Shiftable Patents (Class 280/166)
  • Publication number: 20130038035
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: 89908, INC. DBA AMP RESEARCH
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 8366129
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventors: John Salmon, Pasit Banjongpanith, Dennis Loui
  • Patent number: 8360455
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: 89908, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 8342550
    Abstract: An adjustable step arrangement for a vehicle to assist a user to get into and out of the vehicle. The arrangement includes a U-shaped, tube member supported on a guide system. The tube member has two leg portions with a step section extending between them. The leg portions of the tube members have slots in their undersides that slidably receive vertical guide plates attached to the vehicle. The plates have guide channels in them and the leg portions of the tube member are secured to the guide plates by bolts passing through the channels wherein the adjustable step arrangement can be selectively moved either manually or by a powered assembly between its raised and lowered positions. The step arrangement is accessible to the user for assistance getting into and out of the vehicle in both its raised and lowered positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Stickles, Rex W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8342551
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Bradley Eugene Watson
  • Patent number: 8322490
    Abstract: The trailer and flatbed ladder apparatus provides ladder access to a trailer and to a flatbed. The apparatus is highly portable by way of being hinged between the upper and lower sections and due to the tubular construction. The apparatus may therefore be easily and space efficiently stored on and within a truck, bed, or trailer. The apparatus is removably positionable in a plurality of locations around a flatbed and trailer, wherever a stake pocket exists. The stake provides positive non-slip fit to a trailer and flatbed that negates unintentional movement and removal, thereby ensuring safety. Full pivot is provided between the stake and sleeve and the upper section. The apparatus removably fits snugly within the existing stake pockets of a flatbed and trailer due to the stake square outer corners and rounded inner corners that match existing stake pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Neil Loemker
  • Patent number: 8308177
    Abstract: A lift assembly installable on a vehicle. The lift assembly includes a support structure securable to the vehicle, a pair of parallel vertically extending geared tracks and a vertically moveable drive assembly. The drive assembly includes (a) a mounting structure; (b) a selectively reversible motor; (c) a pair of gears; and (d) a moveable first tread. The gears are engaged with the tracks and rotatably supported on the mounting structure. The gears are also drivingly coupled with the motor wherein operation of the motor selectively raises and lowers the mounting structure relative to the support structure. The moveable first tread is secured to the mounting structure and is adapted to support an operator whereby raising and lowering the mounting structure raises and lowers an operator positioned on the first tread. In some embodiments, the lift assembly includes water-resistant foot-operable switches to control the raising and lowering of the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Gary L. Fravel, William C. Hamrick
  • Patent number: 8297635
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Cielito B. Agoncillo, W. Brian McGinty, Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Publication number: 20120261894
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ishida, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Shigeyuki Miyazaki, Shin Sakai, Seiichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8262113
    Abstract: A powered running board for attaching to a vehicle comprising a stepping platform and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly comprises a rotating bar connected to a pivoting support arm, which is attached to the stepping platform. The powered running board can pivot between a down position (e.g., horizontal orientation) and an up position (e.g., vertical orientation), wherein the down position is for providing a step for entry into and out of the vehicle, and the up position is for obstructing the opening of the side doors so as to secure the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: John R. Chafey, Renae D. Chafey
  • Patent number: 8251387
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Theodore Thomas Gansberger
  • Patent number: 8246063
    Abstract: A rapid deployment assembly 10 which may be placed upon a selectively movable assembly 18, such as by way of example and without limitation, a pickup type truck, or other selectively movable assembly and which allows for rapid ingress and egress into and out of the assembly 18 and such ingress and egress is achieved by the selectively deployment of various members 12, 14, 16 which selectively form steps and which may later cooperatively form a tailgate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: AOM Engineering Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Rowland, John Micheli
  • Patent number: 8235432
    Abstract: A supplemental impact protection system for an automotive vehicle includes an external energy management structure having a first position for normal vehicle operation and a second position for deployment during an impact event. A mounting system allows selective positioning of the energy management structure in either the first or second position, as determined by a controller which assesses an impact potential of the vehicle and operates the mounting system to move the energy management structure to the second, or deployed, position in the event that the assessed impact potential satisfies a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Sean Ryan, Rich Ruthinowski, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Publication number: 20120169024
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Verhee, Stefan Lamm
  • Patent number: 8196865
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable step unit (10) for a rotorcraft, the step unit being provided with a bottom step (16) and a stationary support (11) that is secured to the structure of the rotorcraft (2). The step unit (10) comprises a left side beam (14) and a right beam (15) hinged on said stationary support (11), said bottom step (16) being arranged on a left free end (14?) and a right free end (15?) respectively of the left and right side beams (14, 15) via a pivot pin (16?), drive means (18) for said step unit (10) and connected via at least one control means (21, 22) to at least one side beam (14, 15) enable said step unit (10) to be retracted into and extended from a housing (2) formed in the rotorcraft (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Eric André Martin
  • Publication number: 20120139206
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: RICHARD P. MAY
  • Patent number: 8177247
