Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
280166000 | Shiftable | 85 |
20080238018 | MOVABLE STEP FOR MOTORCYCLE - A simply-structured movable step for a motorcycle. A step lifting and lowering mechanism includes a securing plate secured to a body frame with a shift cover attached to the securing plate so as to be movable upwardly and downwardly. A step plate is attached to the shift cover to support a foot-resting step. A lock mechanism is provided for locking the step plate at different height-positions. A gas spring expands and contracts in response to the upward and downward movements of the step plate for smoothly moving the step plate by the gas spring. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238019 | Step apparatus for vehicle - A step apparatus for a vehicle on which a passenger steps when ingressing to and egressing from the vehicle through an opening formed in a vehicle body, which includes a step panel provided at the opening to be closed or opened by a vehicle door movably supported on the vehicle body through a supporting member. The step panel disposed between a lower end portion of the opening and the supporting member. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238020 | Step apparatus for vehicle and structure arrangement of step apparatus for vehicle - A step apparatus for a vehicle is provided at an entrance of a vehicle body opened and closed by a slide door slidably supported to the vehicle body via a door arm in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The step apparatus includes a main body provided at a lower position than a vehicle floor, a drive mechanism provided in the main body, and a step provided in the main body to be movable between a protruded position and a retracted position relative to the main body in association with an opening movement and a closing movement of the slide door. The drive mechanism includes a drive portion driving the step to move to the protruded position relative to the main body in a width direction of the vehicle with an inclination towards a backward side of the vehicle in association with the opening movement of the slide door. | 10-02-2008 |
20080246244 | Retractable sidestep - A manually retractable side step assembly for a vehicle includes a rotatable step having a latch mechanism and a spring system that work in concert to rotate the step from a stowed position to a deployed position. In a stowed position, the step is in line with the running board of the vehicle. However, depressing a release button automatically rotates the step 180°, thus exposing an enlarged step area for providing ease of access to a roof rack on a minivan, SUV, or sport wagon, or if used with a pick-up truck, ease of access to a toolbox that is located in the rear of the truck. | 10-09-2008 |
20080290626 | RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP - A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, and a second arm. 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. | 11-27-2008 |
20090008894 | STEP ASSIST BOX-SIDE - A step assembly is provided for a bumper of a motor vehicle. The step assembly includes a mounting bracket fixedly secured to the bumper. A step is operatively coupled to the mounting bracket and is movable between a retracted position disposed adjacent the bumper and a deployed position extending away from the bumper. A pivot arm is pivotally interconnected between the mounting bracket and the step. A spring is secured between the mounting bracket and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm. The spring creates a tensile force. A lock arm is pivotally interconnected between the mounting bracket and the step. The lock arm defines a lock surface engaging the pivot arm while the tensile force of the spring locks the step in order to retain the step in one of the retracted and deployed positions. | 01-08-2009 |
20090008895 | Vehicle having an Elevated Cab and Access Steps - A vehicle with an elevated cab is provided with a power driven access step that is capable of being moved between an operating lower position and a raised stowage position. The step is carried by at least one telescopically collapsible tubular strut and an actuator is housed within the strut for raising and lowering the step by extending and contracting the strut. | 01-08-2009 |
20090008896 | Multi position step - A multi position step assembly that can be mounted into a standard square hitch or towing receiver | 01-08-2009 |
20090014978 | Mounted, multi-angle, extendable step - This invention relates to mounted, adjustable steps for vehicles and, in particular, to a multi-angle, extendable, and selectively height-adjustable step that can be mounted to a trailer such as a boat trailer, a camping trailer, trailers for all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles, and the like. The adjustable step assembly of the present invention includes a mounting bracket, an extension member, and a step. The extension member includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the extension member being pivotably connect to the mounting bracket to facilitate selective pivoting with respect to the mounting bracket through a range of motion including a first position and a second position being higher than the first position. The step may be connected to the second end of the extension member and configured to provide at least a first stepping area and a second stepping area when the extension member is selectively positioned in the first and second positions, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second stepping areas are substantially equivalent in surface area and aspect ratio. | 01-15-2009 |
20090072508 | RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP - A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, and a second arm. 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. | 03-19-2009 |
