CA2806865A1 - Bumper mounted step assembly - Google Patents
Bumper mounted step assembly Download PDFInfo
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- CA2806865A1 CA2806865A1 CA 2806865 CA2806865A CA2806865A1 CA 2806865 A1 CA2806865 A1 CA 2806865A1 CA 2806865 CA2806865 CA 2806865 CA 2806865 A CA2806865 A CA 2806865A CA 2806865 A1 CA2806865 A1 CA 2806865A1
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- Prior art keywords
- mount
- assembly according
- links
- link
- frame
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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)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A step assembly includes a mount which is well suited for mounting on the rear bumper of a truck or a highway transport trailer. A linkage supports a step frame including at least one step member thereon for movement relative to the mount between stored and working positions. The linkage generally includes two parallel links in a four bar linkage configuration which extend upwardly and forwardly from the mount in the stored position and which extend upwardly and rearwardly from the mount in the working position such that the linkage must be rotated over a top centre position between the stored and working positions.
Description
BUMPER MOUNTED STEP ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a step assembly for mounting on a bumper, for example the bumper of a truck or trailer, and more particularly relates to a step assembly in which a linkage pivotally supports the step assembly for movement relative to the bumper between respective stored and working positions.
BACKGROUND
Various vehicular frames for transporting cargo are known, for example truck beds or transport trailers of various forms. To accommodate suitable suspension for transporting goods, it is common for transport frames to have a high elevation from the ground. Accordingly, it is known to be desirable to assist users in accessing the high elevation of the load supporting plafform with various forms of step assemblies. Examples of step assemblies are found in United States Patents 4,079,815 by Cormier, 3,887,217 by Thomas, 3,627,350 by Cross and 2,678,832 by Wright.
One particularly desirable location to assist access of users is at the rear doors of a highway transport trailer frame suited for being towed by a highway tractor.
Such trailer frames are commonly provided with a rear bumper assembly including a standard sized square tubing member spanning in a longitudinal direction horizontally across the width of the vehicle perpendicularly to the forward rolling direction. The tubing member is supported spaced below the platform upon which cargo is supported such that users are known to step on the bumper. The bumper however is recessed below the plafform so as to be awkwardly located for use as a step such that an additional step would be desirable.
Prior art step assemblies are generally not well suited for mounting in the location of a rear bumper on a highway transport trailer frame as typical step assemblies extend below the mounting location which would reduce the ground clearance between the bumper and the ground in an undesirable manner.
Furthermore, prior art step frames generally protrude rearwardly of the vehicle in an operating position in a manner which can be readily damaged if backing into a loading dock for example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a step assembly for mounting on a bumper which spans in a longitudinal direction, the step assembly comprising:
a mount arranged for attachment to the bumper;
a step frame including at least one step member extending in a respective lateral direction; and a linkage coupling the step frame to the mount such that the lateral direction of said at least one step member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and such that the step frame is movable relative to the mount between a stored position in which the step frame is supported in proximity to the mount and a working position in which the step frame is farther from the mount than in the stored position and said at least one step member is arranged to support a user stepping thereon;
the linkage comprising:
a first link extending between a first end pivotally coupled to the mount for relative pivotal movement about a first axis of the first link and a second end pivotally coupled to the step frame for relative pivotal movement about a second axis of the first link; and a second link extending between a first end pivotally coupled to the mount for relative pivotal movement about a first axis of the second link at a location spaced from the first axis of the first link and a second end pivotally coupled to the step frame for relative pivotal movement about a second axis of the second link at a location spaced from the second axis of the first link;
wherein the first link, the second link, a portion of the mount between the first axes of the first and second links, and a portion of the step frame between the second axes of the first and second links collectively define a four bar linkage.
The configuration of a four bar linkage to support the step frame between stored and working positions permits the step frame to be readily returned to a stored position if impacted from the rear while in the working position for safely self-storing without causing any unnecessary damage, for example when backing into a loading dock.
The four bar linkage is also particularly well suited for supporting the step frame for movement between stored and working positions at a location above the bumper for storing between the bumper therebelow and the platform supporting cargo thereon thereabove without affecting ground clearance of the vehicle.
