Spring-biased Pivoted Step Or Ladder Patents (Class 182/89)
  • Patent number: 11667242
    Abstract: An inclined type swing step attached to a truck includes a step bracket mounted on a lower region of a cabin providing a driver's seat, a step for a foothold, and a step swing device composed of a hinge shaft spring and/or a press shaft spring, positioning the step inside a virtual approach angle line formed with respect to a ground from a front side of a wheel through one-side inclination in a state where the step is spaced apart from the step bracket, and generating spring elasticity acting to make the step return to an initial position after downward movement of the step. The inclined type swing step can hold shaking of the step due to driver's stepping, improve vehicle accessibility through prevention of an interference by the step, and absorb an external object impact exceeding an approach angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Myung-Kyu Lee
  • Patent number: 11293148
    Abstract: A step assembly may include a first step support member and a second step support member to be connected to a screed frame, and a step frame movably connected to the first step support member and the second step support member. The step frame may be movably connected to the first step support member by a first pin engaged with the first step support member and a slot of the step frame. The step frame may be movably connected to the second step support member by a second pin engaged with the second step support member and an aperture of the step frame. The step frame may be biased to a position relative the first step support member and the second step support member by a first biasing member and a second biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Monica Repiscak, John E Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 11285880
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a device that can be used as a step on a vehicle. A vehicle step device and system can provide a vehicle step in a use disposition, and can retract and automatically return to the use disposition when impacted. Such a device and system can comprise a bracket that is fixed to a vehicle, such as at the bumper, and a step component that is slidably engaged with the bracket. A biasing component can be coupled between the step component and bracket, to apply a biasing force between the two, thereby keeping the step component in a sue position. Upon impact, the step can retract into the bracket, such as into the bumper, and after impact, the biasing component can return the step to the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Romeo-Rim, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Max Exline
  • Patent number: 10745106
    Abstract: A fairing is provided in one example embodiment and may include an apparatus to receive at least one of a foot traffic load and a hand traffic load, wherein the apparatus can include: a step portion that is to receive at least a portion of the foot traffic load; a handhold portion that is to receive at least a portion of the hand traffic load, wherein the handhold portion extends downward from the step portion; and a support structure, wherein the support structure extends downward from of the step portion. The apparatus can include an outer flange attached to the fairing. At least a portion of the step portion the apparatus can be recessed within the fairing at a distance between one inch and three inches from a top surface of the fairing. The handhold portion can include one or more drain holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Brent Scannell, Thomas Mast
  • Patent number: 10589687
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a device that can be used as a step on a vehicle. A vehicle step device and system can provide a vehicle step in a use disposition, and can retract and automatically return to the use disposition when impacted. Such a device and system can comprise a bracket that is fixed to a vehicle, such as at the bumper, and a step component that is slidably engaged with the bracket. A biasing component can be coupled between the step component and bracket, to apply a biasing force between the two, thereby keeping the step component in a sue position. Upon impact, the step can retract into the bracket, such as into the bumper, and after impact, the biasing component can return the step to the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Romeo-Rim, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Max Exline
  • Patent number: 9776571
    Abstract: A vehicle retractable step assembly includes a support member, a support arm, a step member and a restricting assembly. The support member is configured to attach to a vehicle body structure. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is supported to the support member for pivoting movement with respect to the support member. The step member is attached to the second end of the support arm for pivotal movement relative to the second end of the support arm between a retracted orientation where the step member is located adjacent to the support member and an extended orientation where the step member is spaced apart from the support member. The restricting assembly is releasably attached to the support member and positioned to prevent pivoting movement of the support arm relative to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugo Fortin, Asaad Agis, Ruben Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9758981
