Patents by Inventor Norman Wilson Fox, Jr.

Norman Wilson Fox, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5758891
    Abstract: A new spring step for the rear ends of vehicles for facilitating access to the back ends of high vehicles, such as trucks and utility vehicles. The spring step includes a step member having a horizontal upper surface. A pair of semi-rigid members, preferably coil springs, are attached to the step member and extend vertically upward from the upper surface. The ends of the semi-rigid members are removably attached to a channel member which is used to secure the step member and semi-rigid members to a support structure, such as a rear bumper, of the vehicle. The semi-rigid members are stiff enough to permit an individual to stand on the step member without significant deflection of the semi-rigid members, so that the step functions similarly to conventional steps on the rear ends of vehicles. However, if the step encounters an obstacle or obstruction while the vehicle is backing up, the semi-rigid members resiliently flex so that the step member deflects. Thus, little or no damage is done to the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Norman Wilson Fox, Jr.