The four bar linkage is further readily arranged in an over-centre configuration such that rotating the linkage through a top centre position between the stored and working positions allows the step frame to be self retained in either position without any additional structures being required.
Preferably the first and second links are parallel to one another throughout pivotal movement between the stored position and the working position.
Preferably the first and second links extend upwardly and forwardly from the mount in the stored position, for example at an orientation of less than 45 degrees from vertical in the stored position.
Preferably the first and second links extend upwardly and rearwardly from the mount in the working position, for example at an orientation of less than 45 degrees from vertical in the working position.
Preferably a bottom end of the step frame is adjacent to the mount in the stored position and is spaced rearwardly in the working position in relation to the stored position.
The step members of the step frame are preferably at substantially the same elevation in the stored position and the working position.
Preferably a first stop member is fixed on the mount which engages at least one of the links to prevent pivotal movement of the links beyond the working position when pivoting the links from the stored position to the working position and a second stop member is fixed on the mount which engages at least one of the links to prevent pivotal movement of the links beyond the stored position when pivoting the links from the working position to the stored position.
Preferably the step frame is fully forward in relation to a rearmost end of the mount in the stored position and is fully rearward in relation to a rearmost end of the mount in the working position.
Preferably the step frame comprises two step members at a fixed spacing from one another on the step frame.
The step frame may further comprise two parallel and spaced apart uprights and two step members fixed between the uprights at vertically spaced apart locations in which the linkage is laterally offset to one side of the step frame so as to be directly coupled to only one of the uprights.
The step assembly is particularly suited for use with a rear bumper of a highway transport trailer in which the bumper comprises a tubular member of square cross section in which the mount comprises a C-shaped channel arranged to be clamped about the tubular member.
More particularly, the mount may comprise an intermediate flange 5 spanning between two side flanges which are generally parallel to one another in which the side flanges are spaced apart by a prescribed spacing which is substantially equal to a corresponding dimension of the tubular member received therebetween.
Preferably at least one fastener is arranged to be coupled between the two side flanges opposite from the intermediate flange so as to be arranged to clamp the tubular member between the two side flanges when the at least one fastener is tightened.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the step assembly in a working position;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the step assembly in the working position;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the step assembly in the stored position; and Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the step assembly in the stored position.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a step assembly for mounting on a bumper, for example the bumper of a truck or trailer, and more particularly relates to a step assembly in which a linkage pivotally supports the step assembly for movement relative to the bumper between respective stored and working positions.
BACKGROUND
Various vehicular frames for transporting cargo are known, for example truck beds or transport trailers of various forms. To accommodate suitable suspension for transporting goods, it is common for transport frames to have a high elevation from the ground. Accordingly, it is known to be desirable to assist users in accessing the high elevation of the load supporting plafform with various forms of step assemblies. Examples of step assemblies are found in United States Patents 4,079,815 by Cormier, 3,887,217 by Thomas, 3,627,350 by Cross and 2,678,832 by Wright.
One particularly desirable location to assist access of users is at the rear doors of a highway transport trailer frame suited for being towed by a highway tractor.
Such trailer frames are commonly provided with a rear bumper assembly including a standard sized square tubing member spanning in a longitudinal direction horizontally across the width of the vehicle perpendicularly to the forward rolling direction. The tubing member is supported spaced below the platform upon which cargo is supported such that users are known to step on the bumper. The bumper however is recessed below the plafform so as to be awkwardly located for use as a step such that an additional step would be desirable.
Prior art step assemblies are generally not well suited for mounting in the location of a rear bumper on a highway transport trailer frame as typical step assemblies extend below the mounting location which would reduce the ground clearance between the bumper and the ground in an undesirable manner.