    Abstract: A stair system with freedom of movement between landings associated therewith includes a connection system configured to connect stairs to a landing associated with a construction, wherein the connection system structurally supports the stairs for safe egress over the stairs while concurrently supporting movement between the landing and a second landing associated with the construction by the stairs in at least one dimension, and wherein the movement supports inter-story drift between the landing and the second landing and removes some force translation between the landing and the second landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: EMEH, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan I. Charles, Roger W. Barr, Kevin W. Smith, Anthony J. Peachey, Timothy A. Fisher, Harold Dale Mathias, Justin Eugene Moon, Gabriel Patrick Blasi
  • Patent number: 9688205
    Abstract: A vehicle step apparatus for a vehicle and a motor assembly thereof are provided. The vehicle step apparatus includes: a extending and retracting device including a mounting support, a vehicle step support and an arm assembly, the arm assembly being connected between the mounting support and the vehicle step support and configured to drive the vehicle step support to move between an extending position and a retraction position; a vehicle step disposed at the vehicle step support; a motor disposed at the mounting support and including a motor shaft coupled with the arm assembly; and an elastic element configured to take an elastic deformation to store energy when the motor drives the vehicle step support to move towards the extension position, and to release energy to assist the motor in driving the extending and retracting device when the motor drives the vehicle step support towards the retraction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: T-MAX (HANGZHOU) INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Xinfa Du, Qi Zhang, Yiming Wang
  • Patent number: 9181678
    Abstract: A backhoe loader includes cab, a loader, an engine, and a backhoe. The loader includes a pair of loader arms sandwiching the engine from the side, a loader bucket, and a loader bucket cylinder. There is provided a foot mount member attached at the outer side of the loader arm to be horizontal relative to the ground in a state where the bottom of the loader bucket is in contact with the ground. Thus, a backhoe loader of favorable workability in the maintenance service of engine can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Daichi Yui
  • Patent number: 8905354
    Abstract: A step assembly for a vehicle can include a housing and a support member hingedly coupled to the housing with a shaft. A first locking feature can be associated with the housing while a second locking feature can be associated with the support member. A spring can be operably associated with the support member and the housing such that the spring can bias the second locking feature toward the first locking feature. The support member is configured to rotate between a stowed position and a deployed position. Further, the support member is configured as a step support and a hand hold device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Griffiths, John Scott Harding
  • Publication number: 20130186709
    Abstract: The present invention is for a step stool to be used by a child, diminutive person or an adult of average height to gain vertical reach. The retractable step stool/access device is positioned by one's foot between an elevated, retracted position or a lowered, deployed step accessible position. Internal stored energy mechanisms can be employed to ease some of the physical effort required, especially by a child or diminutive person, to complete the deployment/retraction cycle with either of their feet. In the raised, retracted position, the step stool is elevated from contact with the floor and clear of the standing area for general usage and allowing access for cleaning and maintenance of the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Ralph Layne White
  • Publication number: 20100193292
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sink access device which is utilized to facilitate a child or a diminutive person to wash their hands at a lavatory located in a public restroom. The sink access device includes a step support mount having a base and an upwardly extending arm. The step support mount is fixedly attached to a portion of a public restroom. A step is pivotally mounted to the upwardly extending arm of the step support mount. The step has a first position wherein the step is in a vertical position and a second position wherein the step is in a horizontal position providing a platform for a diminutive person to step onto. The step is positioned either at or behind a vertical plane defined by the front profile of a sink when the step is in the first position and the step breaks the plane when in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Sumpton, Joi Sumpton, John Evans
  • Publication number: 20090308688
    Abstract: A foldable step apparatus comprising a foldable parallelepiped frame with a safety locking mechanism, a step, and a tension device, such as a spring, to enable easy folding and unfolding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Eliahu TAYAR
  • Patent number: 5970905
