GB2544480A

GB2544480A - Vehicle step system and method

Info

Publication number: GB2544480A
Application number: GB1520192.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Broadbent Kevin
Original assignee: Rhino Products Ltd
Current assignee: Rhino Products Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-16
Filing date: 2015-11-16
Publication date: 2017-05-24
Also published as: WO2017085485A1; GB201520192D0

Abstract

A vehicle step system comprising a step 100 and a mounting bracket 200. The step comprises a support platform 110 and an engaging portion 120. The mounting bracket fastens to the vehicle and has a channel 222 with a recess 226. The engaging portion is insertable into the channel in a first direction and removable from the channel in a second direction opposite the first. The step may be moved between a first unlocked configuration and a second locked configuration, wherein the engaging portion is located in the recess of the mounting bracket. Preferably, the step is moved between the locked and unlocked configurations by rotating the step in a first or second, opposite, direction. The step may have a guiding member 130 corresponding to a guiding section on the mounting bracket. The step may comprise a fastening member 140 which is detachable from the mounting bracket. A method for the system is included.

Description

Vehicle step system and method

FIELD

[01] The present invention relates to a vehicle step system for detachably securing a support platform to a vehicle and a method of securing a support platform to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[02] It is known to provide a stepping assist on a vehicle in order to ease access to the vehicle. The stepping assist may be helpful when entering into or alighting from the vehicle, especially if the vehicle has a high ground clearance. Similarly, the stepping assist may be helpful for accessing a vehicle roof, for example when removing a large item secured to a roof-mounted rack. In particular, a van or other large vehicle may have a relatively high vehicle roof requiring a stepping assist for accessing the vehicle roof.

[03] Different types of stepping assists are known. One example of a stepping assist is permanently installed to a vehicle. Another example of a stepping assist is semi-permanently installed to a vehicle, requiring tools for securing the stepping assist and for removing the stepping assist. However, it may be advantageous to have a stepping assist that is quickly secured to a vehicle and readily separated therefrom. Such an arrangement may be particularly advantageous when the stepping assist is provided at a rear section of the vehicle and access to a tow bar provided on the vehicle is required.

[04] Therefore, it is now desired to provide a vehicle step system as an alternative to previously available stepping assists. The example embodiments have been provided with a view to addressing at least some of the difficulties that are encountered with current stepping assists, whether those difficulties have been specifically mentioned above or will otherwise be appreciated from the discussion herein.

SUMMARY

[05] There now follows a summary of various aspects and advantages according to embodiments of the invention. This summary is provided as an introduction to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed discussion herein and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims that are appended hereto.

[06] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a vehicle step system for quickly attaching a support platform to a vehicle, and quickly detaching the support platform from the vehicle. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a vehicle step system which may be operable without the use of additional tools. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a vehicle step system having a mounting bracket which is relatively small.

[07] A vehicle step system according to the present invention comprises a step and a mounting bracket.

[08] In the exemplary embodiments the step is attached to the mounting bracket by a first relative movement of the step and mounting bracket and a subsequent second, different relative movement of the step and mounting bracket. The first and second relative movement causes a co-operating feature on the step to engage a cooperating feature on the bracket wherein abutment of the co-operating features restricts relative movement of the step and bracket in a reverse of the first movement. To detach the step from the bracket, the step is moved relative to the bracket so as to reverse the second movement and, subsequently, the first movement.

[09] In exemplary embodiments, one of the cooperating features is an engaging portion. Here, the first movement is a linear movement in a first direction and the reverse first movement is linear movement in a second direction wherein the second direction is opposed to the first direction. Preferably, the second movement is angular movement. Suitably, the engaging portion is arranged to extend along an axis, and the angular movement is rotation about the axis. Here the second movement may be rotation through an angular degree and the reverse second movement may be an inverse rotation. The axis may be generally parallel to the bracket. Preferably, the other cooperating feature may be a channel. Here, the engaging portion is arranged to enter the channel by the first relative movement in the first direction and rotation of the step relative to the bracket causes the engaging portion to abut the channel to restrict relative movement in the second direction, without first completing the inverse rotation.