Furthermore, prior art step frames generally protrude rearwardly of the vehicle in an operating position in a manner which can be readily damaged if backing into a loading dock for example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a step assembly for mounting on a bumper which spans in a longitudinal direction, the step assembly comprising:
a mount arranged for attachment to the bumper;
a step frame including at least one step member extending in a respective lateral direction; and a linkage coupling the step frame to the mount such that the lateral direction of said at least one step member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and such that the step frame is movable relative to the mount between a stored position in which the step frame is supported in proximity to the mount and a working position in which the step frame is farther from the mount than in the stored position and said at least one step member is arranged to support a user stepping thereon;
the linkage comprising:
a first link extending between a first end pivotally coupled to the mount for relative pivotal movement about a first axis of the first link and a second end pivotally coupled to the step frame for relative pivotal movement about a second axis of the first link; and a second link extending between a first end pivotally coupled to the mount for relative pivotal movement about a first axis of the second link at a location spaced from the first axis of the first link and a second end pivotally coupled to the step frame for relative pivotal movement about a second axis of the second link at a location spaced from the second axis of the first link;
wherein the first link, the second link, a portion of the mount between the first axes of the first and second links, and a portion of the step frame between the second axes of the first and second links collectively define a four bar linkage.
The configuration of a four bar linkage to support the step frame between stored and working positions permits the step frame to be readily returned to a stored position if impacted from the rear while in the working position for safely self-storing without causing any unnecessary damage, for example when backing into a loading dock.
The four bar linkage is also particularly well suited for supporting the step frame for movement between stored and working positions at a location above the bumper for storing between the bumper therebelow and the platform supporting cargo thereon thereabove without affecting ground clearance of the vehicle.
The four bar linkage is further readily arranged in an over-centre configuration such that rotating the linkage through a top centre position between the stored and working positions allows the step frame to be self retained in either position without any additional structures being required.
Preferably the first and second links are parallel to one another throughout pivotal movement between the stored position and the working position.
Preferably the first and second links extend upwardly and forwardly from the mount in the stored position, for example at an orientation of less than 45 degrees from vertical in the stored position.
Preferably the first and second links extend upwardly and rearwardly from the mount in the working position, for example at an orientation of less than 45 degrees from vertical in the working position.
Preferably a bottom end of the step frame is adjacent to the mount in the stored position and is spaced rearwardly in the working position in relation to the stored position.
The step members of the step frame are preferably at substantially the same elevation in the stored position and the working position.
Preferably a first stop member is fixed on the mount which engages at least one of the links to prevent pivotal movement of the links beyond the working position when pivoting the links from the stored position to the working position and a second stop member is fixed on the mount which engages at least one of the links to prevent pivotal movement of the links beyond the stored position when pivoting the links from the working position to the stored position.
Preferably the step frame is fully forward in relation to a rearmost end of the mount in the stored position and is fully rearward in relation to a rearmost end of the mount in the working position.
Preferably the step frame comprises two step members at a fixed spacing from one another on the step frame.
The step frame may further comprise two parallel and spaced apart uprights and two step members fixed between the uprights at vertically spaced apart locations in which the linkage is laterally offset to one side of the step frame so as to be directly coupled to only one of the uprights.
The step assembly is particularly suited for use with a rear bumper of a highway transport trailer in which the bumper comprises a tubular member of square cross section in which the mount comprises a C-shaped channel arranged to be clamped about the tubular member.
More particularly, the mount may comprise an intermediate flange 5 spanning between two side flanges which are generally parallel to one another in which the side flanges are spaced apart by a prescribed spacing which is substantially equal to a corresponding dimension of the tubular member received therebetween.
Preferably at least one fastener is arranged to be coupled between the two side flanges opposite from the intermediate flange so as to be arranged to clamp the tubular member between the two side flanges when the at least one fastener is tightened.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the step assembly in a working position;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the step assembly in the working position;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the step assembly in the stored position; and Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the step assembly in the stored position.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying figures, there is illustrated a step assembly for use in assisting user access to the cargo supporting area of a transport frame. The assembly is particularly suited for coupling to a vehicular bumper, for example, bumpers on any transport frame including a transport truck frame or a trailer frame.
The step assembly is best suited for use on the rear bumper of a highway transport trailer of the type being arranged for towing by a highway tractor.
The rear bumper 12 in this instance generally comprises a tubular member of square cross section which is elongate in a longitudinal direction spanning horizontally across the width of the trailer frame at the rear end thereof perpendicularly to the forward rolling direction.