20090079157 | VEHICLE MOUNTED STEP - The present subject matter includes method and apparatus for a vehicle mounted step. Examples include a step apparatus comprising a frame having a first end and a second end, a first step member having a first end and a second end, a first pivot connection adapted to couple the first end of the first step member to the first end of the frame and a frame connecting member to couple the frame to the hitch receiver using a receiver pin, wherein the frame connecting member includes a drawbar and a hitch ball, wherein the frame includes a top portion connected to a bottom plate using a first and a second support member, the first and second support member sized to allow the frame connecting member to pass between the first and the second support members, wherein the frame includes a collar to secure the frame to the frame connecting member using a set screw and a jam nut, and wherein the first step member include a first step plate connected to a first tubular shaft. Other examples include methods for using a vehicle mounted step. | 03-26-2009 |
20090184486 | BOARDING AND/OR ACCESS AID FOR VEHICLES WITH PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION - A boarding and/or access aid for vehicles with passenger carrying service, contains a frame ( | 07-23-2009 |
20090184487 | BOARDING AND/OR ACCESS AID FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES - A boarding and/or access aid for vehicles with passenger carrying service contains a frame with two parallel side parts ( | 07-23-2009 |
20090189365 | Motorized collapsible step - The present invention provides an improved collapsible step assembly for recreational vehicles. The movable step apparatus comprises a mounting frame, at least one step mounted to the frame through a linkage assembly, and a pivot rod with a longitudinal axis of rotation. In use, the pivot rod is rotatably mounted to the frame and rotates the linkage assembly and the at least one step between an extended position and a retracted position. Rotating the pivot rod in a first direction moves the step to the extended position, and rotating the pivot rod in the opposite direction moves the step to the retracted position. The linkage assembly includes a link which is movable in the direction of the link toward extension of the step to contact a stop of the frame that reacts against a gravitational load acting on the step. | 07-30-2009 |
20090243249 | STEP ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A VEHICLE - A step assembly is easily mounted on the trailer hitch of a vehicle, and easily folded to a closed position or unfolded to an open position in place on the vehicle or off of the vehicle. In the open position, a person or a pet can more easily enter or leave a vehicle. In the closed position, the step assembly is more easily stored. | 10-01-2009 |
20090250896 | Push to Release Retractable Side Step - A step assembly includes a mounting bracket assembly adapted to be fixedly secured to a motor vehicle. A first arm includes one end pivotal with respect to the mounting bracket assembly and an opposing end. A second arm includes one end pivotal with respect to the mounting bracket assembly and an opposing end. A step pad assembly is pivotally coupled to the opposing end of each of the first and second arms. The step pad assembly includes a step movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A push to release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one of the first and second arms to release the step from one of the retracted and extended positions in response to a push action on the step. | 10-08-2009 |
20090273154 | STEP FOR A VEHICLE - A folding step is arranged inside a vehicle door arranged in the cab of a vehicle. The step is connected to a mechanism including a vertical shaft that is connected to the door of the vehicle and is mounted in such a way that it can pivot, which mechanism is arranged to cause the step, during rotation around the vertical shaft, to assume an unfolded or folded-away position when the door of the vehicle is opened or closed. | 11-05-2009 |
20090295114 | VEHICLE STEP APPARATUS AND EXTENDING AND RETRACTING DEVICE THEREFOR - A vehicle step includes a step member and first and second extending and retracting devices connected to the step member for moving it between extended and retracted positions. Each of the extending and retracting devices includes a mounting bracket adapted to be fixed to a vehicle body, a step bracket connected to the step member, first and second arms each defining a lower end rotatably connected to the step bracket and an upper end, and a third arm defining an upper end rotatably connected to the mounting bracket and a lower end rotatably connected to the upper end of the first or second arm. The upper end of the other of the first or second arm is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket. The vehicle step includes also driving devices that drive respectively the extending and retracting devices to move the step member between the extended and retracted positions. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295115 | EXTENDING AND RETRACTING DEVICE AND VEHICLE STEP APPARATUS WITH THE SAME - An extending and retracting device for a vehicle step includes a mounting bracket adapted to be fixed to a vehicle body and a step bracket adapted to be connected to a step member of the vehicle step. First and second arms each defines a lower end portion connected to the step bracket and an upper end portion. A third arm defines an upper end portion rotatably connected to the mounting bracket and a lower end portion rotatably connected to the upper end portion of the first or second arm. The upper end portion of the other of the first or second arm is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket. At least one arc-sliding member is mounted to the step bracket. At least one arc slot is formed in the lower end portion of the second arm. The arc-sliding member is adapted to fit into the corresponding arc slot so as to be slidable in the arc slot so that the lower end portion of the second arm is rotatable with respect to the step bracket. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295116 | STEP ASSEMBLY FOR UTILITY CART - A step assembly for a utility cart. The step assembly includes a platform member and a pair of support legs. The platform member is capable of being hingedly attached to a portion of the utility cart for facilitating movement of the step assembly between an operative position and a collapsed position of the step assembly. The pair of support legs is hingedly attached to the platform member at a peripheral edge portion of the platform member. | 12-03-2009 |