    Abstract: A retractable ladder assembly for a watercraft has a rotatably mounted ladder which is attached to the craft by brackets. The ladder is pivotably mounted to the brackets. There is a plate biased to engage and rotatably retract the ladder from a use position to a storage position is also attached to the bracket. The bias is provided by a torsion spring. In one embodiment, the bracket mounts to the top of a rear platform of a boat and in another embodiment the ladder mounts to the underside of the rear platform of the boat. In both embodiments, the ladder may have a telescoping second ladder which retracts, due to gravity, when the torsion spring rotates the ladder assembly to a sufficient amount above the horizontal. There is also a stopper mechanism for each embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Alfonso Jaramillo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5927433
    Abstract: A retractable step assembly has a U-shaped step, a rotatable joint including a bracket, a first member to fix the bracket to the rear of a boat or personal watercraft, to a fixed step, a pivotable rod, and a second member to fix the U-shaped step to it for rotation with respect to the first member. The joint includes two rings which are fixed to the bracket and a tube disposed within the rings at each end for rotation around the axis of the tube and rings. One of the assemblies is fixed to the tube and another assembly is fixed to the bracket. The bracket has two springs fixed to it and also acting on the tube or the assembly connected to the tube to rotationally bias the tube and assembly with respect to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Alfonso Jaramillo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5538269
    Abstract: An extendible and retractable step assembly for mounting on vehicles. The assembly includes a mount which is fixed to either side of the vehicle. An extendible subassembly includes a step mounted on a movable swing arm in a preferred parallelogram linkage. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined causing the step to be moved downward and outward into an extended position. Cable and motor operators are shown to provide automatic operation when the vehicle door is operated. A safety release is used on the cable operator to allow vehicle door operation even if the step assembly becomes jammed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: McDaniel Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick K. McDaniel, Gale E. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5513866
    Abstract: A retractable step including at least a first and second tube member, a step platform and a retraction device. The first tube member is attached to the vehicle. The step platform is attached to one end of the second tube member. The second tube member, with the step platform, is slidable over the first tube attached to the vehicle. The retraction device provided a method of retracting the step platform from an in use lower position to an upper retracted position. An electric motor may be used to drive the retraction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel R. Sisson
  • Patent number: 5498012
    Abstract: An extendible and retractable step assembly for mounting on vehicles. The assembly includes a mount which is fixed to either side of the vehicle. An extendible subassembly includes a step mounted on a movable swing arm in a preferred parallelogram linkage. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined causing the step to be moved downward and outward into an extended position. Cable and motor operators are shown to provide automatic operation when the vehicle door is operated. A safety release is used on the cable operator to allow vehicle door operation even if the step assembly becomes jammed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: McDaniel Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick K. McDaniel, Gale E. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5375864
    Abstract: A fold-down step arrangement is mountable to a vehicle to provide an intermediate step for the vehicle chassis. The invention includes a step plate that is pivotably mounted by parallelogram swing arms to a bracket secured to the vehicle chassis. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined to enable the step plate to be moved between a down and outward operative position and an up and inward inoperative position. A spring normally urges the step plate and arms attached thereto to the storage position. A connector linkage cable is also provided between the step plate and vehicle door such that the sliding enclosed cable will move in response to opening and closing of the vehicle door. The arrangement is such that opening of the door will cause corresponding motion of the step plate from the elevated storage position to the lowered operative position. Thus, when the door is open, the step plate is in an operative position for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: McDaniel Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Gale E. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5163531
    Abstract: A ladder assembly is adapted to be mounted on a suitable support, such as a truck or trailer. The ladder assembly includes a ladder mounted on the distal end of a shaft. The shaft is slidably received in a cylinder. A pair of spaced abutment stops are provided on the support, and provide a recess to receive a portion of the ladder when the ladder is in its upright position. A spring urges the shaft and ladder to move toward the support along the axis (x--x) of the cylinder. The ladder is adapted to be moved between an upright position, at which a portion of the ladder is received in the recess between the abutment stops, and an out-of-the-way horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Whiting Roll-Up Door Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Lauren C. Whiting