The step assembly 10 generally includes a mount 14 for securement to the bumper 12, a step frame 16 including two laterally extending step members 18 to support a user stepping thereon, and a linkage 20 which supports the step frame on the mount such that a lateral direction of each step member is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bumper and such that the step frame is moveable relative to the mount between a stored position and a working position. In the stored position the step frame is supported in proximity to the mount above the bumper. In the working position the step frame is spaced farther rearward from the mount than in the stored position at a similar elevation above the bumper. The linkage is generally rotated from the stored position upwardly and rearwardly to an intermediate top centre position and then rotated downwardly and rearwardly from the top centre position to the working position.
The mount 14 includes a channel 22 which is generally C-shaped in cross section to include an intermediate flange 24 spanning between two opposing side flanges 26. The intermediate flange is oriented vertically to span the height of a rear side of the bumper between the top and bottom surfaces thereof. The two opposing side flanges 26 extend forwardly from the top and bottom ends of the intermediate flange respectively to extend forwardly over the respective top and bottom surfaces of the bumper in a mounted position. The two side flanges are spaced approximately by the vertical height of the bumper received therebetween such that the bumper is readily slidable into the space between the two side flanges within the channel while allowing the two side flanges to be clamped against the top and bottom sides of the bumper as described in the following.
The two side flanges project forwardly from the intermediate flange 24 to respective forward free edges 28 by a distance which is greater than the thickness of the bumper in the forward direction such that the two free edges 28 protrude forwardly beyond the front side of the bumper in the mounted position. Suitable fastener apertures 30 are located adjacent the free edges 28 in alignment with one another to receive suitable threaded fasteners 22 connected between the free edges of the two side flanges in the mounted position. Tightening the fasteners 32 permits the top and bottom side flanges 26 to be suitably clamped onto top and bottom surfaces of the bumper retained in fixed relation within the channel.
The mount 14 further includes a fixed leg 34 which is mounted on the uppermost side flange on the top side of the channel towards one end thereof to extend upwardly at a forward inclination of less than 45 degrees vertical.
The step frame 16 generally includes two uprights 36 which are laterally opposed from one another by the full width of the step frame such that each upright spans the full height of the frame between opposing top and bottom ends. Two step members 18 extend in the lateral direction between the two uprights at respective opposing top and bottom ends of the uprights. The two uprights extend at an upward and forward inclination so as to be parallel to the fixed leg 34 throughout the full range of movement of the step frame relative to the mount.
The two step members each include an upper surface 38, which is generally horizontal to define a tread for stepping thereon while the two uprights are supported at an upward and forward inclination throughout the range of motion thereof. The uppermost step member is thus positioned upwardly and forwardly in relation to the lowermost step member.
In the stored position, the lowermost step member is positioned directly adjacent the top side of the channel while the uppermost step member is positioned upwardly and forwardly from the channel in proximity to the top end of the fixed leg.
In the working position, the lowermost step member 18 is spaced rearwardly from the channel near in elevation to the top side of the channel while the uppermost step member is in line with the rear edge of the mount at a location spaced vertically thereabove.
The step frame further includes a handle 40 in the form of an elongate bar extending parallel to the uprights at a location spaced rearwardly from a plane of the uprights. The elongate bar of the handle 40 is suitably sized for gripping in the hand of a user and is aligned in a common vertical plane with one of the uprights nearest to the fixed leg 34 in which the common plane is perpendicular to the lateral direction of the step members.
The linkage 20 includes a first link 42 and a second link 44. Each of the links spans between a first pivot coupling 46 and a second pivot coupling 48.
The first pivot coupling 46 is located at a first bottom end of the link which is coupled to the fixed leg of the mount for relative pivotal movement therebetween about a respective first axis oriented parallel to the lateral direction of the step members. The second pivot coupling 48 is located at the second end of the link which is coupled to the step frame for relative pivotal movement about a second axis also oriented parallel to the lateral direction of the step members.
The first axis of the first link is located spaced upwardly and forwardly in relation to the first axis of the second link corresponding to the upward and forward inclination of the fixed leg. Similarly, the second axis of the first link is also positioned upwardly and forwardly in relation to the second axis of the second link by the same distance and inclination along an innermost one of the uprights of the step frame nearest to the fixed leg.
In this manner, the first and second links 42 and 44 are parallel to one another throughout the range of movement of the step frame between stored and working positions. Similarly, the portion of the fixed leg between the first axis of the first and second links and the corresponding portion of the upright between the second axes of the first and second link also remain parallel to one another throughout the pivotal movement of the step frame between the stored and working positions.