    Abstract: A movable pullout step attachable to a vehicle and which has a spring actuated latching mechanism that selectively allows and restrains positioning of the pullout step in either a retracted position under the vehicle or a step position wherein a tread extends away from the vehicle to allow a person to stand thereon to facilitate the access to desired portions of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffery Carr
  • Patent number: 8171606
    Abstract: A THIXOMOLDING™ process and a die are utilized to fabricate a hinge assembly for moving a step on a motor vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. The hinge assembly includes a rail bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle and including inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. A step bracket includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. The step is fixedly secured to the step bracket. An inner arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the inner arm and are pivotally disposed in the inner bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively. An outer arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the outer arm and are pivotally disposed in the outer bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher John Kuntze, Steve Giles, Daniel V. Beckley, Jason Fulcher, Ben Reginella, Timothy F. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20120104721
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Kerry Genest, Randy Genest
  • Publication number: 20120098231
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Keijo J. Huotari, Kenneth Holbrook
  • Patent number: 8157278
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Buck, Scott L. Woods, William B. Zywicki, Jr., Julian F. Vanbiesbrouck
  • Patent number: 8157277
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: 89908, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 8146935
    Abstract: A device for a high-clearance motor vehicle is provided. Preferably, the device comprises an elongated step; and one or more supports, wherein each of the one or more supports includes: a lift bar; a base; and an actuator; wherein the base holds the actuator and the lift bar is pivotally attached to the base on a distal end and to the step on the opposite end; and wherein, when the device is operated, depending on user selection, the actuator either lowers the lift bar causing the step to be positioned for use or raises the lift bar causing the step to be retracted, and if retracted, the step blocks at least one door of the motor vehicle making it difficult to steal the motor vehicle. Additionally, when the step is retracted, the step impedes “ding” damage from an adjacent motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Adams
  • Patent number: 8136826
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley E. Watson
  • Publication number: 20120025485
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Huizhong Yang, Zhaobo Qing
  • Publication number: 20120018975
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: John Salmon, Pasit Banjongpanith, Dennis Loui
  • Patent number: 8091943
    Abstract: An apparatus for accessing the bed of a pickup truck having a frame, a rear bumper and a tailgate having a distal edge and being hingedly mounted to the frame includes a lower linkage assembly having proximal and distal ends and being pivotally mounted at its proximal end to the rear truck bumper at a first axis; an upper linkage assembly having proximal and distal ends and being pivotally mounted at its proximal end to and proximal the distal edge of the truck tailgate at a second axis, and being pivotally mounted at its distal end to the distal end of the lower linkage assembly at a third axis; a step connected to the lower linkage assembly; and, wherein the distance between the first and second axes is an effective length LB, the distance between the second and third axes is an effective length LT, and the distance between the first and third axes is an effective length LS, and wherein the ratio of LS to LT to LB to is approximately 2.9 to 1.8 to 4.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Robert M. Weber
  • Patent number: 8075008
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a retractable staircase for a recreational vehicle. The retractable staircase has a translational section, which includes at least one-step. The translational section moves between an extended and a retracted position relative to the recreational vehicle. In the extended position, a rotational section, which also includes at least one step, moves between a lowered position with the step below the step of the translational section and an upside down and inverted position above the step of the translational section to provide for movement of the translational section to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Hanser, Vincent D. Buls
  • Patent number: 8070173
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Magna International Inc
    Inventor: Bradley E. Watson
  • Patent number: 8056913
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kuntze, Brad E. Watson, Dan Glovak, John Harding, Randy Bolt
  • Patent number: 8052162
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huizhong Yang, Lingling Yang
  • Patent number: 8047141
    Abstract: A step drive for a movable step, the step drive being arranged below a swinging-sliding door. The step drive includes an opening-out mechanism located in a lower region of a secondary closing edge of the swinging-sliding door. The opening-out mechanism is connected to and actuated by a door drive and the opening-out mechanism interacts with the movable step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Johann Bramauer
  • Patent number: 8042820
    Abstract: A device is added to or built into a subject large vehicle, such as a large motorhome. The device provides for the driver's use either one or two retracting steps to facilitate the driver's entrance into or exit from the subject vehicle. Since these steps retract for travel, they are able to extend far enough beyond the side of the subject vehicle to allow the driver's weight to be directly above each step in stair step fashion rather than vertical ladder fashion. The device makes motorhome driver's side doors safer and more usable for less athletic people and the elderly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas G. Dewees
  • Patent number: 8042821
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huizhong Yang, Lingling Yang
  • Patent number: 8038164
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Glenn E. Stahl, Kevin G. Kolpasky, Joseph M. Polewarczyk, Raymond A. Beaufait
  • Publication number: 20110233889
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Bradley Eugene Watson
  • Patent number: 8011681
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Plavetich
  • Patent number: 8002298
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Peter Casbolt, Vince Ellis, Jim Callan
  • Publication number: 20110193310
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Theodore Thomas Gansberger
  • Publication number: 20110168491
    Abstract: An access apparatus for tailgated vehicles is provide having a slideable bar located within the top platform with rotatable ladder attached to the slide bar. A safety grab bar is provide with a spring loaded locking bar. The entire apparatus is removable by simply removing the four (4) mechanical fasteners and one (1) mounting knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Garlin Cheatham, JR.