20090309325 | STEP DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A step device for a vehicle including a movable step arranged in a doorway opened and closed by a door is disclosed. The step device includes a drive unit, an open/close mechanism, a projection/retraction mechanism, and a plate cam. The open/close mechanism opens or closes the slide door. The projection/retraction mechanism moves a movable step. The plate cam is rotated by the open/close mechanism and engaged with a bushing arranged on the projection/retraction mechanism to enable or disable power transmission between the open/close mechanism and the projection/retraction mechanism. The plate cam includes a first recess and a second recess. The first recess pushes the bushing during rotation of the plate cam when the slide door is in a range of a predetermined open/close position to enable or disable power transmission between the open/close mechanism and the projection/retraction mechanism. The second recess frees the bushing from the pushing during rotation of the plate cam and disables power transmission between the open/close mechanism and the projection/retraction mechanism when the slide door is outside the range of the predetermined open/close position. | 12-17-2009 |
20090322052 | Auxiliary Step and Hand Hold System - An auxiliary step and hand hold system for accessing a vehicle. The system includes at least one auxiliary step, at least one hand hold shaped to assist a climb into the trailer, and at least one pocket shaped to removably receive the at least one hand hold. The auxiliary step may be a rotating-retractable step that rotates between a use position and a stowed position. The hand hold is shaped to assist a climb into the cargo bay and may be inserted into the pockets in a use position and a stowed position. One or more stationary steps can also be used in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The hand holds, pockets and auxiliary steps may be used alone or in combination to assist with access to a vehicle. | 12-31-2009 |
20100025954 | PORTABLE SERVICE ACCESSORY FOR A TRUCK TRACTOR - Tractor engine compartment service accessory, optionally portable, preferably permanently installed in engine compartment, has a mounting for attachment to the tractor frame and attached thereto a catwalk and top step extending laterally, the top step resting on the uppermost tread portion of the tractor tire. One or more steps are suspended beneath the top step. A handrail is optionally secured to the top step and a suspended step. The suspended steps may be retracted and nested beneath the top step. The top step may be folded, slid, or otherwise moved to a position above or beneath the catwalk. The catwalk may be rotated upward. The handrail may be disengaged and detached, or it may be rotated to a compact orientation, as needed. | 02-04-2010 |
20100025955 | FOLDABLE TRUCK STAIRS - A foldable stair assembly for a vehicle which is carried by a trailer hitch receiver in the vehicle and wherein the stairs include independently retractable stair riser extender portions which serve to contact the ground to stabilize the stairs against the ground, and wherein the retractable stair portions can adjust for uneven or sloping ground. A piston or other assistance member aids in raising and lowering the stairs. | 02-04-2010 |
20100044993 | Power Retractable Rocker Board - A running board assembly for a motor vehicle includes an arm adapted to be fixedly coupled to the motor vehicle. A pivot shaft extends through the arm and is rotatable relative thereto. A step is fixedly secured to the pivot shaft and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A motor is operably coupled to the pivot shaft such that actuation of the motor rotates the pivot shaft relative to the arm to move the step between the stowed position and the deployed position. | 02-25-2010 |
20100059962 | RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP - A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, and a second arm. 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. | 03-11-2010 |
20100140897 | EXTENDING AND RETRACTING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE STEP - An extending and retracting device for a vehicle step includes a mounting bracket adapted to be fixed to a body of a vehicle and a step bracket. An arc sliding member is fixed to the step bracket. A driving arm defines a pair of ends thereof pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and step bracket, respectively. A supporting arm defines an upper end portion thereof pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a lower end portion of the supporting arm defining at least one arc slot of the lower end portion. The arc sliding member is adapted to fit into the arc slot so as to be slidable in the arc slot such that the lower end portion of the supporting arm is slidably connected to the step bracket. | 06-10-2010 |
20100164196 | Telescoping Vehicle Step - A telescoping vehicle step comprised of at least two slide beams and a step. The first slide beam is shaped to slide within a receiver, or a similarly shaped structure, mounted to the vehicle. The second slide beam is inserted into the first slide beam. A step is attached to the outermost slide beam. The slide beams and step form a telescoping vehicle step which can be used to facilitate entry into the cargo bed of a vehicle. During use, the beams form a telescopic extension member which positions the step beyond the outer perimeter of the vehicle. When not being used, the beams form a collapsed configuration which holds the step near the opening of the receiver. | 07-01-2010 |
20100164197 | STEP DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - The present invention provides a vehicle step device, capable of enhancing operability of a step having an elevating function to enhance ingress/egress ease into and from the vehicle. The step device includes an opening/closing mechanism that operates in synchronization with opening and closing operations of a slide door, and a step moving mechanism that transmits power of the opening and closing operations of the slide door through the opening/closing mechanism to a movable step, thereby moving the movable step. The step moving mechanism includes a slide lever for moving the movable rails forward and backward, X arms each having first and second arms and provided between each movable rail and the movable step, and a vertically moving lever that moves the first end of the first arm with respect to the movable rails to vertically move the movable step. | 07-01-2010 |
