Wheel Or Axle Attached Patents (Class 280/165)
  • Patent number: 11981289
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body, a vehicle roof rack component and a vehicle ladder. The vehicle body has a roof body part and a side body part. The side body part defines a wheel well of the vehicle. The vehicle roof rack component is installed to the roof body part. The ladder is detachably installed to the vehicle body. The ladder extends from the roof body part and over the side body part to the wheel well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Nissan North a, nc.
    Inventor: Sam Kaddouh
  • Patent number: 10807411
    Abstract: A wheel is provided for a motor vehicle. The wheel includes a hub, a rim and a plurality of spokes that extend between the hub and the rim. At least one of the spokes includes an integral step having a slip resistant surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Paul Perkins, Kenneth James Miller
  • Patent number: 8844676
    Abstract: A ladder-like access device is suited for securing to a tire of a vehicle by way of a strap, rope, chain, cable or similar structure. The device may include extendable legs to adapt its length to a range of wheel and tire sizes. A variety of structures, materials and construction methods are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Kim Carl Filkowski
  • Patent number: 8403348
    Abstract: A vehicle running board includes a treadle body having a bottom formed with an open slot. A guide plate is received in the open slot and positioned under positioning stop plates inside the open slot. Two sets of fixing members are respectively assembled at the lower side of the treadle body, and each fixing member is composed of a first clamping plate with two bolts, a second clamping plate bored with two insert holes, and two nuts, with the first and the second clamping plates clamping the guide plate. At least two connecting bases are respectively provided for assembling the treadle body at one side of a vehicle body, and each connecting base and each fixing member correspond with each other in setting position. Two protective covers are respectively mounted at two ends of the treadle body, and an anti-skid pad is stuck to the topside of the treadle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Hsiang Ting Wang
  • Patent number: 8091907
    Abstract: The Portable Wheel Step is a device that can be temporarily affixed to a pickup truck's tire and wheel to aid individuals in easily accessing items in the bed of the truck or under the hood. This unique product can give users extra height so they can reach certain areas of the truck in a safe, secure manner with less effort. By stepping onto the device, it may move into a slight downward position, locking into place, creating a step. With the apparatus being in a configuration that is one solid piece, there is no assembly required. With the apparatus having a flat compact stature, the product can easily be stored behind the seat area of a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: John R. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20100019468
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method system are disclosed for supporting a user to facilitate accessing components in an elevated engine compartment. An apparatus for supporting a user to facilitate accessing components in an engine compartment has a platform for supporting a user and for resting on a tire. The apparatus also has a downward protrusion extending downward from the platform and having one or more steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: L. Jay Price
  • Patent number: 7641212
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes an axle, a hub and freewheel assembly, two fork end members, two axle pegs, and two locking nuts. Thus, the first ramp of each of the axle pegs is rested on the second ramp of the respective fork end member to prevent each of the axle pegs from being rotatable relative to the respective fork end member, so that the first end of each of the axle pegs is clamped exactly between the respective fork end member and the respective locking nut to prevent each of the axle pegs from being rotatable freely on the axle to ensure the safety of a user who treads the axle pegs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Wu-Hsiung Liao, Mei-Ling Chen
  • Patent number: 7503572
    Abstract: A retractable vehicle step for use in allowing a user to access a vehicle is provided. The retractable vehicle step includes a mounting bracket that can be configured for attachment with a trailer hitch receiver of the vehicle. A pair of arms are provided and are pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. The pair of arms are movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A step is carried by the pair of arms. The step is configured for being stepped on by the user to access the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Brenda K. Park, Richard C. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7455307
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide access to some outside portions of a vehicle that is difficult to reach. The solution provided consist of two steps temporarily attached to a vehicle tire and supported with webbing material and pressure activated hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: John E. Seely, Tommy R. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080084044
    Abstract: A portable step apparatus capable of supporting a predetermined weight and provide access to at least one of a windshield and an engine compartment of a predetermined vehicle includes an elongated step like member. An elongated strap like member is securable to the step like member adjacent a back portion thereof for encircling a portion of a tire disposed on such vehicle and to provide a first portion of support for the step like member. Lastly, there is a mechanism provided which engages the step like member adjacent a front portion thereof and a pre-selected member disposed in such engine compartment for providing a second portion of support for the step like member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Frederick L. Dietelbach
  • Patent number: 7311320
    Abstract: A bracket assembly secures a running board to a rocker panel, which includes a pinch weld depending therefrom. The bracket assembly includes a receiving panel adapted to have the running board fixedly secured thereto. A rocker securing plate extends out from the receiving panel and is secured to the rocker panel. An intermediate securing tab extends outwardly between the receiving panel and the rocker securing plate for securing the bracket assembly to the pinch weld outboard thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher John Kuntze, David Alan Smith, Matthew Philip Brooks