The step frame is positioned to be laterally offset to one side of the linkage such that the linkage is only coupled between the fixed leg and one of the uprights of the step frame. In the stored position, both links, the fixed leg, and both uprights of the step frame all lie generally in a common plane. This is permitted by the lateral offset of the links, the fixed leg and the step frame relative to one another.
In the stored position, the two links are received between the fixed leg and the nearest upright of the step frame by use of pivot shafts coupling the links to the fixed leg and step frame respectively. More particularly, a first pivot shaft 50 is coupled along the first axis of the second link to span laterally between the fixed leg and the second link spaced therefrom by a sufficient lateral distance to receive the first link between the fixed leg and the second leg in the lateral direction.
Similarly, a 5 second pivot shaft 52 is coupled along the second axis of the first link to span between the laterally spaced apart first link and inner most upright of the step frame by a sufficient lateral distance to receive the second link laterally between the first link and the step frame.
Stop members are used to support the step member in the stored and 10 working positions. These include a first stop member 54 in the form of a plate supported on the fixed leg parallel to the plane of the links in the stored position. The plate is secured along the forward edge of the fixed link to be spaced forwardly of the first pivot couplings 46. The plate extends in the lateral direction from the fixed leg by a suitable width to overlap and abut the forward edges of both links and the inner most one of the uprights of the step frame in the stored position. The first stop member 54 thus prevents further rotation of the step frame from the working position to the stored position beyond the stored position.
Similarly, a second stop member 56 is also supported on the fixed leg but for the function of stopping further rotation of the step frame from the stored position towards the working position and beyond the working position. The second stop member is also provided in the form of a plate which is fixed onto the rear side of the fixed leg adjacent the bottom end thereof so as to be positioned rearwardly of the first axis of the first link while the forwardmost edge is located spaced directly vertically above the first axis of the second link. The second stop member spans in the lateral direction by a prescribed distance so as to only overlap into the plane of movement of the first link so that the second link is not affected by the second stop member. The forward edge of the second stop member is arranged to be engaged by the rear edge of the first link in the working position to prevent further rotation of the entire linkage and step frame.
In use, the mount is secured about the rear bumper of a transport trailer frame such that the step frame is supported fully above the channel of the mount and the bumper received therein between the bumper therebelow and the platform for supporting cargo thereon thereabove.
In the stored position, the linkage and the step frame is substantially fully forward of a rearmost edge of the mount secured about the bumper.
Rotation of the step frame to the working position involves rotating the step frame upward and rearward over the top centre position with continued rotation downward and rearward to the working position.
In the working position the step members are near in elevation but spaced rearvvardly from their respective location in the stored position of the step frame. Engagement of the first link with the second stop member 56 permits weight to be carried on the step members to allow stepping thereon by a user accessing the cargo platform of the trailer in the working position.
Subsequent storing of the step assembly simply involves pushing the step frame forwardly over the top centre position so that the step frame is effectively self retained in the stored position. If reversing the trailer frame into an obstruction while the step assembly is in the working position, the assembly will self-fold to return to the stored position without causing any undesirable damage.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Referring to the accompanying figures, there is illustrated a step assembly for use in assisting user access to the cargo supporting area of a transport frame. The assembly is particularly suited for coupling to a vehicular bumper, for example, bumpers on any transport frame including a transport truck frame or a trailer frame.
The step assembly is best suited for use on the rear bumper of a highway transport trailer of the type being arranged for towing by a highway tractor.
The rear bumper 12 in this instance generally comprises a tubular member of square cross section which is elongate in a longitudinal direction spanning horizontally across the width of the trailer frame at the rear end thereof perpendicularly to the forward rolling direction.
The step assembly 10 generally includes a mount 14 for securement to the bumper 12, a step frame 16 including two laterally extending step members 18 to support a user stepping thereon, and a linkage 20 which supports the step frame on the mount such that a lateral direction of each step member is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bumper and such that the step frame is moveable relative to the mount between a stored position and a working position. In the stored position the step frame is supported in proximity to the mount above the bumper. In the working position the step frame is spaced farther rearward from the mount than in the stored position at a similar elevation above the bumper. The linkage is generally rotated from the stored position upwardly and rearwardly to an intermediate top centre position and then rotated downwardly and rearwardly from the top centre position to the working position.