  • Patent number: 5152244
    Abstract: A "U-shaped" rigid stirrup member having a base and two legs extending from the base to the open ends of the "U" is mounted to the transom of a water craft symmetrically about the propulsion jet outlet. The mountings at the craft transom hinge the stirrup to facilitate the positioning of the "U" in a downward direction to act as a stirrup for boarding the craft and upward out of the way of the jet outlet and the water surface. A torsion spring at least at one of the hinge points automatically positions the stirrup upward after the craft is boarded but is easily overcome by hand to position the stirrup downward for boarding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventors: Alfonso Jarmillo, Jr., Alfonso Jarmillo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5007654
    Abstract: A vehicle step assembly for mounting to a truck structure permits forward and rearward swinging upon encountering obstacles and comprises an inverted U-shaped support bracket which can be affixed to a vehicle and a platform assembly which is rotatable about a shiftable axis interconnected with the support bracket. The support bracket also provides rotation guide channels for directing rotation and includes detents to vertically secure against rotation of the step in use or while the vehicle is in motion. The step assembly includes a horizontal cross member which rotates freely within cam shaped apertures in the support assembly and allows the rotational axis of the platform assembly to shift. Vertical support members fixedly mounted to the expanded metal step platform include guide pins which track the support guide channels and direct the platform assembly between its rigid vertical position and forward or rearward rotated positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Charles J. Sauber
  • Patent number: 4926965
    Abstract: A self retracting step apparatus (10) mounted on the underside of a boat step (12) that projects rearwardly from the transom (14) of a boat. The step apparatus includes a mounting bracket (26) to which a support bar (16) is pivotally connected. A stirrup step (20) is secured to the distal end of the support bar, and is pivotal between an extended position and a retracted position. The support bar and stirrup step define a forwardly facing reactive surface (24) against which drag forces act upon movement of the boat. Springs (22) connected from the mounting bracket to the support bar nominally bias the stirrup step to the extended position, but may be overcome by the drag forces to allow the stirrup step to begin pivoting towards the retracted position. Once the stirrup step has begun movement from the extended position, the springs act to compel further pivoting of the stirrup step to a retracted position for stowage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventor: Mark Fox
  • Patent number: 4708355
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable step for high clearance vehicles. The step is pivotally mounted enabling movement from a retracted, or concealed position, that is, one in which the step is stored beneath the sill of the vehicle door and adjacent the vehicle underbody, to an extended, or revealed position in which the step is projected outward and downward to provide access to the vehicle sill. The step has a positive bracing, or latching, means for assuring against undesired shifting of the step while it is in an extended position. The step unit, or assembly, includes a control system providing a means for moving the step unit from one position to the other and an indicating means to inform the vehicle operator of the step position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventor: James Tiede
  • Patent number: 4541661
    Abstract: A combination bumper and step device adapted to be mounted on the rear of a truck. A pair of horizontally spaced channels are pivotally mounted on the rear of the vehicle frame and extend vertically downwardly therefrom. A pair of vertically spaced horizontally extending steps are rigidly mounted on the spaced channels. A shock absorber is attached to and extends between each of the spaced channels and the truck frame. The steps provide a safe and rigid means for an individual to enter and leave the rear of the truck and the shock absorbers and pivotal mounting of the channels enable the device to move inwardly beneath the truck and absorb a certain amount of impact energy without damaging the device. One of the steps engages the vehicle frame when the device is in a retracted position to provide a positive mechanical stop for the device to prevent damage to the shock absorbers and to prevent any vehicle or other object from running underneath the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Park Poultry, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore L. Hawk
  • Patent number: 4245716
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to an access ladder for the elevated operator's platform of a vehicle, the ladder being pivotable in two planes between operative and inoperative positions about two separate axes. Counterbalance means interconnecting the ladder and the platform assist pivotal movement in the first plane. A biased locking mechanism releasably holds the ladder in the operable position relative to the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: James F. Rayfield
  • Patent number: 4093257