20100164198 | VEHICLE STRUCTURE - A vehicle side panel step structure includes a step, a mounting structure and a sub-side body panel. The mounting structure movably couples the step to the structural support for movement of the step between a retracted step position and an extended step position relative to a structural support of the vehicle. In the extended step position the step is approximately horizontally oriented relative to a main side body panel of the vehicle. A sub-side body panel is coupled to the mounting structure to move between a fascia mating position when the step is in the retracted step position and a non-fascia mating position when the step is in the extended step position. The sub-side body panel includes a contoured edge configured such that in the retracted step position the contoured edge of the sub-side body panel and a contoured edge of the main side body panel at least partially define the wheel well. | 07-01-2010 |
20100171283 | MOVABLE STEP FOR A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE - A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including an operator compartment having at least one entrance and a floorboard. The vehicle further comprises at least one step capable of being positioned across the entrance a spaced distance from the floorboard such that an operator may stand on the step when the step is positioned across the entrance to gain access to an elevated storage location. | 07-08-2010 |
20100181741 | Truck Bed Step and Method - The present disclosure is a truck bed step that has a mounting device secured to an inside wall of a tailgate. The truck bed step further has at least one collapsible step hingedly coupled to the mounting device that hingedly collapses and attaches to the mounting device while not in use. | 07-22-2010 |
20100194070 | RUNNING BOARD SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a plurality of doors on one side of the vehicle, a running board system, an actuator, and a control module. The running board system is configured for enabling access to the vehicle and includes a first running board and a second running board. The first running board is configured for enabling access to the vehicle via a front door on the side of the vehicle and the second running board is configured for enabling access to the vehicle via a rear door on the side of the vehicle. Each of the first running board and the second running board is individually deployable upon opening of the front door or the rear door. | 08-05-2010 |
20100237581 | MOVEABLE SUPPORT PLATFORM - A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. | 09-23-2010 |
20100259027 | Rear Fascia Integrated Step Load Support - The present invention is an integrated step load support for a rear fascia of a vehicle which includes features that are molded in one orientation and folded and fastened in a support orientation. The features are integrated into the existing component configurations of the vehicle, and no additional parts are molded, assembled, or shipped to the customer location. The present invention includes the lower fascia having a molded and support structure which is attached to a main body through the use of living hinge features. The structure is then folded into a support position and locked into place with complimentary folding features molded into the upper fascia. The upper folding structure also incorporates an offset attachment surface without additional tooling action. | 10-14-2010 |
20100264618 | Automated retractable step apparatus - A retractable step construction with a drive means for achieving powered or automatic retraction and deployment in motor vehicles to provide access onto or into the motor vehicle such as an emergency apparatus, for example a fire truck, usable in areas having limited vertical dimensions. This construction includes a housing assembly with guide channels adapted to receive a step assembly movably mounted thereinto controlled by the inclusion of a linkage assembly connected to the drive means and the step for powering deployment and retraction thereof. | 10-21-2010 |
20100301580 | VEHICLE WITH STEP ASSEMBLY - A vehicle includes a vehicle body. The body defines a wheel well and has a body panel that at least partially defines an opening of the wheel well. A wheel is operatively connected to the vehicle body, is selectively rotatable about an axis, and is at least partially disposed within the wheel well. A member has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel forward of the axis. The second end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel rearward of the axis. | 12-02-2010 |
20100320714 | RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP - A retractable step assembly | 12-23-2010 |
20100320715 | Automated Retractable Running Board - A running board assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. The running board assembly includes an actuator housing fixedly mounted to the motor vehicle. An arm is slidable relative to the actuator housing in opposing inboard and outboard directions for movement into and out of the actuator housing. A linear mechanism is disposed within the actuator housing and is spaced apart from the arm. The linear mechanism is also operably connected to the arm to provide linear movement of the arm in the inboard and outboard directions. A step is pivotal relative to the arm and movable in the opposing inboard and outboard directions therewith for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. | 12-23-2010 |
20110115187 | TAILGATE ACCESS STEP - A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a rear portion of a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. | 05-19-2011 |