The mount 14 includes a channel 22 which is generally C-shaped in cross section to include an intermediate flange 24 spanning between two opposing side flanges 26. The intermediate flange is oriented vertically to span the height of a rear side of the bumper between the top and bottom surfaces thereof. The two opposing side flanges 26 extend forwardly from the top and bottom ends of the intermediate flange respectively to extend forwardly over the respective top and bottom surfaces of the bumper in a mounted position. The two side flanges are spaced approximately by the vertical height of the bumper received therebetween such that the bumper is readily slidable into the space between the two side flanges within the channel while allowing the two side flanges to be clamped against the top and bottom sides of the bumper as described in the following.
The two side flanges project forwardly from the intermediate flange 24 to respective forward free edges 28 by a distance which is greater than the thickness of the bumper in the forward direction such that the two free edges 28 protrude forwardly beyond the front side of the bumper in the mounted position. Suitable fastener apertures 30 are located adjacent the free edges 28 in alignment with one another to receive suitable threaded fasteners 22 connected between the free edges of the two side flanges in the mounted position. Tightening the fasteners 32 permits the top and bottom side flanges 26 to be suitably clamped onto top and bottom surfaces of the bumper retained in fixed relation within the channel.
The mount 14 further includes a fixed leg 34 which is mounted on the uppermost side flange on the top side of the channel towards one end thereof to extend upwardly at a forward inclination of less than 45 degrees vertical.
The step frame 16 generally includes two uprights 36 which are laterally opposed from one another by the full width of the step frame such that each upright spans the full height of the frame between opposing top and bottom ends. Two step members 18 extend in the lateral direction between the two uprights at respective opposing top and bottom ends of the uprights. The two uprights extend at an upward and forward inclination so as to be parallel to the fixed leg 34 throughout the full range of movement of the step frame relative to the mount.
The two step members each include an upper surface 38, which is generally horizontal to define a tread for stepping thereon while the two uprights are supported at an upward and forward inclination throughout the range of motion thereof. The uppermost step member is thus positioned upwardly and forwardly in relation to the lowermost step member.
In the stored position, the lowermost step member is positioned directly adjacent the top side of the channel while the uppermost step member is positioned upwardly and forwardly from the channel in proximity to the top end of the fixed leg.
In the working position, the lowermost step member 18 is spaced rearwardly from the channel near in elevation to the top side of the channel while the uppermost step member is in line with the rear edge of the mount at a location spaced vertically thereabove.
The step frame further includes a handle 40 in the form of an elongate bar extending parallel to the uprights at a location spaced rearwardly from a plane of the uprights. The elongate bar of the handle 40 is suitably sized for gripping in the hand of a user and is aligned in a common vertical plane with one of the uprights nearest to the fixed leg 34 in which the common plane is perpendicular to the lateral direction of the step members.
The linkage 20 includes a first link 42 and a second link 44. Each of the links spans between a first pivot coupling 46 and a second pivot coupling 48.
The first pivot coupling 46 is located at a first bottom end of the link which is coupled to the fixed leg of the mount for relative pivotal movement therebetween about a respective first axis oriented parallel to the lateral direction of the step members. The second pivot coupling 48 is located at the second end of the link which is coupled to the step frame for relative pivotal movement about a second axis also oriented parallel to the lateral direction of the step members.
The first axis of the first link is located spaced upwardly and forwardly in relation to the first axis of the second link corresponding to the upward and forward inclination of the fixed leg. Similarly, the second axis of the first link is also positioned upwardly and forwardly in relation to the second axis of the second link by the same distance and inclination along an innermost one of the uprights of the step frame nearest to the fixed leg.
In this manner, the first and second links 42 and 44 are parallel to one another throughout the range of movement of the step frame between stored and working positions. Similarly, the portion of the fixed leg between the first axis of the first and second links and the corresponding portion of the upright between the second axes of the first and second link also remain parallel to one another throughout the pivotal movement of the step frame between the stored and working positions.