[10] In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle step system includes an additional fastening means. The additional fastening means may be arranged so as to be engaged upon completion of the second movement. Suitably, the additional fastening means may arranged to prevent movement of the step and bracket in the reverse of the first movement. In one example, the step and the mounting bracket may be arranged to couple together magnetically through the additional fastening means. In another example, the additional fastening means may comprise a fastening member and a clip. Here, the fastening member engages the clip by relative movement and the fastener is arranged to disengage when an inertia force is overcome to move the step relative to the bracket in the reverse second movement. Preferably, the clip may be resilient and arranged to resiliently deform to engage and disengage with the fastening member. The force required to deform the clip is suitably the inertia force.

[11] In one example, the fastening member is arranged to press against the mounting bracket. Suitably, the mounting bracket may form an abutment surface. Thereby load applied to the support platform may be supported by the abutment surface of the mounting bracket.

[12] The mounting bracket is securable to a vehicle and, advantageously, may be securable to a rear section of a vehicle outfitted with a tow bar. The mounting bracket may be fastened to the vehicle in any known manner. For example, the mounting bracket may be mechanically secured to the vehicle using mounting points provided on the vehicle. Suitably, the mounting bracket may be provided with mounting means matching the mounting points of the vehicle.

[13] In the exemplary embodiments, the step comprises a support platform. The support platform is suitable for bearing a load, such as the weight of a person standing on the support platform.

[14] The step is attachable to the mounting bracket. Suitably, the mounting bracket may form a channel. The channel defines an opening configured to receive the step along a first direction. An engaging portion of the step is arranged to be inserted into the channel along the first direction. In one example, the step may comprise a plurality of engaging portions. In particular, the step may comprise a pair of engaging portions.

[15] The step is detachable from the mounting bracket. Suitably, the engaging portion of the step is removable from the channel of the mounting bracket along a second direction. The second direction is opposed to the first direction. The first and the second direction may correspond to a downwards direction and to an upwards direction, respectively. That is, the step may be lowered into engagement with the mounting bracket and the step may be lifted to separate the step from the mounting bracket.

[16] The step may be attachable to the mounting bracket and removable from the mounting bracket manually. That is, the step and the mounting bracket may be configured such that a user may attach or detach the step by hand, without the need for further tools.

[17] In one example, the step may comprise a plurality of engaging portions and the mounting bracket may comprise a plurality of channels. In another example, the mounting bracket may comprise a plurality of channels configured to receive a plurality of steps. In particular, the mounting bracket may comprise a pair of channels.

[18] The step is retainable by the mounting bracket. That is, the step and the mounting bracket are arrangeable into a locked configuration to prevent undesired displacement of the step. In the locked configuration the mounting bracket prevents removal of the engaging portion from the channel. Suitably, in the locked configuration the engaging portion is located in a recess of the channel such that movement of the engaging portion along the second direction is restrictable by the mounting bracket.

[19] The step and the mounting bracket are arrangeable between the locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. That is, the locked configuration may be brought into the unlocked configuration and vice versa. In the unlocked configuration, the engaging portion is removable from the channel along the second direction. In the locked configuration, movement of the engaging portion from the channel along the second direction is restrictable by the mounting bracket, thereby preventing separation of the step and the mounting bracket. Furthermore, in the locked configuration the mounting bracket may be configured to retain the step in a desired orientation. Suitably, the mounting bracket may be configured to abut the engaging portion to prevent displacement of the step in response to load on the support platform.

[20] In one example, the unlocked configuration is changeable to the locked configuration through a first rotation of the step relative to the mounting bracket. Similarly, the locked configuration may be changed to the unlocked configuration by a second rotation, which is of opposite direction. The mounting bracket may be configured to terminate the first rotation through abutment of the engaging portion.

[21] The step and the mounting bracket may be arrangeable between the locked and the unlocked configuration manually.

[22] The mounting bracket may be configured to receive a fastening member of the step. The fastening member of the step may be attachable to the mounting bracket and may be detachable therefrom. The mounting bracket may be configured to retain the fastening member and thereby retain the locked configuration.

[23] In this example, the fastening member is a cylindrical portion of the step and the mounting bracket is provided with a clip configured to receive and retain the cylindrical portion. The clip is resiliently deformable such that the cylindrical portion is insertable into the clip and the cylindrical portion is retainable by the clip when inserted. It may be possible to manually push the cylindrical portion into the clip, and manually remove it from the clip.

