotably connected to said frame along a forward upper connection width;
a rearward planar linkage pivotably connected to said frame along a rearward upper connection width; and a rigid step member having a stepping deck, said step member being pivotably connected to said forward planar linkage along a forward lower connection width; and pivotably connected to said rearward planar linkage along a rearward lower connection width and on a side of said forward planar linkage opposite said stepping deck;
wherein said stepping deck is substantially wider than any of said forward upper connection width, said rearward upper connection width, said forward lower connection width, and said rearward lower connection width.
36. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, further comprising:
a rigid stop located within a range of motion of said forward planar linkage;
said step assist having a deployed position in which said forward planar linkage rests against said stop and said step member is displaced from said frame, and in which said rearward planar linkage is configured to urge said forward planar linkage against said stop when a load is placed upon said stepping deck.
a rigid stop located within a range of motion of said forward planar linkage;
said step assist having a deployed position in which said forward planar linkage rests against said stop and said step member is displaced from said frame, and in which said rearward planar linkage is configured to urge said forward planar linkage against said stop when a load is placed upon said stepping deck.
37. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, wherein said step assist is moveable between a retracted position in which said stepping deck is tilted upwards, and a deployed position in which said stepping deck is substantially level.
38. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, wherein said stepping deck is at least 2 times as wide as any of said forward upper connection width, said rearward upper connection width, said forward lower connection width, and said rearward lower connection width.
39. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, wherein said stepping deck is about 2-8 times as wide as any of said forward upper connection width, said rearward upper connection width, said forward lower connection width, and said rearward lower connection width.
40. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, wherein said stepping deck is of sufficient width to provide a step for persons desiring to enter either of two adjacent doors of a vehicle to which the step assist is attached.
41. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 40, wherein said stepping deck is at least 2 times as wide as any of said forward upper connection width, said rearward upper connection width, said forward lower connection width, and said rearward lower connection width.
42. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 40, wherein said stepping deck is about 2-8 times as wide as any of said forward upper connection width, said rearward upper connection width, said forward lower connection width, and said rearward lower connection width.
43. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, wherein said forward planar linkage comprises a unitary member having a first end which forms at least two spaced-apart coaxial bearing members which permit pivotable connection of said forward planar linkage to said frame.
44. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 43, wherein said at least two coaxial bearing members comprise at least two coaxial bores.
45. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 43, wherein said at least two coaxial bearing members comprise at least two coaxial axle portions.
46. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 43, wherein said forward planar linkage has a rigid crosspiece connecting said bearing members.
47. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 46, wherein said crosspiece is sufficiently strong to prevent substantial deflection of said forward planar linkage from a generally planar configuration when a user steps on said stepping deck.
48. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 43, wherein said forward planar linkage further comprises a second end opposite said first end and said second end forms at least two spaced-apart coaxial bearing members which permit pivotable connection of said first arm to said step member.
49. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 48, wherein said at least two coaxial bearing members of said second end comprise at least two coaxial bores.
50. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 48, wherein said at least two coaxial bearing members of said second end comprise at least two coaxial axle portions.
51. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 43, wherein said rearward planar linkage comprises a unitary member having a first end which forms at least two spaced-apart coaxial bearing members which permit pivotable connection of said rearward planar linkage to said frame.
52. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 51, wherein said at least two coaxial bearing members of said first end of said rearward planar linkage comprise at least two coaxial bores.
53. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 51, wherein said at least two coaxial bearing members of said first end of said rearward planar linkage comprise at least two coaxial axle portions.
54. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 51, wherein said rearward planar linkage has a rigid crosspiece connecting said bearing members.
55. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 54, wherein said crosspiece is sufficiently strong to prevent substantial deflection of said rearward planar linkage from a planar configuration when a user steps on said stepping deck.
56. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 51, wherein said rearward planar linkage further comprises a second end opposite said first end and said second end of said rearward planar linkage forms at least two spaced-apart coaxial bearing members which permit pivotable connection of said rearward planar linkage to said step member.
57. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 56, wherein said at least two coaxial bearing members of said second end of said rearward planar linkage comprise at least two coaxial bores.
58. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 56, wherein said at least two coaxial bearing members of said second end of said rearward planar linkage comprise at least two coaxial axle portions.
59. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, wherein said forward planar linkage comprises at least two rigid arms connected to said frame at either end of said forward upper connection width and connected to said step member at either end of said forward lower connection width.
60. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, wherein said rearward planar linkage comprises at least two rigid arms connected to said frame at either end of said forward upper connection width and connected to said step member at either end of said forward lower connection width.
61. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 59, wherein said rearward planar linkage comprises at least two rigid arms connected to said frame at either end of said forward upper connection width and connected to said step member at either end of said forward lower connection width.
62. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, wherein said step member moves between a retracted position and said deployed position in response to the operation of a remote control.
63. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, further comprising:
a motor in fixed relation to said frame;
a rotor rotatably connected to said frame and drivingly connected to said motor; and a drive arm rotatably connected to said frame and coaxial with said rotor, said drive arm being fixed to said rotor so as to rotate in concert therewith;
wherein said drive arm is connected to said step member at an end opposite its axis of rotation, and said motor drives said stepping member between a retracted position and said deployed position.
a motor in fixed relation to said frame;
a rotor rotatably connected to said frame and drivingly connected to said motor; and a drive arm rotatably connected to said frame and coaxial with said rotor, said drive arm being fixed to said rotor so as to rotate in concert therewith;
wherein said drive arm is connected to said step member at an end opposite its axis of rotation, and said motor drives said stepping member between a retracted position and said deployed position.
64. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 63, wherein said motor drives a worm gear that meshes with teeth formed on the outer diameter of said rotor.
65. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 63, wherein said motor comprises a linear actuator having a piston connected to said rotor.
66. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 35, wherein said stepping deck is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and said stepping deck rests at least partially within a protective cover when in said retracted position.
67. A retractable vehicle step assist for use with a vehicle having two adjacent doors through which persons may enter the vehicle, comprising:
a rigid frame;
a step member having a stepping deck; and at least two rigid arms connecting said step member to said frame and allowing said step member to move between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position downward and away from said frame;
wherein said stepping deck is of sufficient width to provide a step for persons desiring to enter either of said doors.
a rigid frame;
a step member having a stepping deck; and at least two rigid arms connecting said step member to said frame and allowing said step member to move between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position downward and away from said frame;
wherein said stepping deck is of sufficient width to provide a step for persons desiring to enter either of said doors.
68. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 67, wherein said stepping deck is substantially wider than said frame.
69. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 67, wherein said stepping deck is substantially wider than said arms.
70. A retractable vehicle step assist for use with a vehicle having two adjacent doors through which persons may enter the vehicle, comprising:
a rigid frame;
a step member having a stepping deck; and at least two rigid arms connecting said step member to said frame and allowing said step member to move between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position downward and away from said frame;
wherein said stepping deck extends in front of each of said doors when in said deployed position.
a rigid frame;
a step member having a stepping deck; and at least two rigid arms connecting said step member to said frame and allowing said step member to move between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position downward and away from said frame;
wherein said stepping deck extends in front of each of said doors when in said deployed position.
71. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 70, wherein said stepping deck extends in front of about 1/4 of the width of each of said doors.
72. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 70, wherein said stepping deck extends in front of about 1/2 of the width of each of said doors.
73. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 70, wherein said stepping deck extends in front of substantially the entire width of each of said doors.
74. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 70, wherein said stepping deck is substantially wider than said frame.
75. A retractable vehicle step assist, comprising:
a rigid frame;
a step member having a stepping deck; and at least two rigid arms connecting said step member to said frame and allowing said step member to move between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position downward and away from said frame;
wherein said stepping deck is substantially wider than said frame.
a rigid frame;
a step member having a stepping deck; and at least two rigid arms connecting said step member to said frame and allowing said step member to move between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position downward and away from said frame;
wherein said stepping deck is substantially wider than said frame.
76. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 75, wherein said stepping deck is about 2-8 times as wide as said frame.
77. A retractable vehicle step assist, comprising:
a rigid frame;
a step member having a stepping deck; and a forward rigid arm and a rearward rigid arm connecting said step member to said frame and allowing said step member to move between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position downward and away from said frame;
wherein said step member is pivotably connected to said rearward rigid arm at a rearward pivotable connection and said step member rotates downward about said rearward pivotable connection as said step member moves to said deployed position.
a rigid frame;
a step member having a stepping deck; and a forward rigid arm and a rearward rigid arm connecting said step member to said frame and allowing said step member to move between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position downward and away from said frame;
wherein said step member is pivotably connected to said rearward rigid arm at a rearward pivotable connection and said step member rotates downward about said rearward pivotable connection as said step member moves to said deployed position.
78. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 77, wherein said stepping deck is tilted upward in said retracted position.
79. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 77, wherein said stepping member further comprises a support bracket rigidly connected to said stepping deck and connected to said arms opposite said stepping deck, said support bracket being oriented at an angle to said stepping deck.
80. The retractable vehicle step assist of Claim 77, wherein said stepping deck rests at least partially within a protective cover when in said retracted position.
81. A retractable vehicle step assist, comprising:
a rigid frame;
a step member having a stepping deck; and at least two rigid arms connecting said step member to said frame and allowing said step member to move between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position downward and away from said frame;
wherein said stepping member further comprises a support bracket rigidly connected to said stepping deck and connected to said arms opposite said stepping deck, said support bracket being oriented at an angle to said stepping deck.
a rigid frame;
a step member having a stepping deck; and at least two rigid arms connecting said step member to said frame and allowing said step member to move between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position downward and away from said frame;
wherein said stepping member further comprises a support bracket rigidly connected to said stepping deck and connected to said arms opposite said stepping deck, said support bracket being oriented at an angle to said stepping deck.
82. A method of improving access to a vehicle through a door of the vehicle, the method comprising:
attaching a rigid frame to the vehicle;
connecting a stepping member having a stepping deck to said, frame via at least two rigid arms so that said stepping member is moveable between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position wherein said stepping deck is situated along the side of the vehicle below the door;
wherein said stepping deck is substantially wider than said frame.
attaching a rigid frame to the vehicle;
connecting a stepping member having a stepping deck to said, frame via at least two rigid arms so that said stepping member is moveable between a retracted position near said frame to a deployed position wherein said stepping deck is situated along the side of the vehicle below the door;
wherein said stepping deck is substantially wider than said frame.
83. The method of Claim 82, wherein said stepping deck is substantially wider than said at least two rigid arms.
Applications Claiming Priority (9)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US26928601P | 2001-02-15 | 2001-02-15 | |
| US60/269,286 | 2001-02-15 | ||
| US27441701P | 2001-03-08 | 2001-03-08 | |
| US60/274,417 | 2001-03-08 | ||
| US09/817,897 | 2001-03-26 | ||
| US09/817,897 US6641158B2 (en) | 2001-02-15 | 2001-03-26 | Retractable vehicle step |
| US35012901P | 2001-10-16 | 2001-10-16 | |
| US60/350,129 | 2001-10-16 | ||
| PCT/US2002/004767 WO2002085670A2 (en) | 2001-02-15 | 2002-02-15 | Retractable vehicle step |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2438489A1 true CA2438489A1 (en) | 2002-10-31 |
| CA2438489C CA2438489C (en) | 2010-11-30 |
Family
ID=27500965