The step frame is positioned to be laterally offset to one side of the linkage such that the linkage is only coupled between the fixed leg and one of the uprights of the step frame. In the stored position, both links, the fixed leg, and both uprights of the step frame all lie generally in a common plane. This is permitted by the lateral offset of the links, the fixed leg and the step frame relative to one another.
In the stored position, the two links are received between the fixed leg and the nearest upright of the step frame by use of pivot shafts coupling the links to the fixed leg and step frame respectively. More particularly, a first pivot shaft 50 is coupled along the first axis of the second link to span laterally between the fixed leg and the second link spaced therefrom by a sufficient lateral distance to receive the first link between the fixed leg and the second leg in the lateral direction.
Similarly, a 5 second pivot shaft 52 is coupled along the second axis of the first link to span between the laterally spaced apart first link and inner most upright of the step frame by a sufficient lateral distance to receive the second link laterally between the first link and the step frame.
Stop members are used to support the step member in the stored and 10 working positions. These include a first stop member 54 in the form of a plate supported on the fixed leg parallel to the plane of the links in the stored position. The plate is secured along the forward edge of the fixed link to be spaced forwardly of the first pivot couplings 46. The plate extends in the lateral direction from the fixed leg by a suitable width to overlap and abut the forward edges of both links and the inner most one of the uprights of the step frame in the stored position. The first stop member 54 thus prevents further rotation of the step frame from the working position to the stored position beyond the stored position.
Similarly, a second stop member 56 is also supported on the fixed leg but for the function of stopping further rotation of the step frame from the stored position towards the working position and beyond the working position. The second stop member is also provided in the form of a plate which is fixed onto the rear side of the fixed leg adjacent the bottom end thereof so as to be positioned rearwardly of the first axis of the first link while the forwardmost edge is located spaced directly vertically above the first axis of the second link. The second stop member spans in the lateral direction by a prescribed distance so as to only overlap into the plane of movement of the first link so that the second link is not affected by the second stop member. The forward edge of the second stop member is arranged to be engaged by the rear edge of the first link in the working position to prevent further rotation of the entire linkage and step frame.
In use, the mount is secured about the rear bumper of a transport trailer frame such that the step frame is supported fully above the channel of the mount and the bumper received therein between the bumper therebelow and the platform for supporting cargo thereon thereabove.
In the stored position, the linkage and the step frame is substantially fully forward of a rearmost edge of the mount secured about the bumper.
Rotation of the step frame to the working position involves rotating the step frame upward and rearward over the top centre position with continued rotation downward and rearward to the working position.
In the working position the step members are near in elevation but spaced rearvvardly from their respective location in the stored position of the step frame. Engagement of the first link with the second stop member 56 permits weight to be carried on the step members to allow stepping thereon by a user accessing the cargo platform of the trailer in the working position.
Subsequent storing of the step assembly simply involves pushing the step frame forwardly over the top centre position so that the step frame is effectively self retained in the stored position. If reversing the trailer frame into an obstruction while the step assembly is in the working position, the assembly will self-fold to return to the stored position without causing any undesirable damage.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (19)
1. A step assembly for mounting on a bumper which spans in a longitudinal direction, the step assembly comprising:
a mount arranged for attachment to the bumper;
a step frame including at least one step member extending in a respective lateral direction; and a linkage coupling the step frame to the mount such that the lateral direction of said at least one step member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and such that the step frame is movable relative to the mount between a stored position in which the step frame is supported in proximity to the mount and a working position in which the step frame is farther from the mount than in the stored position and said at least one step member is arranged to support a user stepping thereon;
the linkage comprising:
a first link extending between a first end pivotally coupled to the mount for relative pivotal movement about a first axis of the first link and a second end pivotally coupled to the step frame for relative pivotal movement about a second axis of the first link; and a second link extending between a first end pivotally coupled to the mount for relative pivotal movement about a first axis of the second link at a location spaced from the first axis of the first link and a second end pivotally coupled to the step frame for relative pivotal movement about a second axis of the second link at a location spaced from the second axis of the first link;
wherein the first link, the second link, a portion of the mount between the first axes of the first and second links, and a portion of the step frame between the second axes of the first and second links collectively define a four bar linkage.