20110133426 | SLIDING STEP WITH ADDITIONAL FOLDING STEP - Boarding and deboarding apparatus for a vehicle, including a step that can be moved back and forth between a retracted and extended position, which at least in a partially extended position defines a first area that can be stepped upon, lateral guides of the step for attachment to a vehicle, a folding step which is mounted on the step so as to be pivotable between a folded-in and folded-out position and which in a folded-out position defines a second area that can be stepped upon which is parallel to the first area, and blocking means which prevent the folding step from pivoting between the retracted position and an intermediate position of the step, and which release the pivoting of the folding step, at the latest, when the extended position of the step has been reached. | 06-09-2011 |
20110140389 | Access System and Device for Vehicles, and Modes of Employment Thereof - A retractable access device ( | 06-16-2011 |
20110193310 | Folding Step-On For A Vehicle - A horizontally foldable step assembly for vehicles. The foldable step assembly includes an arm for coupling with a hitch receiver and an arm for mounting a pivotally mounted step supporting assembly. The step supporting assembly is capable of rotating horizontally from a “closed” position to an “open” position, and being secured at the position by a locking mechanism. | 08-11-2011 |
20110233889 | Retractable running board/box side step - A running board assembly is provided for a motor vehicle having a passenger cab and a box. The running board assembly includes a housing assembly, a gear assembly disposed within the housing assembly, a running board operably coupled to the gear assembly and movable relative to the housing assembly between a stowed position tucked underneath the motor vehicle, a cab entry position generally outwardly from the motor vehicle to support a user entering or exiting the passenger cab, and a box side step disposed generally outwardly from the motor vehicle and rearward of the cab entry position to provide a user with side access to the box, and a motor operably coupled to the gear assembly for driving the gear assembly in opposing first and second directions to move the running board between the stowed position, the cab entry position, and the box side step position. | 09-29-2011 |
20120018975 | DUAL MOTION DEPLOYABLE VEHICLE ACCESS STEP - A dual motion vehicle access step that can be deployed by initially rotating it around a pivot joint in response to an operator pushing down on the step to overcome a closing torque and then translating the step away from the vehicle in response to a biasing force. Both of the closing torque and biasing force are provided by a single energy storage device. An interlocking latch is configured to selectively structurally lock-out either the rotating motion or translating motion on an alternating basis. | 01-26-2012 |
20120025485 | EXTENDING AND RETRACTING DEVICE AND VEHICLE STEP APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - An extending and retracting device for a vehicle-step apparatus includes a mounting bracket and step bracket. A first arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket. A second arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end. A third arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second arm and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket. A trajectory-control assembly is configured to connect the first arm to the second arm and/or third arm to control a “motion” trajectory of the step bracket. A vehicle-step apparatus includes a step member, the extending and retracting device, and a driving device driving the first arm and/or second arm to move the extending and retracting device between an extended position and a retracted position. | 02-02-2012 |
20120098231 | Independent running board actuation - A drop-down running board assembly includes at least one linkage assembly connected to a vehicle having at least one door, and a sensor having a first part and a second part, one part of the sensor is mounted to a door, the other part of the sensor mounted to the vehicle. A step portion is connected to the linkage assembly. There is also an actuator connected to the linkage assembly such that the actuator moves the linkage assembly and the step portion to a deployed position when the door is opened and the first part of the sensor is moved away from the second part of the sensor, and a retracted position when the door is closed and the first part of the sensor is positioned substantially adjacent the second part of the sensor. | 04-26-2012 |
20120104721 | Step Device for a Vehicle Tailgate - A step device mounts on the tailgate of a truck to pivot downwardly and rearwardly from the open tailgate in a working position for providing easier access to the truck box. The step device includes a base fastened onto the tailgate upon which two rails are slidably mounted between retracted and extended positions. A pair of legs are pivotally coupled to rear ends of the respective rails and are joined by a step member opposite the pivoted ends. The base is fully unobstructed between the rails and the area between the legs is fully unobstructed above the step member to remove any tripping hazards in use. | 05-03-2012 |
20120139206 | RETRACTABLE TRUCK STEP WITH WIRELESS DOOR SENSOR - Improvements using a wireless door sensor in each door to eliminate modifying a vehicle wiring and simplify installation of a retractable step and controller for the step. Up to four magnetic door sensors/transmitter are mounted on the edge of each door jamb. A magnet is mounted in the door jamb in proximity to the transmitter's magnetic sensor when the door is closed. The transmitter operates in a sleep mode until the sensor state changes. Upon door movement the transmitter sends an open status message to a receiver where the message data is stored and the controller determines the correct responses. If a door on either side is open the receiver engages the appropriate step motor and lowers the step. The step remains lowered until the receiver stops receiving messages indicating a door is closed or the transmitter on an open door has timed out ceasing transmissions. | 06-07-2012 |
20120169024 | Deployable Rocker Panel - A vehicle with a deployable rocker panel is provided. The vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a door frame and at least one door panel enclosing the door frame. A rocker panel is mounted adjacent a bottom of the vehicle door frame to provide support to the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. A linear drive assembly is coupled to the rocker panel to move the rocker panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. The linear drive assembly moves the rocker panel substantially along one plane. The linear drive assembly moves the rocker panel to the deployed position when the door panel is opened so that a top surface of the rocker panel is exposed as a step for passenger ingress and egress. | 07-05-2012 |