[24] The fastening member may be configured to press against the mounting bracket in the locked configuration. That is, the step and the mounting bracket may be arrangeable such that the mounting bracket abuts the fastening member. Thereby load on the support platform may be shared with the fastening member.

[25] In one example, the fastening member is attachable to the mounting bracket through the first rotation. The fastening member may be configured to press against the mounting bracket such that the first rotation is terminable when the fastening member is attached to and presses against the mounting bracket.

[26] The step may comprise a guiding member and the mounting bracket may form a guiding section. Suitably, the guiding member and the guiding section are arranged to aid securing the step to the mounting bracket. Conveniently, the guiding member and the guiding section may aid insertion of the engaging portion into the channel. Conveniently, the guiding member may follow the guiding section during insertion of the engaging portion. The guiding member may be arranged, in the locked configuration, to rest against the guiding section and thereby retain the locked configuration. In one example, the guiding section may be an edge formed by the mounting bracket. In another example, the guiding member may be a rod.

[27] The step may form a slot. Suitably, the slot may be arranged to receive the mounting bracket. Thus the slot may provide further means for securing the step to the mounting bracket.

Conveniently, the slot may be arranged such that the mounting bracket is located in the slot when the engaging portion is located in the channel.

[28] The step and the mounting bracket may be made from any suitable choice of material. Such materials may include metals, metal alloys, plastics and composite materials. In one example, the step is made from steel expect for the support platform, which is made from a composite material, whereas the mounting bracket is made from steel.

[29] A method for securing a support platform to a vehicle according to the present invention is provided. The method comprises providing the vehicle, which has the mounting bracket attached. The method further comprises providing the step which includes the support platform and the engaging portion. The method further comprises inserting the engaging portion of the step into the channel formed by the mounting bracket along the first direction, thereby arranging the step and the mounting bracket in an unlocked configuration. The method further comprises changing the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the engaging portion is prevented from moving along a second direction, which is opposing the first direction, by the mounting bracket.

[30] The method for securing a support platform to a vehicle may comprise changing the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration and removing the engaging portion from the channel along the second direction.

[31] The method for securing a support platform to a vehicle may further comprise arranging the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration comprises rotating the step with respect to the mounting bracket.

[32] The method for securing a support platform to a vehicle may further comprise attaching a fastening member of the step to the mounting bracket when changing the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[33] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings.

[34] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a step and, separately, a mounting bracket.

[35] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a step and, separately, a mounting bracket.

[36] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a step and a mounting bracket in an unlocked configuration.

[37] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of a step and a mounting bracket in a locked configuration.

[38] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a mounting bracket.

[39] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a step.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[40] Exemplary embodiments of a vehicle step system according to the present disclosure are discussed with reference to the Figures. It will be appreciated that the vehicle step system is presented schematically in the Figures and that technical details have been omitted for the sake of clarity, or where such details are well known in the art.

[41] Figures 1 and 2 show a cross-sectional view of a vehicle step system 10 comprising a step 100 and a mounting bracket 200. The step 100 is shown separately from the mounting bracket 200. The step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 are configured such that the step 100 is readily attachable to the mounting bracket 200 and, when attached, readily detachable therefrom.

[42] The mounting bracket 200 is attachable to a vehicle and particularly to a rear section of the vehicle, such that a back plate 210 of the mounting bracket 200 faces the vehicle while a side portion 220 extends away from the vehicle. In one example, the mounting bracket 200 may comprise multiple side portions 220.

[43] The mounting bracket 200 may be attachable to vehicle using any known means. For example, the back plate 210 may be fastened to mounting points provided on the vehicle. In one example, the mounting bracket 200 is secured to the vehicle using bolts and nuts.

[44] In this example, the step comprises a head portion 102, a neck portion 104, a lower portion 106 and a rear portion 108.

[45] The step 100 comprises a support platform 110. In this example, the support platform 110 is part of the rear portion 108 of the step 100. The step 100 is separably attachable to the mounting bracket 200 so as to provide a removably attached support platform 110. Suitably, the step 100 comprises an engaging portion 120 which is receivable by the mounting bracket 200. In this example, the engaging portion 120 is part of the head portion 102. In another example, the step 100 may comprise multiple head portions 102, each head portion comprising an engaging portion 120.