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2438489A Expired - Lifetime CA2438489C (en) | 2001-02-15 | 2002-02-15 | Retractable vehicle step |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2438489C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002085670A2 (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7712755B2 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2010-05-11 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd. | Extending and retracting device for vehicle step |
| US8042821B2 (en) | 2008-06-03 | 2011-10-25 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd. | Extending and retracting device and vehicle step apparatus with the same |
| US8052162B2 (en) | 2008-06-03 | 2011-11-08 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd. | Vehicle step apparatus and extending and retracting device therefor |
| US8469380B2 (en) | 2010-07-28 | 2013-06-25 | T-Max (Hang Zhou) Industrial Co., Ltd. | Extending and retracting device and vehicle step apparatus having the same |
| US9308870B2 (en) | 2014-03-26 | 2016-04-12 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd | Vehicle and vehicle step apparatus |
| WO2022073114A1 (en) * | 2020-10-06 | 2022-04-14 | Unicell Limited | Vehicle step system |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN1332830C (en) | 2001-10-16 | 2007-08-22 | 美国摩托产品股份有限公司 | Retractable vehicle step |
| US6955370B2 (en) | 2002-01-16 | 2005-10-18 | Ventra Group Inc. | Retractable running board |
| US7318596B2 (en) | 2004-05-03 | 2008-01-15 | Ventra Group Inc. | Retractable running board |
| US9701249B2 (en) | 2006-10-27 | 2017-07-11 | Lund Motion Products, Inc. | Retractable vehicle step |
| US11926286B2 (en) | 2011-10-31 | 2024-03-12 | Lund Motion Products, Inc. | Retractable vehicle step |
| US9522634B1 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2016-12-20 | Lund Motion Products, Inc. | Horizontal retractable vehicle step |
| US9550458B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2017-01-24 | Lund Motion Products, Inc. | Retractable step and side bar assembly for raised vehicle |
| US10501123B2 (en) * | 2018-01-05 | 2019-12-10 | Arvinmeritor Technology, Llc | Vehicle chassis assembly |
| US11260797B2 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2022-03-01 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Retractable vehicle step assemblies and methods |
| CN110027476A (en) * | 2019-03-30 | 2019-07-19 | 杭州恒宏机械有限公司 | A kind of panel body and electric treadle |
| KR102296030B1 (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2021-09-01 | 주식회사 대동시스템 | Link unit for driving side board of vehicle |
| US20220332254A1 (en) * | 2021-04-16 | 2022-10-20 | Lund Motion Products, Inc. | Retractable vehicle step |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3172499A (en) * | 1962-11-19 | 1965-03-09 | Renna L Stairs | Stowable vehicle step |
| US4020920A (en) * | 1976-06-28 | 1977-05-03 | Abbott John D | Retractable transit coach step |
| DE3151621C2 (en) * | 1981-12-28 | 1986-07-17 | Gebr. Bode & Co GmbH, 3500 Kassel | Steps for vehicles, in particular rail vehicles |
| DE8910933U1 (en) * | 1989-09-13 | 1990-10-11 | Hymer-Leichtmetallbau, 7988 Wangen | Folding step for mobile homes and similar vehicles |
| US6375207B1 (en) * | 1999-02-22 | 2002-04-23 | Decoma Exterior Trim | Retractable running board |
-
2002
- 2002-02-15 CA CA2438489A patent/CA2438489C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-02-15 WO PCT/US2002/004767 patent/WO2002085670A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7712755B2 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2010-05-11 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd. | Extending and retracting device for vehicle step |
| US8205901B2 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2012-06-26 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd. | Extending and retracting device for vehicle step |
| US8042821B2 (en) | 2008-06-03 | 2011-10-25 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd. | Extending and retracting device and vehicle step apparatus with the same |
| US8052162B2 (en) | 2008-06-03 | 2011-11-08 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd. | Vehicle step apparatus and extending and retracting device therefor |
| US8469380B2 (en) | 2010-07-28 | 2013-06-25 | T-Max (Hang Zhou) Industrial Co., Ltd. | Extending and retracting device and vehicle step apparatus having the same |
| US9308870B2 (en) | 2014-03-26 | 2016-04-12 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd | Vehicle and vehicle step apparatus |
| WO2022073114A1 (en) * | 2020-10-06 | 2022-04-14 | Unicell Limited | Vehicle step system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2002085670A3 (en) | 2003-01-09 |
| CA2438489C (en) | 2010-11-30 |
| WO2002085670A2 (en) | 2002-10-31 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20220215 |