  • Patent number: 7976042
    Abstract: A step assembly includes an upper housing adapted to be fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A step is movable relative to the upper housing between a stowed position and a deployed position. A single arm is pivotal with respect to the upper housing and pivotal with respect to the step in order to form a three-bar linkage for moving the step between the stowed and deployed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Bradley E. Watson, Charles J. Chuba, Ben Yang, John Harding, Christopher J. Kuntze, Trevor Thompson
  • Patent number: 7976043
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoya Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 7971891
    Abstract: A boarding and/or access aid for vehicles with passenger carrying service contains a frame with two parallel side parts (4) connected by an end profile (5), contains a step plate (2) supported in the side parts (4) in such a manner that it can be retracted and extended, and contains drive means comprising a drive motor (10) for the step plate (2). According to the invention the drive means contains two drive elements (19) designed as a chain or belt and associated one of the two side parts (4), which drive elements are arranged between guide tracks (9) and outer walls (4c) of the associated side parts (4), have a driving connection to the step plate (2) and are guided over a deflection roller (18) and a drive roller (17) connected to the drive motor (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Werner Kircher
  • Patent number: 7967311
    Abstract: A dual position step assembly that can be mounted into a standard square towing receiver that is previously installed on a pickup truck or similar vehicle is described. The step assembly is mounted to the rear of the vehicle. The step can be pivoted to two positions, either vertical or horizontal. When placed in the vertical position the step assembly automatically seats into a downward self locking position. The weight of the step assembly provides the force necessary to set the step assembly into the self locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: David E. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20110140389
    Abstract: A retractable access device (10) for a vehicle (30) having a longitudinal extent when deployed. The access device (steps, ladder, stairs) can have a multiplicity of treads (eg 10a, 10b, 10c.) interconnected in series by connectors (eg 12a, 13a, 14a . . . ) pivotably mounted with respect to the treads, the connectors permitting the access device to contract and extend longitudinally and the treads to be closed together on retraction. The treads may nest together when retracted (3a-3d) and treads can be formed or fabricated in pairs, such that when retracted, a tread of one pair nests between the treads of another pair, and this can be effected for multiple tread pairs. The access device is particularly suited to grader vehicles with limited and awkward cab access and space for access system deployment, not least due to the grader blade arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Nathan John Ellement
  • Publication number: 20110133426
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: GEBR. BODE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Abbas Rasekhi COOCHESFAHANI
  • Patent number: 7954836
    Abstract: A truckbed access apparatus consisting of a first hollow support component, a second hollow support component affixable over and about the first support component with a step plate affixed thereto, a first holding pin for holding the first support component to a truck reese hitch unit, a second holding pin for holding the second hollow support component to the first one, a vertically inclined support rod affixed through a hole in the step plate to one side thereof and also to the second hollow support component and with a brace component held to the support rod and also to a threaded hook unit in turn hooked into a hole found in a truck reese hitch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: James H. Mann
  • Publication number: 20110115187
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: 89908, INC., DBA AMP RESEARCH
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 7934737
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Okada, Ryoichi Fukumoto, Seiichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7934736
    Abstract: A boarding and/or access aid for vehicles with passenger carrying service has a frame with two parallel side parts and an end profile connecting the latter, a step plate supported in the side parts so that it can be extended and retracted, and a drive for the step plate, supported on the frame, arranged between the two side parts and comprising a drive motor. The drive has a drive element, a chain or a belt, guided over at least one deflection roller, and a drive roller arranged in the area of the end profile, coupled to the drive motor, having a larger diameter than the deflection roller, and arranged in a inner space surrounded by the frame. A pressure roller acting from the outside on an upper belt side of the drive element is associated with the drive roller so that the upper belt strand is arranged between it and the deflection roller parallel to the movement path but underneath the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Werner Kircher