[46] The engaging portion 120 is receivable by the mounting bracket 200 along a first direction. As shown in Figure 2, the first direction may correspond to a generally downwards direction, and is illustrated by the axis A. Thus, in this example, the step 100 is receivable by the mounting bracket 200 by lowering the step 100 along axis A until the engaging portion 120 has been received by the mounting bracket 200.

[47] The step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 may be arranged to aid a user when securing the step 100 to the mounting bracket 200. Suitably, the step 100 may comprise a guiding member. In one example, the guiding member may be a portion formed by the step 100, and configured to engage the mounting bracket. In this example, the guiding member is a guiding rod 130, which is secured to the neck portion 108. The guiding rod 130 is arranged, during insertion, to follow a guiding section provided on the mounting bracket 200. In one example, the guiding section is a portion formed by the mounting bracket 200, and configured define a path along which the guiding member 130 may follow. In this example, the guiding rod 130 is arranged to traverse along path B defined by a guiding edge 230.

[48] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the step 100 and the mounting bracket 200, where the step 100 has been received by the mounting bracket 200.

[49] The engaging portion 120 is receivable by the mounting bracket 200. Suitably, the mounting bracket 200 forms a channel 222. In this example, the channel 222 is formed by the side portion 220, which extends away from the vehicle. The channel 222 defines an opening 224 through which the engaging portion 120 is insertable.

[50] In this example, the engaging portion 120 is insertable into the channel 222 when the step 100 is provided at a first angle relative to the mounting bracket 200. The first angle may be defined as angle between the axis along which the engaging portion 100 is insertable into the channel 222 and the support platform 110 which forms a generally planar surface. In this example, the first angle is approximately 45°. That is, the generally planar surface of the support platform 110 is held at approximately 45° with respect to the axis A during insertion of the engaging portion 120 into the channel 222. In another example, the first angle may be between 25° and 65°.

[51] Insertion of the engaging portion 120 into the channel 222 provides the step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 in an unlocked configuration. When in the unlocked configuration, the step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 are arrangeable into a locked configuration. Alternatively, the step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 may be returned into a separated configuration.

[52] The step 100 is separable from the mounting bracket 200 in the unlocked configuration. Suitably, the step 100 is movable along a second direction for removal of the engaging portion 120 from the channel 222. In this example, the second direction is a generally upwards direction. That is, the step 100 is separable from the mounting bracket 200 through lifting of the step 100 and thereby moving the step along axis A in a generally upwards direction. The step 100 is separable from the mounting bracket 200 when provided at the first angle with respect to the mounting bracket 200.

[53] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the step 100 and the mounting bracket in the locked configuration.

[54] The step 100 and the mounting bracket 200, when in the unlocked configuration, may be brought into the locked configuration. Similarly, when in the locked configuration, the step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 may be brought into the unlocked configuration. That is, the step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 are changeable between the locked and the unlocked configuration.

[55] In the locked configuration, the step 100 is not removable from the mounting bracket 200 along the second direction. Suitably, the mounting bracket 200 is configured to restrict movement of the engaging portion 120 along the second direction when the step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 are in the locked configuration.

[56] In this example, the channel 222 has a recess 226. The mounting bracket 220 is formed such that access to the recess 226 along axis A is restricted. Thus, the engaging portion 120 is not insertable into the recess 226 along the first direction and is not removable from the recess 226 along the second direction. Instead, the engaging portion 120 is locatable in the recess 226 through changing the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

[57] The unlocked configuration may be changeable to the locked configuration through a rotation, while the locked configuration may be changeable to the unlocked configuration through a reverse rotation. In another example, the unlocked configuration may be changeable to the locked configuration through a first linear displacement of the step with respect to the mounting bracket, while the locked configuration may be changeable to the unlocked configuration through a second linear displacement, which opposes the first linear displacement.