20120261894 | STEP UNIT - A step unit comprises: a step member which is provided on the vehicle body side so as to be adjacent to a slide door of the vehicle and has a flat plate section on which an occupant's foot is placed; and a drive device which is affixed to the step member and drives the slide door to open and close the slide door. The step member is molded using a resin material and has a accommodation portion which is provided with a bottom formed below the upper surface of the flat plate section. The drive device is affixed while at least a part thereof is accommodated within the accommodation portion. | 10-18-2012 |
20130038035 | RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP - A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. 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 first and second arms can be generally planar linkages. | 02-14-2013 |
20130154230 | Automated retractable step apparatus utilizing over-center locking mechanism - An automatically deployable step apparatus particularly usable with vehicle such as a fire truck having a passenger compartment at substantial distance from the surrounding environmental surface which provides powered movement between a deployed position and a retracted position and can be mounted in a relatively small restricted area in order to avoid interference with a truck cab which tilted to provide engine access, said apparatus utilizing a unique over-center locking mechanism to provide secure locking of the step in the deployed position while maintaining an apparatus having limited overall dimensions. A unique linkage system is provided for facilitating accurately powered automated movement. | 06-20-2013 |
20130187354 | STAIRWAY ASSEMBLY FOR A MACHINE - A stairway having a first section hingedly connected to the platform by a first pin joint. The first section is connected to the platform at a proximal end. The first pin joint allows for a rotation of the first section about a first hinge axis. Further, a second section is hingedly connected to the first section by a second pin joint. The second section is connected at a distal end of the first section. The second pin joint allows for a rotation of the second section about a second hinge axis. An actuator is pivotally connected to the platform by a first joint and to the distal end of the first section by a second joint. | 07-25-2013 |
20130193667 | Access System and Device for Earthmoving Vehicles, and Modes of Employment Thereof - An access system for a vehicle ( | 08-01-2013 |
20130277938 | EMBARKING AND/OR DISEMBARKING EXTENSION HAVING BRAKING MEANS - The invention relates to an embarking/disembarking device ( | 10-24-2013 |
20140001726 | Cam Track Operable Side Step | 01-02-2014 |
20140125031 | INTELLIGENT SIDE STEP APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - An intelligent side step apparatus for a vehicle may include a linear motor having a stator fixed to a vehicle body, with both ends thereof being positioned in a traverse direction of the vehicle, and a mover engaged to the stator and slidable along the stator when a current may be supplied to the stator, a side step that may be rotatably combined with the mover, and a step actuator that may be connected to the mover and engaged to an end of the side step to selectively rotate the side step. | 05-08-2014 |
20140167379 | RETRACTABLE STAIR ASSEMBLY FOR A TRUCK OR TRAILER - A retractable step assembly for a vehicle includes a track assembly mounted on a vehicle frame beneath a workbed, a step assembly, and a pivot assembly that engages the track and step assemblies together. The step assembly moves between a storage position where it is disposed between tracks of the track assembly, and an operational position where it extends outwardly from the tracks, through an aperture in the vehicle's wall panel, and angles downwardly toward the ground. A foldable handrail on the step assembly is selectively movable between a collapsed position and an extended position. The handrail is in the extended position when the step assembly is operational and folds to the collapsed position when the step assembly is stored. First and second supports are provided for the step assembly to rest upon when in either of the storage position and the operational position. | 06-19-2014 |
20140183835 | SIDE-STEP DEVICE - A side-step device that includes a driving unit, a pinion gear, a driving gear unit, and a step. The driving unit is mounted on a vehicle body, and the pinion gear is connected to the driving unit and is configured to rotate. The driving gear unit is composed of an outer gear surrounding a portion of the pinion gear and engaging with the pinion gear and a rack gear extending from one end of the outer gear to the vehicle body. The step connects to the opposite side of the vehicle body to the driving gear unit, folds in a normal state, unfolds out from the vehicle body when the pinion gear and the outer gear are interlocked, and extends out from the vehicle body from the unfolded state when the pinion gear and the rack gear interlock. | 07-03-2014 |
20140203535 | RETRACTABLE CABIN ACCESS SYSTEM FOR MACHINE - A retractable cabin access system for a machine is disclosed. In the current disclosure, the retractable cabin access system includes a linkage member, a stairway, and a lock mechanism. The linkage member couples to the frame. The stairway is pivotally coupled to the linkage member and moves between an engaged position and a storage position. The stairway includes a fork, a platform and a plurality of steps. The lock mechanism is coupled to the platform and operates in a lock position or an unlock position. The lock mechanism includes a handle, a lock pin, and a spring. The lock mechanism is further holds the stairway in place at either the engaged position or the storage position. | 07-24-2014 |
20140239609 | CARGO TRUCK MULTI-STAGE EXTENDABLE PERSONNEL PLATFORM - A personnel platform for installation on a cargo truck comprises a mounting bracket securely fastened to a framing structure of the cargo truck beneath a personnel door, a platform deck mounted to a sliding mechanism securely fastened to the mounting bracket, wherein the platform deck is operable to be slidably configured in a stowed position beneath the cargo truck and a deployed position extending substantially horizontally beyond the cargo truck, and a latching mechanism operable to lock the platform deck in one of the stowed position and the deployed position. | 08-28-2014 |
20140319794 | VEHICLE STEP ASSEMBLY - An impact resistant collapsible step assembly for use with a high profile vehicle is described. The step assembly includes an elongate support member or first step having a first and a second opposing ends, a step platform or second step positioned adjacent to the support member, the step platform having first and second opposing ends, first and second upper retention members secured to the first and second ends of the support member, first lower and second lower retention members secured to the opposing ends of the step platform, and, least one flexible connection member attached to the upper and lower retention members for releasably securing the step platform relative to the support member, wherein the connection member collapses the step platform upon impact with an external object. | 10-30-2014 |
20140327223 | ACCESS STEP FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINE - An agricultural machine includes: a base member; and a step assembly coupled with the base member. The step assembly includes: a support member coupled with the base member and configured for moving relative to the base member between a support member storage position and a support member operating position; and at least one step coupled with the support member and configured for moving relative to the support member between a step storage position and a step operating position, the step assembly being in a step assembly storage position when the support member is in the support member storage position and the at least one step is in the step storage position, the step assembly being in a step assembly operating position when the support member is in the support member operating position and the at least one step is in the step operating position. | 11-06-2014 |
20140333042 | DOOR STEP DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A door step device for a vehicle includes: a step panel; a rack gear part which extends from the a step panel and has a locking groove formed at a side thereof; a pinion gear part which gear-meshed with the rack gear part, and rotates by power from a driving motor; a tilting operation part including a projection pin and a solenoid adjusting a projected amount of the projection pin; and a control unit which controls the driving motor at the time of the operation of the step panel to draw the rack gear part and controls the solenoid to tilt the rack gear part and the step panel to the ground. | 11-13-2014 |
20150042060 | OPERATING APPARATUS AND OPERATING CONTROL METHOD OF SIDE STEP OF VEHICLE - An operating apparatus and operating control method of a side step of a vehicle controls the opening operation of the side step by being operated in conjunction with an operation of a vehicle door and by detecting whether an obstacle is present or not in an opening operation space of a side step of left front, left rear, right front and right rear side steps ( | 02-12-2015 |
20150076785 | HINGED EXTENDABLE CLIMBING AID - An extractable fold-down climbing aid for reaching an operator's cab or for climbing onto the walking deck of an undercarriage of a mobile device, for example a mobile crane, includes a stepladder, a holding mechanism in which the stepladder is held for transportation purposes and out of which the stepladder can be moved for use as a climbing aid, a guide for at least one end of the stepladder, which guide is formed by the holding mechanism or is connected to the holding mechanism. The guide and one end of the stepladder together form a joint in which the stepladder can be pivoted relative to the mobile device, and the stepladder is a telescoping stepladder with at least an inner and an outer slide-out element, and the holding mechanism is connected or can be connected to the mobile device. | 03-19-2015 |
20150097353 | MOTORIZED RETRACTABLE STEP APPARATUS - A motorized retractable step apparatus includes one or more steps that move between a retracted position and a deployed position. The step apparatus includes a drive member that spans the length of the step apparatus and rotates to retract or deploy the steps. The step apparatus uses a direct drive configuration to transfer power from an electric motor to the drive member. The step apparatus can also includes a brake coupled to the electric motor and/or extruded aluminum steps. These features simplify construction of the step apparatus and make it more reliable than conventional motorized steps. | 04-09-2015 |
20150123374 | AUTOMATED RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP - Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface configured to electronically communicate with an existing communication bus of the vehicle, such as through a connection with an existing electronics port of the vehicle. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position. | 05-07-2015 |
20150123375 | RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP - A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold, interior, or roof of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step may provide clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Advantageously, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Finally, the vehicle step may be configured into at least two different arrangements for attachment to a vehicle utilizing the same components. | 05-07-2015 |
20150137473 | RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP - A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. 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 first and second arms can be generally planar linkages. | 05-21-2015 |
20150314733 | STABLE PLATFORM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - A stowable platform for motor vehicles which extends beyond the vehicle when in use but is stowed beneath the vehicle. The platform is pivotably secured to an elongated arm which is in turn pivotably secured to the vehicle and is positively locked in both positions. | 11-05-2015 |