  • Patent number: 7270381
    Abstract: A step assembly for an automotive wheel includes a first member at least partially defining an annular track, a second member connected with respect to the track for movement along the track, and a third member defining a stepping surface. The third member is pivotably connected with respect to the second member for selective movement between a stowed position in which the third member acts as a center wheel cap, and a second position in which the third member presents a horizontal step surface. The third member is movable along the track with the second member to enable a vehicle user to reposition the step surface after wheel rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Kolpasky, Joseph W. Cobble, III, Joseph M. Polewarczyk
  • Patent number: 7168523
    Abstract: A suspended step assembly that is attachable over the tire of a motor vehicle and which can support a mechanic working in the engine compartment. It has a frame that can be broken down into sub-parts for compact storage in a motor vehicle, is easy and fast to assemble and disassemble, is adjustable to differing tire widths, has an upper configuration that securely hooks over the top of the tire, has a strong and simple closed-loop tubular structure that resists parallelogram deforming while under load, has a step that is secured into a fixed position on the frame without fasteners, and has a bottom stirrup under its step. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use by mechanics to more easily and efficiently perform engine work, and use by those needing to clean or otherwise have access to the upper portions of high-profile vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Craig A. Tafoya, Mary E Tafoya, Samuel Barran Tafoya
  • Patent number: 7059449
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that attaches to a tire and supplies a step to enable access to the engine compartment or rooftop of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus is adjustable to better fit with a variety of different sized tires. The apparatus is also adjustable to allow the apparatus to rest at different height locations on the tire. Additionally, the tire step can be folded for easier storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Larin Corporation
    Inventor: Shouyun Zhang
  • Patent number: 6957719
    Abstract: A step apparatus (10) is provided for use on a vehicle tire and includes a first step assembly (12) which includes a first step portion and a pair of first struts extending upward from the first step portion. A second step assembly (18) includes a second step portion and a pair of end bracket members extending downward from the second step assembly. Each of the end bracket members includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion. Hinge members (28) are connected between the first struts and the front bracket portions. A pair of pawl assemblies (30) are connected to the rear bracket portion. When the tire step apparatus is installed on a tire, a person can step up on the first step portion and the second step portion. Each of the first struts includes a stop member for contacting the tire when the apparatus is installed on the tire. Each of the pawl assemblies includes a pawl hinge connected to one of the rear bracket portions. A pawl plate is connected to the pawl hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Steve L. Ehnes
  • Patent number: 6869150
    Abstract: An improved tire step that is capable of mounting to a vehicle wheel's support studs to enable a person to use the step to elevate himself off of the ground to reach a portion of the vehicle. In one form, the tire step comprises a first ring having a plurality of holes positioned in a spaced apart relationship around the ring. A second ring is provided and a plurality of spaced apart bars joins the first ring to the second ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Zygmunt James Ptasinski
  • Patent number: 6767023
    Abstract: A tire-mounted step device for allowing a user to reach into the engine compartment of a vehicle for the servicing thereof. The tire-mounted step device includes a step having a main wall and a perimeter wall depending downwardly along a perimeter of the main wall; and also includes a bracket assembly being adjustably and foldably attached to the step; and further includes a brace assembly being pivotally attached to the step and being adapted to engage an exterior of a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Richard L. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6676223
    Abstract: An automotive wheel incorporating a selectively retractable foot step. The wheel has a wheel opening defined by a wheel opening periphery. Located at the opening is a pedestal having a disk, the periphery of which is rotatably interfaced with the wheel opening periphery. A step is pivotally mounted to the pedestal. The disk has a disk cut-out configured for receiving therein the step. The step is pivotal from a retracted position whereat the step is parallel to the disk and received in the disk cut-out, to a deployed position whereat the step is perpendicular to the disk. A retainer is used to selectively hold the step at the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin G. Kolpasky
  • Patent number: 6533302
    Abstract: A step bar cradle and trim channel member. The member includes a curved main body portion connected to a cradle attachment portion. The two portions are attached by a hinge mechanism, such as a living hinge, in order to allow the member to be used in a wide range of mounting systems. The member is positioned between the step bar member and mounting bracket and used to help stabilize the step bar member and also cover the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Draw-Tite, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Patrick Scruggs, Neal S. Weipert
  • Patent number: 6457558
    Abstract: A step apparatus is provided for use on a vehicle tire and includes a first step assembly which includes a first step portion and a pair of first struts extending upward from the first step portion. A second step assembly includes a second step portion and a pair of end bracket members extending downward from the second step assembly. Each of the end bracket members includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion. Hinge members are connected between the first struts and the front bracket portions. A pair of pawl assemblies are connected to the rear bracket portions. When the tire step apparatus is installed on a tire, a person can step up on the first step portion and the second step portion. Each of the first struts includes a stop member for contacting the tire when the apparatus is installed on the tire. Each of the pawl assemblies includes a pawl hinge connected to one of the rear bracket portions. A pawl plate is connected to the pawl hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Steve L. Ehnes
  • Patent number: 6044928
    Abstract: A stepstool (20) configured for mounting on a vehicular tire (22) includes a support frame configured to rest against an outer surface (38) of the tire (22). The support frame includes a first upright support (24), a second upright support (26), and a third support (28) coupled to each of the first and second upright supports (24, 26). A platform (30) is attached to the support frame. A retaining bar (36) is configured to rest against an inner surface (40) of the tire (22). Chains (32 and 34) link the retaining bar (36) to each of the first and second upright supports (24, 26). The chains (32 and 34) are directed over an upper circumferential surface (83) of the tire and wrap around the upper circumferential surface (83) to hold the platform (30) securely on the tire (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventors: Bruce Law, John E. Toner
  • Patent number: 5456479
    Abstract: A compactable access step for use with vehicles to make it easier for a person to reach into the engine compartment and radiator compartment of the vehicle and including a platform for a user to stand on and support means allowing the vehicle to be suspended from either a vehicle bumper or a vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald S. Conger
  • Patent number: 5161640
    Abstract: A work station for mounting to the side of a vehicle to aid a mechainc in reaching the engine compartment comprising a platform surface, four legs movably attached to the platform so that the height of the platform is adjustable, a brace attached to the platform to space the platform away from the side of the vehicle, and mounting means for attaching the platform to the side of the vehicle so that the platform does not move during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignees: Orville R. Holbrooks, Linda J. Holbrooks
    Inventors: Orville R. Holbrooks, Linda J. Holbrooks
  • Patent number: 5133429
    Abstract: A support platform for vehicles having a hanger frame that fits over and is supported by the upper portion of a vehicle wheel and a supported platform carried by the hanger frame and foldable with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Joseph S. Densley
  • Patent number: 5111909
    Abstract: A portable step for supporting a person while working in the engine compartment of a vehicle, such as a truck. The portable step comprises a generally planar member and two legs on the generally planar member having a wheel attachment assembly at their upper ends for hooking onto either the front wheel or rear wheel of the vehicle thereby to suspend the planar member in a position wherein it is generally horizontal and at an elevation above the ground where a person standing on the planar member has convenient access to the engine compartment of the vehicle. Also disclosed is such a portable step wherein the wheel attachment assembly and the planar member are collapsible to minimize the size of the portable step for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Steve Liu
  • Patent number: 4947961
    Abstract: A portable step apparatus for removable connection to the wheel or bumper of a vehicle to provide a stable platform for a person while working in the engine compartment thereof. The step apparatus comprises a support frame assembly which is securely attached to the exterior surface of the wheel or bumper by an attaching apparatus. A step assembly is adjustably attached to the frame assembly so that the user can adjust the step the desired height. Stabilizing straps may be attached to the bottom of the frame assembly and wrapped around the tire, or passed below the bumper and securely attached to the vehicle to prevent the bottom of the frame assembly from moving sideways or from being pushed away from the vehicle due to the forces generated on the step caused by a person moving around thereon or leaning into the engine compartment of the vehicle. The height of the frame attachment to the vehicle bumper is adjustable as is also the height of the step on the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Frank Dudley
  • Patent number: 4934486
    Abstract: This invention discloses a vehicular step bench apparatus stabilized through coupling accessories provided for detachable connection to various portions of a vehicle to gain a safe access to elevated areas of a vehicle. The coupling accessories are mechanical attachments that effect a restraining relationship with a front and rear bumpers and wheel members of a vehicle to prevent tilting or tipping towards or away from the vehicle. The mechanical attachments include portions of chains, pivotal stop arms and other mechanical attachment structure. The foot support area is further made safe through the use of a foot traction aids in the form of friction pads adhesively attached to the foot support surface. The step bench apparatus is made portable through foldable structure provided beneath the foot support area for easy storage in a carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventors: Michael V. Butler, William J. Butler
  • Patent number: 4610456
    Abstract: A service step for use on a two-wheel drive tractor of the wide front axle type. The step is mounted on the knee portion below the front axle to provide a convenient and safe foothold for the operator when servicing the top front end of an engine housing. This step does not interfere with crop clearance area beneath the axle and does not require any additional width for the knee and tire assembly. This step is made useable by rotation of the front wheels in a direction away from the step. The step is also adapted to be used in conjunction with a handle located on the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Myron P. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4440411
    Abstract: A vehicle hub step is constructed from mesh-like material and is shaped in cylindrical form. The cylindrical form has reinforcing inner and outer end rings and also has a plurality of reinforcing bars secured in spaced apart relationship about the inner periphery thereof. The bars have inwardly extending flanges which have apertures therein for receiving the ends of the studs which support the vehicle wheel. Nuts turned onto the studs secure the hub step in place. The hub step is constructed to be sufficiently structurally sound so as to support a person thereon and is made of rust resistant material to prevent decay thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Inventor: Walter R. Hess