    Abstract: A truck ladder assembly for attachment to the underside of a truckbed includes a ladder portion movable between a first operable position providing easy access to the truckbed and a second collapsed position providing an unobstructive storage of the ladder portion. The truck ladder assembly includes a mounting frame and a ladder portion having stabilizer arms and unlatching levers. The mounting frame is attached to the underside of the truckbed with the ladder portion pivotably attached to the mounting frame by a pair of spacing members extending at right angles to the ladder portion. First and second stabilizer arms, which are pivotably attached to the ladder portion, each include a pair of notches that releasably engage the mounting frame. First and second release levers pivotably attached to the ladder portion are provided in close proximity to the stabilizer arms to facilitate the disengagement of the stabilizer arms from the mounting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Inventor: Larry G. Tarvin
  • Patent number: 4053172
    Abstract: A construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided with at least one step assembly to facilitate access to the operator's station thereof. The step assembly comprises a mounting bracket secured to a frame of the vehicle and a support bracket pivotally mounted on the mounting bracket. A spring-loaded and releasable detent is provided between the mounting and support brackets for permitting swinging movements of the support bracket and a first step attached on a lower end thereof, relative to the mounting bracket.The support bracket preferably comprises a first member pivotally mounted on the mounting bracket, a second member pivotally mounted on a lower end of the first member for swinging movements perpendicular to the swinging movements of the first member relative to the mounting bracket. The first step is secured on a lower end of the second member whereas a second step is preferably attached to the second member and disposed vertically thereabove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Randall D. McClure
  • Patent number: 3986503
    Abstract: A step apparatus comprised of a bracket and a step assembly is adapted to be affixed to a machine such as an excavator. The step assembly is mounted in the bracket and pivotable to first and second positions relative to the bracket. A resilient means associated with the step assembly urges the step assembly toward the second position. Locking means are operatively connected with the bracket and the step assembly. The step assembly is urged in a first direction while in its first position relative to the bracket by the resilient means to engage the locking means and secure the step assembly in its first position. The step assembly is movable in a second direction while in its first position to disengage the locking means to allow the step assembly to be urged to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: John Alexander Le Guillon
  • Patent number: 3980319
    Abstract: A supporting body member is arranged to be secured to a vehicle frame and has a downwardly angled flat wall portion on which one end of an arm carrying a step plate is pivotally attached. The axis of the pivot connection for the step arm extends at right angles to the downwardly angled wall portion so that when the arm is swung out to a use position the step plate is in a lowered position and when swung rearwardly to a non-use position the step plate is elevated. The body member has an upwardly directed front flange forming a stop for the step arm, and a detent is located on the flat wall portion behind the step arm to hold the latter in its use position, the arm being arranged, however, such that it can move rearward over the detent in the event that the arm or step plate is struck from the front or in the event that it is desired to retract the step manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Assignee: R and L Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Elwood L. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 3976164
    Abstract: In an earth-moving vehicle, a step assembly having a step member and an attachment device is affixed outwardly of the frame of the vehicle to allow longitudinal displacement of the step member upon contacting an obstruction. The attachment device comprises a plurality of flexible members each having a flexible cable with rigid threaded rods affixed at each end for securing the step member to the vehicle frame or bracket affixed thereto; and an elastomeric tubular member encompassing the flexible cable, the elastomeric member acting as a spacer to spatially remove the step member from the vehicle frame while allowing the step member to deflect longitudinally relative to the vehicle frame upon contacting an obstruction adjacent to the path of the vehicle and to return the step member to its operating position upon clearing the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Calvin L. Miller
  • Patent number: 3951431
    Abstract: A self-storing step assembly comprises an upright U-shaped member having a pair of parallel legs each reciprocally mounted in a tubular housing secured to a vehicle. A compression coil spring is disposed in each of the housings, between a pair of annular guide members, to engage a respective one of the legs to raise the step member to its stored position and to permit a workman to engage the step member with his foot to move it downwardly against the force of the springs to a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Delaney C. Hopkins