[58] In this example, the unlocked configuration is changeable into the locked configuration through a first rotation of the step 100 with respect to the mounting bracket 200. Thereby an angle between the step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 is changeable from the first angle to a second angle. In this example, in the locked configuration the second angle between the support platform 110 and the axis A is substantially 90°. That is, the support platform 110 is provided at a substantially right angle with respect to the axis A when in the locked configuration. That is, in the locked configuration, the support platform 110 is substantially horizontal. Thus, the support platform 110 is configured to support a load, for example the weight of a person, in the locked configuration.

[59] In one example, the step 100 may be “dropped” to change the unlocked configuration into the locked configuration. That is, a gravitational pull on the step 100 may be configured to rotate the step 100 from the unlocked configuration into the locked configuration. Conversely, the gravitational pull may retain the step 100 in the locked configuration. Thereby accidental displacement of the step 100 may be prevented.

[60] In the locked configuration, the mounting bracket 200 restricts movement of engaging portion 120 of the step 100 along the second direction. Thereby removal of the engaging portion 120 is restricted in the locked configuration. Suitably, the engaging portion 120 is locatable in the recess 226 through the first rotation. Conveniently, the engaging portion 120 may press against an abutment surface 228 of the mounting bracket, which is arranged to terminate the first rotation. As shown Figure 4, in the locked configuration the engaging portion 120 extends into the recess 226 and engages the abutment surface 228.

[61] When the engaging portion 120 is located in the recess 226, the engaging portion 120 is not removable from the channel 222 along the second direction. That is, the step 100 is not separable from the mounting bracket 200 through moving the step 100 into the second direction. Thereby, accidental displacement and particularly accidental separation of the step 100 may be preventable in the locked configuration.

[62] The step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 may be configured to retain the locked configuration. Suitably, the step 100 may further comprise a fastening member 140. In this example, the fastening member 140 is a part of the lower portion 106 of the step 100.

[63] The fastening member 140 may be configured, in the locked configuration, to attach to the mounting bracket 200. Conveniently, fastening member 140 may be detachable from the mounting bracket 200 to change the locked configuration into the unlocked configuration.

[64] In this example, the mounting bracket 200 comprises a clip 240 configured to receive the fastening member 140 of the step 100. The fastening member 140 may be a substantially cylindrical portion which is receivable and retainable by the clip 240. Suitably, the clip 240 may be made from a resiliently deformable material such as a suitable choice of plastics.

[65] In this example, the fastening member 140 and the clip 240 are arranged such that the fastening member 140 is receivable by the clip 240 when bringing the unlocked configuration into the locked configuration.

[66] In one example, the clip 240 may be configured to engage the fastening member 140 as a result of a user pushing the fastening member 140 into the clip 240. That is, the fastening member 140 may be forceable into the clip 240.

[67] The clip 240 is configured to retain the step 100 in the locked configuration. Suitably, the clip 240 is arranged to retain the fastening member 140 of the step 100, and to restrict rotation of the step 100 about the mounting bracket 200. In this example, the mounting bracket 200 is further configured to abut the fastening member 140.

[68] In use, load applied to the support platform 110 may supported by the fastening member 140 pressing against the mounting bracket 200. Suitably, the step 100 and the mounting bracket 200 may be configurable such that the mounting bracket 200 abuts the fastening member 140. In this example, the clip 140 may arrangeable to abut the fastening member 140.

[69] In the locked configuration, the guiding rod 130 may rest against the guiding edge 230. In this example, the guiding edge 230 is arranged to define the path B, and to restrict movement of the guiding rod 130 to the path B. Thereby, the guiding rod 130 and the guiding edge 230 are arranged to retain the locked configuration. Conveniently, the guiding rod 130 and the guiding edge 230 may prevent accidental displacement of the step 100 relative to the mounting bracket 200. In particular, the guiding rod 130 and the guiding edge 230 may prevent accidental separation of the step 100.

[70] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the mounting bracket 200.

[71] It may be advantageous to provide a mounting bracket 200 that is relatively unobtrusive. This may be particularly advantageous in a situation where the mounting bracket 200 is fastened to the rear section of the vehicle and access to the tow bar is required. Suitably, the mounting bracket 200 may be relatively small and relatively thin. In this example, the back plate 210 is securable to the vehicle and thus is arranged to form a close fit with the vehicle. Suitably, the side portion 220, which is arranged to extend away from the vehicle, is a relatively thin plate and relatively small. Thus, in this example, a relatively small portion of the mounting bracket 200 is arranged to extend away from the vehicle.

