Retractable vehicle step
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A retractable vehicle step system comprising:
- a mounting bracket configured to connect to an underbody of a vehicle;
a stepping member comprising a stepping deck;
a first arm rotatably connected at a proximal end to the mounting bracket and rotatably connected at a distal end to the stepping member;
a second arm rotatably connected at a proximal end to the mounting bracket and rotatably connected at a distal end to the stepping member; and
a drive system configured to move the stepping deck between a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position being located outboard of the retracted position,wherein the drive system comprises;
a motor;
a gear system configured to convert a rotational output from the motor into a motion that causes the first arm and the second arm to rotate with respect to the mounting bracket; and
a controller configured to receive one or more control inputs and to cause the motor to turn in an appropriate direction for extension or retraction of the stepping deck;
wherein, in both the retracted position and the extended position, the distal end of the first arm is positioned below the proximal end of the first arm, and the distal end of the second arm is positioned below the proximal end of the second arm, andwherein the first arm and the second arm are configured such that, when the stepping deck is in the extended position and a downward force is applied to the stepping deck, a relative position of the second arm with respect to the first arm is such that the motor is not required to be activated to keep the stepping deck from moving to the retracted position.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A retractable vehicle step system comprising:
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a mounting bracket configured to connect to an underbody of a vehicle; a stepping member comprising a stepping deck; a first arm rotatably connected at a proximal end to the mounting bracket and rotatably connected at a distal end to the stepping member; a second arm rotatably connected at a proximal end to the mounting bracket and rotatably connected at a distal end to the stepping member; and a drive system configured to move the stepping deck between a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position being located outboard of the retracted position, wherein the drive system comprises; a motor; a gear system configured to convert a rotational output from the motor into a motion that causes the first arm and the second arm to rotate with respect to the mounting bracket; and a controller configured to receive one or more control inputs and to cause the motor to turn in an appropriate direction for extension or retraction of the stepping deck; wherein, in both the retracted position and the extended position, the distal end of the first arm is positioned below the proximal end of the first arm, and the distal end of the second arm is positioned below the proximal end of the second arm, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured such that, when the stepping deck is in the extended position and a downward force is applied to the stepping deck, a relative position of the second arm with respect to the first arm is such that the motor is not required to be activated to keep the stepping deck from moving to the retracted position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A vehicle comprising:
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an underbody; a mounting bracket rigidly connected to the underbody; a stepping member comprising a stepping deck; a first arm rotatably connected at a proximal end to the mounting bracket and rotatably connected at a distal end to the stepping member; a second arm rotatably connected at a proximal end to the mounting bracket and rotatably connected at a distal end to the stepping member; and a drive system configured to move the stepping deck between a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position being located outboard of the retracted position, wherein the drive system comprises; a motor; a gear system configured to convert a rotational output from the motor into a motion that causes the first arm and the second arm to rotate with respect to the mounting bracket; and a controller configured to receive one or more control inputs and to cause the motor to turn in an appropriate direction for extension or retraction of the stepping deck; wherein, in both the retracted position and the extended position, the distal end of the first arm is positioned below the proximal end of the first arm, and the distal end of the second arm is positioned below the proximal end of the second arm, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured such that, when the stepping deck is in the extended position and a downward force is applied to the stepping deck, a relative position of the second arm with respect to the first arm is such that the motor is not required to be activated to keep the stepping deck from moving to the retracted position. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification