Retractable step and side bar assembly for raised vehicle

• US 10,077,016 B2
• Filed: 01/16/2017
• Issued: 09/18/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lund Motion Products Inc (Truck Hero, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Lund Motion Products Inc (Truck Hero, Inc.)
• Inventors: Smith, Anthony Nicholas, Bajza, Eric Charles, Bibb, VI, William Franklin
• Primary Examiner(s): Shriver, II, James A
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cassidy, Brian L
• Application Number:
  US15/406,982
• Publication Number:
  US 20170190308A1
• Time in Patent Office: 610 Days
• Field of Search: 280166, 280163
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 19/42 extending primarily along the sides of, or completely encircling, a vehicle ornamental or guard strips B60R13/04
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 19/48 combined with, or convertible into, other devices or objects, e.g. bumpers combined with road brushes, bumpers convertible into beds
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/002 Running boards for vehicle tops B60R3/005; at the sides of the vehicle for carrying loads B60R9/02
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/02 Retractable steps or ladders, e.g. movable under shock B60R3/005 takes precedence

Abstract

A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Claims

1. A vehicle assembly having both a side bar and a movable vehicle step, the assembly comprising:

the movable vehicle step having a stepping platform, the movable vehicle step configured to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle and configured to move between a stored position and a deployed position; and

the side bar configured to be mounted to the frame of the vehicle, the side bar mounted to extend outboard from the frame;

wherein, in the stored position, the stepping platform is at least partially enclosed on at least two sides by the side bar; and

wherein, in the deployed position, the stepping platform is located outboard and downwards with respect to the side bar.

2. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable vehicle step is configured to move upwards and inboard when moving from the deployed position to the stored position.

3. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable vehicle step is self-energizing.

4. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable vehicle step and the side bar are both configured to attach to a bracket configured to attach to the frame of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein in the stored position, the stepping platform is located at least partially between end caps on opposing ends of the side bar.

6. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the side bar extends below the frame of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a gap between the side bar and the frame of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a motor configured to move the movable vehicle step between the deployed position and the stored position.

9. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the stepping platform is at least partially enclosed on at least four sides by the side bar in the stored position.

10. A vehicle for assisting users entering a door of the vehicle, the vehicle comprising:

a vehicle frame;

a movable vehicle step having a stepping platform, the movable vehicle step mounted to the frame and configured to move between a stored position and a deployed position; and

a side bar mounted to the frame and positioned to provide a stepping surface;

wherein, in the stored position, the stepping platform is at least partially enclosed on at least two sides by the side bar; and

wherein, in the deployed position, the stepping platform is located outboard and downwards with respect to the side bar.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the movable vehicle step is configured to move upwards and inboard when moving from the deployed position to the stored position.

12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the movable vehicle step is self-energizing.

13. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the movable vehicle step and the side bar are both attached to a bracket attached to the frame of the vehicle.

14. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein in the stored position, the stepping platform is located at least partially between end caps on opposing ends of the side bar.

15. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the side bar extends below the frame.

16. The vehicle of claim 10, further comprising a gap between the side bar and the frame.

17. The vehicle of claim 10, further comprising a motor configured to move the movable vehicle step between the deployed position and the stored position.

18. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the stepping platform is at least partially enclosed on at least four sides by the side bar in the stored position.

19. A vehicle assembly having both a side bar and a movable vehicle step, the assembly comprising:

the movable vehicle step having a stepping platform, the movable vehicle step configured to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle and configured to move between a stored position and a deployed position; and

the side bar configured to be mounted to the frame of the vehicle to be visually exposed to a user viewing the vehicle from outboard the vehicle;

wherein, in the stored position, the stepping platform is at least partially enclosed on at least two sides by the side bar; and

wherein, in the deployed position, the stepping platform is located outboard and downwards with respect to the side bar.