[72] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the head portion 102 and the neck portion 104 of the step 100. The neck portion 104 is shown including the guiding rod 130, which projects from the neck portion.

[73] The step 100 forms a slot 150. In this example, the slot 150 is formed by the head portion 102. Suitably, the slot 150 is formed between a pair of slot-forming surfaces 152, and extends to the engaging portion 120.

[74] The slot 150 is arranged to receive the mounting bracket 200. Conveniently, the slot 150 may be arranged to receive a portion of the side plate 220. In this example, the slot 150 is arranged such that the mounting bracket 200 is located in the slot 150 when the engaging portion 120 is located in the channel 222. Thus the slot 150 is configured to secure the step 100 to the mounting plate 200.

[75] In summary, an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle step system has been described. The vehicle step system comprises a mounting bracket, which is securable to a vehicle. Advantageously, the mounting bracket may be relatively small as only a side portion of the mounting bracket is configured to extend away from the vehicle. The side portion is configured to receive an engaging portion of a step. Thereby the step, which comprises a support platform, may be attached to the vehicle. The step is readily attachable to the mounting bracket and readily separable therefrom.

[76] The vehicle step system may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[77] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle step system for removably securing a support platform to a vehicle, the vehicle step system comprising: a step comprising the support platform and an engaging portion, and a mounting bracket for fastening to the vehicle and for retaining the step, wherein the mounting bracket forms a channel having a recess; the engaging portion is insertable into the channel along a first direction and, when inserted, the step and the mounting bracket are configurable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the unlocked configuration the engaging portion is removable from the channel along a second direction which is opposed to the first direction, and in the locked configuration the engaging portion is located in the recess, wherein the recess is arranged to prevent movement of the engaging portion along the second direction.

2. The vehicle step system according to claim 1, wherein the step further comprises a fastening member which is attachable to the mounting bracket in order to thereby retain the locked configuration, and wherein the fastening member is detachable from the mounting bracket.

3. The vehicle step system according to claim 2, wherein the mounting bracket is arranged to form an abutment surface, and wherein the fastening member is configurable to press against the abutment surface.

4. The vehicle step system according to any previous claim, wherein in the locked configuration the mounting bracket is configured to abut the engaging portion.

5. The vehicle step system according any previous claim, wherein the unlocked configuration is changed to the locked configuration through a first rotation of the step with respect to the mounting bracket, and wherein the locked configuration is changed to the unlocked configuration through a second rotation which opposes the first rotation.

6. The vehicle step system according to claim 5 when ultimately dependent on claim 2 or 3, wherein the step and the mounting bracket are arranged such that the fastening member is attachable to the mounting bracket through the first rotation and detachable from the mounting bracket through the second rotation.

7. The vehicle step system according to any previous claim, wherein the step forms a slot arranged such that the mounting bracket is located in the slot when the engaging portion is located in the channel.

8. The vehicle step system according to any previous claim, wherein the step further comprises a guiding member and the mounting bracket further comprises a guiding section; wherein the guiding member is arranged to follow the guiding section during insertion of the engaging portion into the channel.

9. The vehicle step system according to any previous claim, wherein the step comprises a pair of engaging portions and the mounting bracket comprises a pair of channels.

10. A method of securing a support platform to a vehicle, comprising: providing the vehicle, wherein a mounting bracket is attached to the vehicle; providing a step which comprises the support platform and an engaging portion; inserting the engaging portion of the step into a channel formed by the mounting bracket along a first direction, thereby arranging the step and the mounting bracket in an unlocked configuration; changing the unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the engaging portion is prevented from moving along a second direction, which is opposing the first direction, by the mounting bracket.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising changing the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration and removing the engaging portion from the channel along the second direction.

12. The method according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein arranging the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration comprises rotating the step with respect to the mounting bracket.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising attaching a fastening member of the step to the mounting bracket when changing the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

14. A vehicle step system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

15. A method of securing a support platform to a mounting bracket attached to a vehicle, substantially as hereinbefore described.