20150321612 | TAILGATE ACCESS STEP - A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a rear portion of a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. | 11-12-2015 |
20150329055 | Retractable entry system - A retractable entry system is provided which is powered to extend and retract along a plurality of spaced-apart rotatable axes, in sequential, reciprocating arcs of motion. With the first axis and in the first of the sequences of motion when retracting, a portion of the step assembly folds onto another portion of the step assembly, the steps being aligned tread to tread. With the second axis and in the second of the sequences of motion in retraction, the folded step assembly rotates from a horizontal to a vertical orientation against and into the supporting vehicle. The completed sequences of motion allow the retracted entry systems to fit between the outer side wall of a vehicle and the vehicle chassis. | 11-19-2015 |
20150329056 | RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP - A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. | 11-19-2015 |
20160023608 | Auxiliary step for vehicles - An auxiliary pullout step for a vehicle having a yieldingly resilient mechanism for urging the step into the extended step position thereof and resisting movement of the step into a retracted position thereof and an indexing mechanism for selectively restraining the step in the retracted position thereof and selectively releasing the step from the restrained position thereof to allow the yieldingly resilient mechanism to move the step into the extended step position/ | 01-28-2016 |
20160023609 | COMBINATION RUNNING BOARD AND SIDESTEP HAVING A LINEAR DRIVE - Running board assembly for a motor vehicle having a passenger cab and a box. The running board assembly includes a linear actuator assembly partly disposed within a housing assembly, a running board operably coupled to the linear actuator assembly and movable relative to the housing assembly between a stowed position tucked underneath the vehicle, a cab entry position generally outwardly from the vehicle to support a user entering or exiting the passenger cab, and a box side step disposed generally outwardly from the vehicle and rearward of the cab entry position to provide a user with side access to the box, and a motor operably coupled to the linear actuator assembly for driving the linear actuator assembly in opposing first and second directions. The linear actuator assembly converts rotary input to linear motion to cause a drive arm having a linkage assembly to move the running board between the positions. | 01-28-2016 |
20160031376 | UNIVERSAL LINKAGE MOUNTING BAR - A modular mounting system for running board assemblies including at least one universal mounting bar and at least one universal mounting arrangement for connecting to a body panel of a motor vehicle. The universal mounting bar includes at least a first plurality of apertures which correlate to mounting apertures in the vehicle body panel, and a second plurality of apertures which correspond to mounting apertures in a second discreet vehicle body panel, and a third plurality of apertures which correspond to mounting apertures in a third discreet vehicle body panel. The universal mounting bar provides a single bar that accommodates various aperture locations for body panels on any number of predetermined vehicles brands/models. Each universal mounting arrangement has at least one fifth plurality of apertures for connecting to each of a fourth plurality of apertures at predetermined locations on the universal mounting bar. | 02-04-2016 |
20160039346 | VEHICLE STEP APPARATUS AND EXTENDING AND RETRACTING DEVICE THEREOF - An extending and retracting device for use with a vehicle step apparatus, including a mounting bracket; a step bracket; a first arm defining a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket; a second arm defining a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end; a third arm defining a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second arm and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket; and a fourth arm defining a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second arm and the first end of the third arm respectively, and a second end pivotally connected to the first arm. | 02-11-2016 |
20160107580 | GRILLE-STEP ASSEMBLY MOUNTABLE TO A VEHICLE - A grille-step assembly mounted on a vehicle includes a vehicle having a vehicle frame and a grille-step assembly secured to the frame. The grille-step assembly includes a grille frame secured to the vehicle frame. The grille frame has opposed grille brackets with at least one bar connecting the opposed grille brackets to one another and a step assembly. The step assembly includes opposed step brackets having a bottom crossbar and a step crossbar that connect the opposed step brackets to one another. The assembly is releasably mounted so that in a closed position both the bottom crossbar and the step crossbar are positioned between the opposed grille brackets, and in an open position one of the bottom crossbar and step crossbar is positioned away from the opposed grille brackets. | 04-21-2016 |
20160152188 | STEP ASSEMBLY FOR A FIRE TRUCK | 06-02-2016 |
20160193964 | MODULAR RAIL AND STEP SYSTEM | 07-07-2016 |
20160193965 | RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP | 07-07-2016 |
20160252911 | AUTOMATED RETRACTABLE VEHICLE STEP | 09-01-2016 |
20220134958 | ANGLE FOLDED EGRESS LADDER - A ladder for an agricultural vehicle may comprises a first frame member and a second frame member. Each frame member may have an upper portion and a lower portion. At least one foot support body may be operably connected to each of the frame members. The upper portion of each frame member may be operably connected to a frame of the agricultural vehicle. The frame of the agricultural vehicle may comprise a fore and an aft. The ladder may comprise a deployed position and an angled stowed position. The angled stowed position may comprise the first frame member and the second frame member being upward and rearward towards the aft of the agricultural vehicle frame. | 05-05-2022 |