Spring-biased Pivoted Step Or Ladder Patents (Class 182/89)
-
Patent number: 11667242Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATIONInventor: Myung-Kyu Lee
-
Patent number: 11293148Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Monica Repiscak, John E Jorgensen
-
Patent number: 11285880Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Romeo-Rim, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Max Exline
-
Patent number: 10745106Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Brent Scannell, Thomas Mast
-
Patent number: 10589687Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Romeo-Rim, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Max Exline
-
Patent number: 9776571Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Hugo Fortin, Asaad Agis, Ruben Rodriguez
-
Patent number: 9758981Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: 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: 9688205Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: T-MAX (HANGZHOU) INDUSTRIAL CO., LTDInventors: Xinfa Du, Qi Zhang, Yiming Wang
-
Patent number: 9181678Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventor: Daichi Yui
-
Patent number: 8905354Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Paul C. Griffiths, John Scott Harding
-
Publication number: 20130186709Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventor: Ralph Layne White
-
Publication number: 20100193292Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Paul Sumpton, Joi Sumpton, John Evans
-
Publication number: 20090308688Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventor: Eliahu TAYAR
-
Patent number: 5970905Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 7, 1999Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Alfonso Jaramillo, Sr.
-
Patent number: 5927433Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventor: Alfonso Jaramillo, Sr.
-
Patent number: 5538269Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: McDaniel Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Patrick K. McDaniel, Gale E. McDaniel
-
Patent number: 5513866Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Inventor: Daniel R. Sisson
-
Patent number: 5498012Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: McDaniel Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Patrick K. McDaniel, Gale E. McDaniel
-
Patent number: 5375864Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 1993Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: McDaniel Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Gale E. McDaniel
-
Patent number: 5163531Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 1991Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Assignee: Whiting Roll-Up Door Mfg. Corp.Inventor: Lauren C. Whiting
-
Patent number: 5152244Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 1991Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Inventors: Alfonso Jarmillo, Jr., Alfonso Jarmillo, Sr.
-
Patent number: 5007654Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 1989Date of Patent: April 16, 1991Inventor: Charles J. Sauber
-
Patent number: 4926965Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 1989Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Inventor: Mark Fox
-
Patent number: 4708355Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 1986Date of Patent: November 24, 1987Inventor: James Tiede
-
Patent number: 4541661Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 1983Date of Patent: September 17, 1985Assignee: Park Poultry, Inc.Inventor: Theodore L. Hawk
-
Patent number: 4245716Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 1979Date of Patent: January 20, 1981Assignee: Sperry CorporationInventor: James F. Rayfield
-
Patent number: 4093257Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 1977Date of Patent: June 6, 1978Inventor: Larry G. Tarvin
-
Patent number: 4053172Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 1975Date of Patent: October 11, 1977Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.Inventor: Randall D. McClure
-
Patent number: 3986503Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 1975Date of Patent: October 19, 1976Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.Inventor: John Alexander Le Guillon
-
Patent number: 3980319Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 1975Date of Patent: September 14, 1976Assignee: R and L Accessories, Inc.Inventor: Elwood L. Kirkpatrick
-
Patent number: 3976164Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 1975Date of Patent: August 24, 1976Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.Inventor: Calvin L. Miller
-
Patent number: 3951431Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 1974Date of Patent: April 20, 1976Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.Inventor: Delaney C. Hopkins