a mount arranged for attachment to the bumper;
a step frame including at least one step member extending in a respective lateral direction; and a linkage coupling the step frame to the mount such that the lateral direction of said at least one step member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and such that the step frame is movable relative to the mount between a stored position in which the step frame is supported in proximity to the mount and a working position in which the step frame is farther from the mount than in the stored position and said at least one step member is arranged to support a user stepping thereon;
the linkage comprising:
a first link extending between a first end pivotally coupled to the mount for relative pivotal movement about a first axis of the first link and a second end pivotally coupled to the step frame for relative pivotal movement about a second axis of the first link; and a second link extending between a first end pivotally coupled to the mount for relative pivotal movement about a first axis of the second link at a location spaced from the first axis of the first link and a second end pivotally coupled to the step frame for relative pivotal movement about a second axis of the second link at a location spaced from the second axis of the first link;
wherein the first link, the second link, a portion of the mount between the first axes of the first and second links, and a portion of the step frame between the second axes of the first and second links collectively define a four bar linkage.
2. The step assembly according to Claim 1 wherein the linkage is rotated over-center between the stored position and the working position.
3. The step assembly according to either one of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the first and second links are parallel to one another through pivotal movement between the stored position and the working position.
4. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 3 wherein the first and second links extend upwardly and forwardly from the mount in the stored position.
5. The step , assembly according to Claim 4 wherein the first and second links are oriented at less than 45 degrees from vertical in the stored position.
6. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 5 wherein the first and second links extend upwardly and rearwardly from the mount in the working position.
7. The step assembly according to Claim 6 wherein the first and second links are oriented at less than 45 degrees from vertical in the working position.
8. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 7 wherein a bottom end of the step frame is adjacent to the mount in the stored position.
9. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 8 wherein the step frame is spaced rearwardly in the working position in relation to the stored position.
10. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 9 wherein said at least one step member is substantially at the same elevation in the stored position and the working position.
11. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 10 further comprising a stop member fixed on the mount which engages at least one of the links to prevent pivotal movement of the links beyond the working position when pivoting the links from the stored position to the working position.
12. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 11 further comprising a stop member fixed on the mount which engages at least one of the links to prevent pivotal movement of the links beyond the stored position when pivoting the links from the working position to the stored position.
13. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 12 wherein the step frame is fully forward in relation to a rearmost end of the mount in the stored position.
14. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 13 wherein the step frame is fully rearward in relation to a rearmost end of the mount in the working position.
15. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 14 wherein said at least one step member of the step frame comprises two step members at a fixed spacing from one another on the step frame.
16. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 15 wherein the step frame comprises two parallel and spaced apart uprights and two step members fixed between the uprights at vertically spaced apart locations, the linkage being laterally offset to one side of the step frame so as to be directly coupled to only one of the uprights.
17. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 16 in combination with a bumper comprising a tubular member of square cross section wherein the mount comprises a C-shaped member arranged to be clamped about the tubular member.
18. The step assembly according to Claim 17 wherein the mount comprises an intermediate flange spanning between two side flanges which are generally parallel to one another, the side flanges being spaced apart by a prescribed spacing which is substantially equal to a corresponding dimension of the tubular member received therebetween and wherein there is provided at least one fastener arranged to be coupled between the two side flanges opposite from the intermediate flange so as to be arranged to clamp the tubular member between the two side flanges when said at least one fastener is tightened.
19. The step assembly according to any one of Claims 1 through 18 in combination with a rear bumper of a highway transport trailer upon which the mount is supported.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2806865 CA2806865A1 (en) | 2013-02-12 | 2013-02-12 | Bumper mounted step assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2806865 CA2806865A1 (en) | 2013-02-12 | 2013-02-12 | Bumper mounted step assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2806865A1 true CA2806865A1 (en) | 2014-08-12 |
Family
ID=51349123
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2806865 Abandoned CA2806865A1 (en) | 2013-02-12 | 2013-02-12 | Bumper mounted step assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2806865A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2020202723B2 (en) * | 2020-04-23 | 2021-12-23 | Batke, Theresa | Pivoting step with roller |
-
2013
- 2013-02-12 CA CA 2806865 patent/CA2806865A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2020202723B2 (en) * | 2020-04-23 | 2021-12-23 | Batke, Theresa | Pivoting step with roller |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20160212 |